Iberdrola commemorates 125 years of loyalty to its roots and social commitment in Bilbao in the presence of the lehendakari

Iberdrola has commemorated 125 years of its history in Bilbao at an event paying tribute to the people and institutions that have contributed to the company's century-long history. During the event, which was attended by the lehendakari, Imanol Pradales, a commemorative book was presented tracing the past, present and future prospects of Iberdrola in what is called the "era of electricity", as the International Energy Agency describes it.

The book is structured around three main sections. The first reviews the history of Iberdrola from its origins in Bilbao in 1901. The second focuses on the company's profound transformation over the past 25 years, in which, thanks to investments in networks, renewables and energy storage and the drive for international expansion, Iberdrola has become Europe's largest electricity company and one of the two largest in the world by market capitalisation. Finally, the third section looks at the future of the electricity sector and Iberdrola's role in a period characterised by the electrification of the economy.

In his address, Iberdrola's Executive Chairman, Ignacio Galán, stressed that this publication is, above all, a tribute to those who have made Iberdrola's track record of growth and service to society possible. "The Iberdrola of today is the result of a collective effort, a unifying project that has continued to grow without ever losing its Basque roots," said Galán.

The General Representative of Bizkaia, Elixabete Etxanobe, highlighted that "only a society that nurtures its companies, supports them and creates the conditions for them to flourish can aspire to something as extraordinary as having world champions: companies that lead strategic sectors on a global scale and drive a value chain of SMEs, start-ups and talent." "Iberdrola is the best example of this. A company from here, with its history and its vision for the future anchored in this region," she added.

For his part, the lehendakari stressed that "Iberdrola is a product of the first Basque industrialisation. And 125 years later, it is a key player in driving the industrial and technological renaissance of the Basque Country and Europe." "We share a commitment to a national regulatory framework that encourages investment in electricity networks and makes the most of the EU's economic and fiscal tools. The present and future of our industrial employment and activity — and the possibility of new projects coming to the Basque Country — are at stake," concluded Imanol Pradales.

Other authorities at the event included the General Representative of Bizkaia, Elixabete Etxanobe, and the Mayor of Bilbao, Juan Mari Aburto, as well as members of the Board of Directors and Iberdrola's senior management team and representatives of employees, retirees, suppliers, shareholders and other organisations closely linked to Iberdrola's history.

The event featured performances by the Bilbao Choral Society and the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra and was hosted by Anne Igartiburu.

Celebration with society

The commemoration of Iberdrola's 125-year history will also extend to society as a whole in a major event consisting of a music festival featuring nationally and internationally renowned artists open to the public, followed by a light show visible from much of the city.

These events are part of the extensive programme the company is rolling out across Spain to celebrate its 125 years. Under the banner 125 years of light, the programme includes technology and art exhibitions, music festivals, social events and illuminations of landmark buildings and monuments to celebrate with the general public a journey defined by a commitment to people and their contribution to progress through electrification.