Energy transition, an Iberdrola commitment 20 years ago
ENERGY TRANSITION
We are investing €150bn between now and 2030 to maintain our leadership in the energy transition
Having been 20 years ahead of the current energy transition, Iberdrola group now plans to invest 150 billion euros in the run-up to 2030 and thus remain at the forefront of the energy revolution faced by the world's major economies. The company is making progress with its unprecedented 75-billion-euro investment plan which will run until 2025 and establish a business model based on more renewable energy, more networks, more storage and more smart solutions for our customers.
Video: Leader in energy transition. Image: Lake Bonney wind farm in South Australia.
Video: A new challenge begins... / Photo: East Anglia ONE (North Sea) Offshore Wind Farm, the biggest wind power facility in Iberdrola's history.
Video: Renewable energy for a better world. Image: The Puertollano plant (Ciudad Real, Spain) will be the largest green hydrogen plant for industrial use in Europe.
Video: Iberdrola connects first generation unit at Tâmega giga battery, in Portugal.
Video: The Olmedilla and Romeral photovoltaic plants, located in the province of Cuenca (Spain), will contribute 100 renewable MW to the grid. Image: The Olmedilla photovoltaic plant.
The fight against climate change is one of the biggest challenges humanity must face in the 21st century and we all need to be involved in the process of moving toward a decarbonised economy, based on renewable energies. The minimum target of 32 % renewable energy by 2030, set by the European Parliament and the Council in the Renewables Directive, is achievable. However, it will only be possible in an economic scenario with high levels of decarbonisation and electrification of the economy, using decarbonised fuels in niches that are difficult to electrify.
revitalisation and
job creation.
of renewable energies.
dependence on oil and gas.
structural reduction in electricity
prices and volatility.
CO2 emissions
and helps to combat
climate change.
for the companies that
introduce it.
digitalisation of the
energy sector.
PIONEERS OF THE ENERGY TRANSITION
Iberdrola is committed to spearheading the energy transition, a mission it embarked upon 20 years ago that has made the group a leader in renewable energies. Set on electrifying the economy, innovation and technological advances and offering better consumer connectivity, the company is implementing its historic 2020-2025 investments plan that involves a significant increase of installed capacity in the main renewable technologies.
In this way, by 2030, Iberdrola will have tripled its installed renewable capacity to 95 gigawatts (GW) and doubled its regulated asset base to €60 billion.
Likewise, the group is continuing to form alliances to continue leading the process to decarbonise the economy and reactivate industry and the economy. In addition to having signed long-term agreements to purchase clean energy (PPA) with large companies such as Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Nike, among Iberdrola's most recent partners in renewable energies are MAPFRE, Total and Shell. It also sealed agreements with BP, Fertiberia, Cummins, Porcelanosa, Diageo and Foresa in green hydrogen and promoted alliances for electrification and electric mobility with Volkswagen, Renault, Irizar and the smart charging solutions company Wallbox.
The pillars that have enabled us to come out ahead in the energy transition are: investment in a cleaner and more reliable electric system, optimisation of our portfolio, maximising efficiency and promoting innovation.
Ignacio Galán, Iberdrola group chairman
After 20 years of anticipating the energy transition, our business model positions us as a key agent in the transformation of the industrial fabric. With our experience, our engagement with society and our financial strength, we are advancing a model for long-term sustainable economic growth capable of meeting the current challenges of society
Electricity is fundamental to the decarbonisation of energy use through renewable energy to create a sustainable and efficient energy framework. Electricity is the energy vector that allows a greater contribution from clean energy sources, whilst at the same time dramatically improving the overall efficiency of the energy system.
This commitment by Iberdrola to a decarbonised future is based as much on its current experience as a world leader in renewable energy as on a profound analysis of current technologies and their possible future evolution, driving innovation and internal research on energy prospects in the different areas in which it operates and collaborating with renowned international institutions such as the International Energy Agency
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Our flagship projects 
ELECTRIFICATION OF TRANSPORT AND CONSTRUCTION
Transport is responsible for a quarter of CO2 emissions at the global level and for the majority of city pollution. A highly effective way to solve both problems, which have a common origin, is to electrify transport through electric vehicles, thereby improving energy use by increasing efficiency.
Iberdrola is committed to transport electrification, having rolled out an ambitious Sustainable Mobility Plan. It has also been the first Spanish business to subscribe to The Climate Group's EV100 initiative, committing it to electrify its entire fleet in Spain and the United Kingdom by 2030.
