Press releases
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09/10/2023Ignacio Galán: "Combating CO2 emissions is the only way out for the habitability of this planet" Under the title "Let's give our future a future", the newspaper La Vanguardia publishes an opinion article by the Executive Chairman of Iberdrola, Ignacio Galán, after his participation in the Climate Week in New York . The original article is reproduced below: Just a week ago at the United Nations headquarters in New York, I listened to its secretary general, António Guterres, launch a direct dart at the conscience of the world to warn of the indolence with which the climate crisis is being treated. "Humanity has opened the gates of hell," Guterres said bluntly, referring to the growing number of natural disasters linked to global warming. The heads of state and government, civil society representatives and business people invited to Climate Week were also able to hear him say that, despite progress, "we still see many fossil fuel companies, asset owners and other companies that seem to be investing with the same logic as those who, at the beginning of the 20th century, were betting on animal-drawn carts, thinking that this would guarantee them maximum profits". Combating CO2 emissions is the only way out for habitability on this planet. And we have no other way. If we want humanity to have a future, governments and companies must change the pace today, together, with ambition and commitment. The last two years have shown us that this perverse short-term incentive is still there for fossil fuel companies. But we must be aware that the measures we take in the next five years will shape the lives of millions of people throughout this century. Unfortunately, despite the daily cries for help from ecosystems, there is still a considerable gap between words and action. There were 195 signatories to the Paris Agreement, but to date, fewer than 30 have submitted domestic regulations to achieve net zero emissions. And more than a third of the world's largest companies have yet to set emissions reduction targets. We need to shake off the theoretical posturing and get down to work on measures that have practical effect. Awareness-raising is no longer enough. Nor is it enough to make commitments. We must deliver results. The headlines of these summits must be concrete actions with measurable impacts, not just good intentions. Iberdrola's emissions are already 75% lower than those of European electricity companies. Quarter after quarter we report on them with full transparency. And we are not going to stop there. On the occasion of Climate Week, we were one of the first companies in the world to present a Climate Transition Plan to the UN, fully aligned with the recommendations of the United Nations Panel of Experts. But we need other major drivers of the economy to put in place a comprehensive and viable climate transition plan now. It is projected that more than 90% of companies that have already set net zero emissions targets will not reach their targets if they do not at least double the rate of reduction by 2030. It is true that government action is essential to incentivise emissions reductions, but to meet these targets, the bulk of the work must be done by business in all sectors. It is up to us, the companies, to change our investment programmes or our production and consumption patterns. We have shown that we know how to innovate products that not only respond to our customers' current needs, but also anticipate future trends. We are the companies that equip ourselves with the talent and resources necessary to be able to carry out our plans autonomously and quickly. And every day we reach agreements and alliances with other companies, institutions and associations of all kinds. In the energy sector, the way forward is clear: accelerate electrification by investing in renewable generation infrastructure, grids, storage and green hydrogen. By anticipating the development of clean energy, we will avoid worsening the consequences of global warming on our societies, increase our self-sufficiency and security of supply, and create new opportunities for industrialisation and employment. That is why, in recent months, the goal of tripling renewable capacity globally by 2030 and reaching the 2050 targets, twenty years ahead of schedule, has been put forward. And it can be done. Renewables are already the main growth vector for global electricity generation. The technological revolution we have experienced in recent years has meant that, for example, a new wind installation now requires three times less investment than a coal-fired one, as well as avoiding the costs of buying fuel and emission rights. To achieve this goal, the public and private sectors must walk hand in hand and join forces. With a clear energy policy, with defined medium- and long-term objectives and with appropriate regulation. But also with companies determined to make a commitment and, above all, to deliver. Because let us not forget that on the other side of the table are not governments, not even today's society. It is the generations to come and the future of the planet. Let us give our future a future. READ MORE
