Our history
A multinational with a centennial history
The hallmark of the Group is its steady growth and its forward-looking vision to prepare for society's future energy needs.
Iberdrola in the days of the Waltz, by Julio Medem. Video voice transcription [PDF]
Hard work, talent, commitment and enthusiasm are what bring to life the history of Iberdrola, a group that is now firmly established on both sides of the Atlantic. Right now, the company is the second-largest electricity utility in the world by market capitalisation and the biggest in Europe without state ownership, as well as being a global leader in renewable energies. This position has been built on sound values, a process of integration that has successfully brought together different cultures, and the ability to anticipate the energy needs of society with solutions that will protect the environment for generations to come. This is our story.
Experience, recognition and solidity
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Context
- Europe was undergoing a process of change that eventually led to the Second Industrial Revolution.
- Water resources that could be used as energy sources acquired great importance.
- Many cities in the United States saw a boom in companies providing lighting for homes and streets using gas as an energy source. These were the cornerstones of Energy East on the east coast.
- In Spain, Hidroeléctrica Ibérica was set up at a time of maximum energy need, and inspired by the future vision of its founders, who were fully engaged with the society of their time.
Some of the main milestones of the Iberdrola Group
- 1840.- The Hartford City Light Company is set up in the USA (the origin of Iberdrola USA, today Avangrid).
- 1901.- Hidroeléctrica Ibérica is founded in Spain, a company that will later become part of Iberdrola.
- 1907.- The creation of another one of the cornerstones of the company: Hidroeléctrica Española.
- 1918.- The creation of Saltos del Duero, a pioneer in the development of R+D projects.
- 1935.- Inauguration of the Ricobayo Dam, Spain's first large-scale hydroelectric operation.
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A complex historical period (1944-1955)
Context
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The outbreak of the First World War forced the sector to seek new sources of energy and to set up vast distribution networks.
- American electricity companies began to amalgamate as a way of overcoming the uncertainty caused by the changing economic and financial situation. The stock market crash of 1929 nearly drove these fledgling groups to the wall.
- In Spain, the Civil War (1936-39) brought development to an abrupt halt, destroying facilities and seriously interfering with the maintenance of the few electricity-generation units that were left.
- Outbreak of World War II.
- Spain underwent a period of international isolation in the 1940s and had considerable difficulty acquiring technology and materials.
Some of the main milestones of the Iberdrola Group
- 1944.- Foundation of Saltos del Duero Hidroeléctrica Ibérica. Establishment of Iberduero.
- 1945.- Work started on the Saltos del Sil hydroelectric plant
- 1955.- Establishment of the South of Scotland Electricity Board, the first seed of ScottishPower.
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Towards deregulation (1965-1989)
Context
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In the 1960s the boom in nuclear energy marked another step forward for the companies that would eventually comprise the Iberdrola Group.
- The 1970s were marked by the search for new energy sources, mergers, and a huge surge in demand and output.
- During the oil crisis the electricity sector played a key role in the recovery
- The process of privatisation began in the electricity sector, and was the first step on the path towards the definitive deregulation of the business
Some of the main milestones of the Iberdrola Group
- 1971.- Start of operations at the Santa María de Garoña nuclear power plant.
- 1981.- Beginning of commercial operations in the first group at the Almaraz nuclear power plant (Cáceres), the first Spanish second-generation nuclear facility.
- 1989.- Start-up of the La Muela hydroelectric plant (Spain).
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Looking ahead to worldwide energy transformation
Discover our brand
The essence of the Iberdrola brand is people and their well-being.
Torre Iberdrola: our Corporate headquarters
Symbol of our commitment to innovation, sustainability and art.