Another important element is the decarbonisation of energy in buildings through the promotion of self-consumption and the use of heat pumps, for which Iberdrola is also analysing future trends. Iberdrola is working with a number of institutions, such as the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies External link, opens in new window. to analyse all the possible decarbonisation solutions and trends in the electricity sector to keep informed and work on solutions.
DECARBONISATION'S COMMITMENTS AND ALLIANCES
In this progress towards a sustainable future, in line with the Paris Agreement, the group has assumed its own decarbonisation commitments. A strategy of investing in clean energy and grids will make Iberdrola a carbon neutral company by 2030 in Europe and reduce its global CO2 emissions to 50g/kWh by the end of the decade, becoming carbon neutral in 2050.
The company no longer generates electricity with coal or fuel oil, having relocated its workforce while creating new jobs through investments. Thus, the group avoids future risks of dismantling or associated labor while is well positioned to maintain the leadership of its investment cycle in renewables and grids: 90 % of its long-term plan is aligned with the green taxonomy defined by the European Union.
Also, always in line with the objective of creating a decarbonised energy sector, Iberdrola collaborates with various international alliances, with public and private participation, which aim to accelerate the energy transition to facilitate robust and sustainable economic growth, as is the case with the Energy Transitions Commission External link, opens in new window. and the Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change External link, opens in new window. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
In addition, the group's chairman, Ignacio Galán, has signed up to a manifesto External link, opens in new window. — involving more than 150 executives and investors — to urge the leaders of the European Union to support the ambitious goals set out in the European Green Deal and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 % by 2030.
This commitment to reducing emissions and driving the decarbonisation of the economy by promoting clean energy has led S&P Platts to recognise Iberdrola with the Energy Transition award, the only award not subject to nomination and based on an objective independent study.
LEADERS IN RENEWABLE ENERGY
Iberdrola's historic investment plan for the 2020-2025 period will focus primarily on renewable energy, an area that accounts for more than half (51 %) of organic investment: around 34.68 billion euros. These investments will enable the group to reach 60 GW in 2025 after achieving 44 GW installed power in 2022.
This will mean doubling its capacity compared to the beginning of the plan, giving an enormous boost to offshore wind generation, with 4 GW at the end of the period, and photovoltaic solar power, with 16 GW planned for installation by the end of the period. The company will also bolster its leadership in offshore wind and hydroelectric power with 26 GW and 14 GW installed in 2025, respectively.
Offshore wind is one of the group's main growth vectors and the company's strategy in this sector will be boosted by the auction processes planned in the short term in its main markets: Europe (37,000 MW between 2021-2022), the United States and Asia-Pacific (13,800 MW until 2024). The significant expansion of the portfolio comprising this technology, based in new growth platforms with considerable potential, including Japan, Poland, Sweden and Ireland, will allow the group to reach 12,000 MW in operation by 2030.
Iberdrola is in a unique position for implementing its plan, with one of the world's largest renewable portfolios in the industry distributed throughout its traditional areas as well as new growth platforms in countries such as Korea, Taiwan or Australia.
GREEN HYDROGEN, A STRATEGIC VECTOR FOR THE INDUSTRY
In line with European recovery plans, the group plans to install 600 MW of green hydrogen by 2025, which it will increase to 830 MW in 2027. The company is already working alongside Fertiberia to build Europe's largest green hydrogen plant for industrial use, with an investment of 150 million euros.
Specifically, the group already has more than 60 projects in eight countries — Spain, United Kingdom, Italy, Brazil, United States, Mexico and Australia — with a portfolio that will require investments of more than €3 billion by 2030 for the production of 134,000 tonnes per year. At the same time, Iberdrola maintains its leadership position, developing a value chain that supports establishing new electrolyser manufactures and alliances with other industrial groups. In this regard, the company has signed an agreement with the Norwegian company Nel, the largest manufacturer of electrolysers in the world, to develop large-scale electrolysers and promote the creation of a chain of suppliers of this technology in Spain.
Iberdrola has also announced the creation of a new green hydrogen business unit to position itself as the world leader in this technology. And it has submitted 54 projects to the Next Generation EU programme, which would trigger investments of €2.5 billion to reach an annual production of 60,000 tonnes of green H2 per year.
