Our sector

Iberdrola in the global energy sector

We are a leading energy company with a century-long history, operating in the sectors of grids, renewables and electricity trading. Discover our vision for the energy market.

Iberdrola Group operates in the energy sector, focusing on grids, renewables and electricity trading, as well as related services across Europe (Spain, UK, Portugal, France, Germany, Italy and Greece), the United States, Brazil, Mexico and Australia. The group is also exploring growth opportunities in markets such as Japan, Sweden and Poland.

We are the largest utility company in Europe in terms of market capitalisation and one of the two largest in the world, with a valuation of more than €104 billion(*). We have a 33% share of the deregulated market on the electricity generation business and customers(**).

 

(*)At 30 June 2025.

(**)At 30 September 2024.

Operational context

The response to global challenges such as climate change, geopolitical volatility and the need for greater efficiency is driving an increasing electrification of the economy to achieve a more efficient, sustainable and autonomous energy model. Electricity is increasingly becoming a key vector to  decarbonise sectors such as mobility, buildings and industry. Indeed, according to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) World Energy Outlook 2024 External link, opens in new window.  report, electricity could represent 26% of total energy consumption by 2035, and in more ambitious scenarios, this share could rise to 36% by 2050.

This transformation requires rethinking and strengthening the infrastructures supporting the energy system. Electricity grids, responsible for transporting energy from renewable sources to consumption points, will be essential to respond to more distributed, dynamic and digitalised demand. While it is true that global investment in grid infrastructure grew by 10% in 2023 to USD140 billion, this figure should exceed USD200 billion annually over the next decade to meet demand, according to the IEA’s Building the Future Transmission Grid External link, opens in new window.  report.

To make steady progress, predictable regulatory frameworks and cooperation among all sector actors – producers, distributors, regulators and users – will be necessary to mobilise the required investments and build an electricity grid capable of supporting this transformation  safely, efficiently and reliably.

Iberdrola in the global energy sector

The energy sector is a competitive and continuously evolving environment, marked by the demands of sustainability and the disruptive potential of new technologies. The following list identifies our competitors which, together with Iberdrola Group, occupy leading positions in the global market.

Ignacio Galán

"Any expansion in Iberdrola’s business activity must translate, in addition to quality service for our customers, into the creation of well-being, wealth and employment for millions of people in all locations where we do business."

Ignacio S. Galán

Iberdrola’s Executive Chairman

Iberdrola in the energy market

One of the three fundamental pillars of our activity – alongside Renewables and Grids – centres on supplying energy to our more than 36 million customers worldwide. In addition to providing energy to end users, we offer a number of energy products and services, with intelligent and innovative solutions for both residential and industrial clients. 

Where are our customers in the world?

Our competitors in Spain's energy market

Iberdrola Group has been present in Spain for more than 120 years and is one of the country's leading energy groups, excelling in renewable energies thanks to its diverse business lines and strategic vision for the future. Currently, it is the leading energy supplier in the Spanish market based on the number of contracts.

Iberdrola, leader in smart grids

At Iberdrola, we are a global leader in smart grids and have pioneered the call for investment in modern, flexible networks to facilitate the transition to a decarbonised and renewable system. We currently have €49 billion in network assets (*) and have earmarked 60% of our net investments (amounting to €21.5 billion) to this area by 2026, prioritising more than 80% of our investments in countries with an A rating.

Iberdrola has 1,276,520 kilometres of transmission and distribution lines – overhead, underground and underwater – in Brazil, Spain, the United States and the United Kingdom. These lines are complemented by 4,635 high- to medium-voltage transformer substations and 1,687,750 medium- to low-voltage distribution transformers,* weaving a solid network infrastructure to bring renewable energy from the production centres to the end user and to integrate distributed generation safely and efficiently.
 
* As of 31 December 2024.

Iberdrola in the wind energy sector

At Iberdrola, we recognised the global energy transition early on and made a strong commitment to wind at the start of the 21st century as a source of clean, renewable energy and a business opportunity. Now, more than 20 years later, Iberdrola Group stands as one of the world's leading wind energy producers, with 23,122 MW installed(*). We continue to lead in this sector, first with onshore wind and now with offshore wind as a critical driver of growth.

As such, of the €15.5 billion investment in renewable energies outlined in our Strategic Plan up to 2026, 54% is allocated to offshore wind and 28% to onshore wind.

(*) As at 31 December 2024.

Global energy mega trends

The electrification of the energy market is an unstoppable global trend and a necessary step towards transitioning to a safer and more sustainable energy system. In a context shaped by the current global energy outlook, Iberdrola is in a privileged position to lead and accelerate the electrification required for a sustainable future. Our solid track record, backed by more than 20 years of steady growth in results and dividends, allows us to drive long-term energy development.

This was confirmed by our Executive Chairman Ignacio Galán at the Capital Markets & ESG Day 2024, where he also announced an investment of €41 billion and the hiring of 10,000 people to accelerate this electrification.

Like cross-cutting factors in electrification, other market trends and expectations are beginning to shape the future energy market:

Electrification in all sectors, including difficult-to-decarbonise sectors such as transport and industrial heat.

energía eólica

Investment in renewables, replacing fossil fuels, and increasing demand. 

The need for smart grid infrastructures that efficiently connect clean energy to the system.

New demand enablers: residential and industrial heating and cooling, mobility, green hydrogen and derivatives, as well as digitalisation and data centres.

Essential role of energy storage and dispatchable renewables: supply and demand matching, price modulation and lower emissions.

More about our sector

Benefits of electrification

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we need to replace the electricity used to perform tasks or power systems from fossil fuels with electricity from renewable energy sources.

What is electrification?

Articles from our guest authors