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06/10/2023Iberdrola and Exiom receive the first shipment of machinery for their solar panel factory Iberdrola and the Asturian business group Exiom continue their steps towards the materialisation of the project announced at the beginning of the year for a solar panel factory in the Asturian municipality of Langreo. This week, the first equipment for the production of photovoltaic modules was unloaded. This is the first batch of specialised machinery that has been received at the facility, consisting mostly of laminating machines, which are necessary for one of the main processes in the manufacture of this type of product. At the same time, on the site, located in the municipality of Langreo, work is continuing on the refurbishment of the factory's infrastructures, adapting the former steel industry facilities to a production line that will have a capacity of 500 MW of photovoltaic panels per year. Exiom-Iberdrola agreement to manufacture panels The project arose following a strategic alliance in February 2023 between Exiom and Iberdrola, through which both companies seek to lead the manufacture of solar panels in Spain. The factory will become the first large photovoltaic module plant in the country and will also be one of the pioneers in Europe. The planned investment amounts to 20 million euros, contributing to the economic reactivation of the mining basins through the creation of 115 direct jobs in the area. The agreement with Exiom responds to Iberdrola's efforts to attract part of the value chain linked to renewable energies to Spain. Specifically, solar energy . The aim is to make Spain a spearhead for leading this emerging sector in Europe. Exiom is also a 100% Spanish-owned manufacturer, with origins in Asturias itself, and one of the only European groups to appear on the prestigious list of Tier 1 manufacturers. The opening of this new factory in Europe responds to the interest of both companies in achieving competitive manufacturing at EU level, focused in a first phase on solar panels with the possibility of extending the collaboration to other components of the photovoltaic value chain. Furthermore, the initiative reinforces the commitment of both companies to industrialisation associated with the energy transition as reflected in the 'Green Deal Industrial Plan', recently presented by the European Commission. PERSEO Iberdrola Ventures, 15 years innovating with start-ups and industrial businesses Iberdrola's commitment to a sustainable energy model is part of its PERSEO programme to promote the development of start-ups and innovative industrial companies working in new areas of electrification and in sectors that are difficult to decarbonise. 40 million, through the Perseo Venture Builder , specifically to launch industrial initiatives that can be developed in the field of energy transition. Since its creation in 2008, PERSEO has invested 175 million euros in businesses that develop innovative technologies, focusing on those that improve the sustainability of the energy sector through further electrification and decarbonisation of the economy. About Exiom Group Exiom Group is a business group dedicated to photovoltaic energy with more than 14 years of experience in the sector. It has a workforce of around 300 employees and operates both in Spain and internationally. Exiom has carried out 650 projects in the last year alone, both at home and abroad, covering photovoltaic developments, distribution and self-consumption, with a total capacity of 1 GW, thus contributing to the development of photovoltaic energy. It currently has two solar panel manufacturing centres in China, thanks to which it has acquired sufficient experience and knowledge of the production processes. In addition, it also has a steel structure factory for photovoltaic parks, located in Langreo. With all this, it has reached a turnover of more than 200 million euros by 2022, making it one of the leading companies in the sector and with a very significant growth projection in a sector as booming as the photovoltaic sector. READ MORE
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05/10/2023Nearly 25 percent of Iberdrola's workforce participates in volunteer activities Nearly 25% of the Iberdrola group's workforce participates annually in the solidarity actions organized by the company within the framework of its Volunteer Program. Since it was launched in 2006, close to 10 million people have benefited from the actions promoted by the company in 24 different countries. In the last year alone, the number of volunteers has increased by more than 30%, reaching 17,000 people, who have invested more than 62,000 hours of work in 750 activities promoted by Iberdrola. In recognition of its international corps of volunteers, the Iberdrola group held an event in Madrid today to award the most outstanding professionals for their involvement in the company's volunteer projects. The awards, presented by the Executive Chairman of the Iberdrola group, Ignacio Galán, went to professionals from Spain, Brazil, Mexico and Greece who have actively participated in environmental volunteer programs, training and integration of vulnerable groups, promoting sustainable development, or promoting the safe and healthy use of electricity, which are representative of the main axes of Iberdrola's Volunteer Program. In his speech, Galán thanked all the volunteers for their solidarity and commitment and advocated that in companies "social aspects should weigh as much as economic ones". The Chairman of Iberdrola also reminded everyone of their responsibility "to leave a better world than the one we inherited". "Let us not go through life destroying, but building a better world, which includes aspects such as the fight against climate change, more equal opportunities and social justice as the basis of our relations", he said. At this event, Iberdrola's CEO was accompanied by some of the presidents and representatives of the social organizations with which Iberdrola collaborates for the development of its Volunteer Program, such as the Spanish Association Against Cancer, the Envera Association, the Tomillo Foundation, the ECODES Foundation and