TOWARDS A GREEN TRANSFORMATION
The current moment has resulted in different voices proposing to push the transition to a neutral, sustainable, resilient and inclusive socio-economic model. Iberdrola is fully committed to this Green Recovery, a future towards which it has been working for 20 years.
The 2020-2025 investment plan supports this vision, and the 75 billion euros forecast will have a decisive impact on economic recovery. In keeping with the foundations of the social market economy and the United Nations' Agenda 2030, investments and purchases of goods and services from more than 22,000 suppliers will contribute to sustaining around 500,000 jobs in the world in 2025. The group also expects to recruit around 20,000 people during the same period.
Green recovery measures
An increasing number of governments, organisations and businesses are backing a green recovery in the wake of Covid-19.
European Green Deal
The Green New Deal is a movement that seeks to save the planet for generations to come, based on sustainable growth.
Decarbonising with renewables
To decarbonise the European economy between now and 2050 the keys will be the electrification of transportation and domestic heating, and the generation of electricity from renewable sources.
We are committed to the green transformation
The company is continuing the process to close all its coal-fired power stations and has put forward green transformation plans for the areas in which its two remaining operational plants are located.
Green hydrogen
The decarbonisation of the planet is one of the objectives that all the countries across the world have set themselves in the run up to 2050. Green hydrogen is one of the keys to achieving this.
What are green bonds and what are they for?
This is a type of loan issued by public or private institutions that commits the use of the funds obtained to environmental use.
The circular economy, at the foundation
The group bases its sustainable business model on emissions reduction, efficiency improvements and resource optimisation.
What is a carbon footprint and why is reducing it essential?
The total volume of greenhouse gases produced by the economic and everyday activities undertaken by the human race can be represented as its carbon footprint.
Committed to the SDGs
At Iberdrola, we have built the UN Sustainable Development Goals into our business strategy.
What is the 2030 Agenda?
All the UN member states have adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development - an action plan for the benefit of people and for the planet, encompassing the 17 SDGs.
WORLD LEADER IN SMART GRIDS DEVELOPMENT AND DEPLOYMENT
The energy transition requires significant investments in the modernisation, digitisation and automation of networks to ensure an efficient, safe and reliable transition. New network equipment, software, IT applications and advanced communication systems will all need to be developed. The need for these technology solutions brings about investment in R&D, innovation and knowledge. It also contributes to the creation of an industrial framework which can also be exported, generating even more value.
Iberdrola group has become a world leader in the development and implementation of smart grids by deploying one of the most advanced smart grids in the world in Spain, the United States, Brazil and the United Kingdom. In recent years, the group's distribution companies have installed nearly 15 million smart meters which will increase to 21 million in 2025, and they have installed self-management, supervision and automation capabilities in the grid.
Iberdrola group has become a world leader in the development and implementation of smart grids by deploying one of the most advanced smart grids in the world in Spain, the United States, Brazil and the United Kingdom. In recent years, the group's distribution companies have installed nearly 15 million smart meters which will increase to 21 million in 2025, and they have installed self-management, supervision and automation capabilities in the grid.
Iberdrola has earmarked 40 % of its organic investment for the 2020-2025 (more than 27 billion euros) for grids, which will put the group's portfolio of regulated assets at 47 billion euros in 2025; 1.5 times its value compared to the beginning of the plan. This figure includes investments into transport, which will account for 4 billion. This amount will reach €60bn by 2030. The company has also created a global smart grid innovation hub to continue to lead innovation in electricity distribution networks: the Global Smart Grids Innovation Hub.
Smart meters installed by Iberdrola [PDF] External link, opens in new window.
LARGE-SCALE ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS
The company is a leader in energy storage with a capacity of 4,500 MW installed using pump technology, the most efficient energy storage method currently available, as it does not release any polluting emissions into the atmosphere and performs much better than the best batteries on the market.
Iberdrola currently has five battery storage projects: three in Spain (the most important of which is Caravaca de la Cruz in Murcia — a first for Spain —, with 3 MWh capacity, as well as the one at Iberdrola Campus in Madrid, and SAGER, in Vitoria); one in the United States (Oregon), and one more in Brazil (Noronha).
In addition, the new facility to be opened in Puertollano (Ciudad Real) will also have a battery system with a rated power of 5 MW and a 20 MWh storage capacity.