the Prodis Foundation. Also, as part of this event, the Food Bank wanted to recognize Iberdrola's solidarity work by giving the company's name to one of the corridors of the warehouse at its headquarters in Madrid. President Galán received the "Calle Iberdrola" plaque from the president of the Madrid Food Bank Foundation, Francisco García, who emphasized that "the collaboration of a company of Iberdrola's size is an extremely important support for us in meeting the needs we are trying to cover, which are very extensive". Pioneering, diverse and global volunteering This first edition of the Iberdrola group's international volunteer awards is part of the International Volunteer Week, which it organizes simultaneously every year in the main countries where it operates. Under the slogan 'Together we build the world we want', the company will carry out up to 130 solidarity activities for which more than 8,000 volunteers have already registered. With its International Volunteer Program, the Iberdrola group aims to motivate its professionals to participate in social projects aimed primarily at vulnerable groups, improving the environment and sustainable development. Iberdrola's volunteer program has been the only Spanish company to be recognized as a pioneering practice by the United Nations in its Transforming Lives and Communities report, published in September 2021. This program has already been awarded by IMPACT2030 with the 2018 Innovation Award in recognition of its innovative approaches to advancing the SDGs through its human capital. READ MORE
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04/10/2023Iberdrola to supply power to global braking giant TMD through its Windanker offshore wind farm Iberdrola and the world's largest manufacturer of brake materials, TMD Friction Services , have signed a contract for the long-term supply of clean electricity (PPA) for 15 years. With this agreement, the utility will supply around 50 GWh per year of green electricity, which will cover more than 50% of TMD's total demand in Germany from 2027. The electricity will come from the Windanker offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea, which is currently in the planning stage. Windanker will consist of 21 offshore wind turbines of 15 MW each and is scheduled to be connected to the grid in 2026 with a total capacity of 300 MWIt is the third offshore wind farm of the company chaired by Ignacio Galán in the German Baltic Sea, followed by Wikinger and Baltic Eagle . Wikinger was connected to the grid in 2017, and Baltic Eagle is the second offshore wind project currently under construction off the island of Rügen. Together, these three offshore wind farms form Iberdrola's so-called Baltic Hub, which will have a total capacity of more than 1.1 GW by 2026. Investments totalling around €3.7 billion are planned for the Baltic Hub. Iberdrola is the largest operator of offshore wind farms in the German Baltic Sea. With its offshore and onshore business divisions, it is actively involved in the planning, construction and operation of offshore and onshore wind farms as well as photovoltaic projects . The company offers its industrial and commercial customers tailor-made solutions for the supply of green energy, from classic electricity supply including portfolio management services, to long-term PPA contracts linked to Iberdrola's own renewable energy facilities, to photovoltaic solutions for self-consumption. Iberdrola also offers integrated cross-cutting solutions, such as battery storage or the production of green hydrogen for industrial use. READ MORE
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03/10/2023Ignacio Galán: "Time is running out, we must act now" The executive chairman of Iberdrola, Ignacio Galán, says that not everything that should be done to achieve zero emissions is being done. In the interview he indicates that progress is currently being made, but some important players are still asking for time for something that should be done immediately. If you want to see the full interview with Ignacio Galán on CNBC, you can find it here . READ MORE
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03/10/2023Ignacio Galán defends the double value of the company: for society and for the shareholders The Executive Chairman of Iberdrola, Ignacio Galán, took central stage at the GSG Global Impact Summit, where he defended the dual value of the company for society and for shareholders before more than 500 professionals. The event, held at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga, is one of the main business impact events where professionals and leaders from the world of finance, business, politics and civil society meet. "The concept of social dividend has been included in our bylaws since 2017 and obliges us as much as the financial dividend," he assured, highlighting the importance for Iberdrola of the positive impact of the company on society. All this, he said, "has been compatible with a return of 800% for shareholders since 2001" which has led the company to be recognized by the most prestigious international institutions and has even been subject of studies such as at the Harvard University Business School. This year's GSG Global Impact Summit had three central ideas: mobilising capital for people and planet; achieving full transparency in measuring impact; and creating impact economies. The Global Steering Group for Impact Investment (GSG) is an independent global organization that catalyses impact investing and entrepreneurship for the benefit of people and planet. The GSG was established in August 2015 as part of the G8. The organization is chaired by Sir Ronald Cohen and currently has 35 countries plus the European Union. It also participated in the organization of the SpainNAB event, the Impact Investment Advisory Board. This is an association made up of 28 individuals and organizations that are leaders in impact investment in the financial, business and social spheres. This body represents Spain at the GSG. The event was attended by more than 1,000 professionals. Iberdrola makes an annual tax contribution of more than €7.5 billion and is the private electricity company that invests the most in R&D worldwide, almost €400 million a year, according to the European Commission. In addition, it has accredited CO2 emissions of 60 grams per kWh, 75% less than its competitors, and its workforce includes people of up to 90 nationalities. READ MORE
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03/10/2023Iberdrola uses electric trucks for network maintenance work in Brazil Iberdrola, through its Brazilian subsidiary Neoenergia , uses electric trucks to carry out maintenance and construction work on electricity grids in the country. In just over a year, the company's fleet of electric trucks has travelled 29,000 kilometres in the cities of Limeira, Mairiporã, and in the interior of São Paulo. The initiative, which reinforces Iberdrola's commitment to sustainable mobility , is a Research, Development and Innovation project that forms part of the investment strategy to develop electric mobility in Brazil in different areas. Among the initiatives developed, the implementation of a control system through telemetry, a technology that allows the remote measurement of physical magnitudes and the subsequent sending of information, stands out. By monitoring battery information automatically and in real time, it is possible to calculate the need for recharging and the points available along the route planned for the lorry. The vehicles have been developed based on the BYD T7 truck, implementing their own characteristics in accordance with the needs of the project. Thus, the trucks have been fitted with electro-hydraulic overhead baskets and the opportunity recharging system in the distribution network itself. The charger, installed in the body of the truck, can be connected to predetermined points of the distributor's electrical network. The project also includes the promotion of electric mobility in Brazil in various areas, such as the development of charging infrastructure in the country. The company is building the Green Corridor , a road of more than 1,200 kilometres between the states of Bahia and Rio Grande in which 17 charging points have been installed, 12 of which are fast charging points. "In Brazil, Neoenergia is committed to an Electric Mobility Programme that includes projects to expand the electric vehicle charging infrastructure and develop new solutions. With our electric truck, we have not only contributed to the creation of a new national product, but we have also innovated in the management of charging and achieved a safe and efficient charging system on the network itself," says Renato Morais, Corporate Fleet Manager at Neoenergia. Decarbonisation of the economy Iberdrola is committed to the electrification of transport as part of its transition strategy towards a decarbonised economy. In its drive for sustainable mobility, the company and the Business Association for the Development and Promotion of Electric Mobility (AEDIVE) created in July the first alliance for the electrification of heavy road transport in Spain. This is the first initiative that brings together all sectors involved in the electrification of heavy road transport: manufacturers, charging infrastructure, logistics operators and end customers. It aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of heavy road transport and combat climate change. At the same time, it aims to improve fuel efficiency, limit high fuel consumption, and reduce the cost for logistics operators and the country. READ MORE
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30/09/2023GIC and Iberdrola close strategic alliance to develop transmission networks in Brazil for 456 million euros Iberdrola and GIC, Singapore's sovereign fund, and one of the world's main institutional investors, have closed a strategic agreement to develop transmission networks in Brazil for 2.4 billion Brazilian reals (456 million euros). The agreement, which was first announced in April, now has the approval of both the National Electrical Energy Agency (ANEEL) and the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE). Both companies will co-invest in the operational transmission assets (Jalapão, Santa Luzia, Dourados, Atibaia, Biguaçu, Sobral, Narandiba and Río Formoso), covering a total of 1,865 km of power lines, with an average concession term of 25 years. Iberdrola, through its subsidiary in Brazil, Neoenergia, will have a 50% stake in the company, valued at 1,200 million Brazilian reais (228 million euros). In addition, Iberdrola and GIC have signed a framework agreement to jointly participate in future tenders for new electricity transmission assets in Brazil. With the closure of the agreement, Neoenergia will stop accounting for the debt consolidation of the operational assets, as outlined in the scope of the transaction. GIC is a leading global investment firm established in 1981 to secure Singapore's financial future. As manager of Singapore's foreign exchange reserves, GIC takes a disciplined, long-term investment approach and is committed to investing in critical solutions to accelerate the energy transition. This transaction is part of Iberdrola’s non-essential asset rotation program, which has already been 100% fulfilled, to support Iberdrola's record investment plan of 47 billion euros. READ MORE