SMART, DIGITAL AND INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR CUSTOMERS
The gradual electrification of energy uses will enable Iberdrola to add to its customer base. By the end of 2025, the company will have entered into contracts worth 60 million euros with customers around the world. The group will offer smart, innovative solutions to residential customers (energy storage and heat pump, self-consumption and electric mobility) and industrial clients (smart solutions, electrification processes and green hydrogen).
To achieve this, it will spend 9 % of the organic investments set out in its 2020-2025 plan to the customer area, to a total of 6.12 billion euros.
AT THE FOREFRONT OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
In this essential energy transition process, Iberdrola group is spearheading the use of digital technologies and preparing to triumph in a new era in which disruptive tools will be key to all areas. The company, which will raise its investment in R&D to €400 million euros per year in 2025, maximise its use of technology in all business areas where it adds value, by improving processes and asset productivity and becoming a more efficient operator.
ALL THE INFORMATION ABOUT
ENERGY TRANSITION
Global energy transition index
The Energy Transition Index (ETI) is a global ranking planned to enable political decision-makers and companies to plot the way for the called energy transition. This index incorporates macroeconomic, institutional, social, and geopolitical considerations that provide enabling conditions for an effective energy transition.
Can the energy sector thrive on 100 % renewable energy?
To meet a growing global demand for energy and the imperative need to halt climate change, renewables are now established as the best and more economical option for the future of the energy sector. Driven by a firm commitment and as pioneer in renewable energies, Iberdrola group is in an unbeatable position to address the energy transition, descarbonisation and the electrification of the economy.
The company is also working to promote innovation and has launched the a major green hydrogen project in Europe, with the construction of the largest plant to produce green hydrogen for industrial use in Europe from 100 % renewable electricity. The project will help move forward in maturing the technology for green hydrogen production and turn it into a solution for efficient decarbonisation in the medium term, both for the industry that uses it as a raw material and for processes that are difficult to electrify.
In spite of these great efforts, converting the entire world to 100 % renewable energy by 2050 requires political support.
What is the future of renewable energy?
The future of energy is green. The world's population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 and could peak at nearly 11 billion around 2100. That is 2 billion more people in the next 30 years, from the 7.7 billion in 2018. Two thirds of them live in cities and living standards are improving as emerging countries join the global middle class.
This population and economic growth drives an increase by almost 50 % of the world energy consumption between 2018 and 2050, according to the International Energy Outlook 2019 Reference case, issued by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This increase in demand cannot be satisfied by fossil fuels without exceeding planet boundaries. In such a scenario, it is crucial to opt for safer, more plentiful and less environmentally damaging sources of energy. Renewables meet all three requirements and are becoming the most economically competitive option compared with other conventional generation sources.
Will renewable energies replace fossil fuels?
According to the Renewable Capacity Statistics 2020, renewable sources added the most capacity to the overall energy mix in 2019, in fact, 72 % of the new capacity installed during the year was renewable. So, at the end of 2019, renewable capacity grew to 2,537 gigawatts (GW) worldwide, doubling the capacity that existed a decade ago.
As electricity increases its share in the world energy system, renewables are expected to continue increasing their share in the global energy mix. Prior to the Coronavirus crisis, the World Energy Outlook 2019 of the International Energy Agency already anticipated that progressive electrification will be based on renewable energy. By 2040, wind and solar become the top two sources of power generation and by 2050 the power sector is mostly decarbonized. In terms of final energy use, by 2050, low carbon technologies, most of which are renewables, but also nuclear and technologies based on carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), support well over half of global energy demand, from less than 20 % today, a reversal of the stable share of fossil fuels at over 80 % for the past three decades.
How do fossil fuels contribute to global warming?
The main difference between renewable and non-renewable energy sources is that the former can produce energy indefinitely without emitting any gases or pollution because these sources will never run out or renew themselves within a short period, while non-renewable energy reserves are limited because they run out when used or regenerate extremely slowly and they emit greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide or methane) as well as other air pollutants coming out from their combustion processes.
This has meant that the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which help to retain heat so that our planet is habitable, has increased exponentially since the beginning of the last century, when, without human action, nature was responsible for balancing emissions. As the atmospheric concentration of these greenhouse gases increases, mainly due to the growth in the burning of fossil fuels (which represent around two thirds of global CO2 emissions), the amount of infrared radiation accumulated by the earth that contributes to the increase in the greenhouse effect is increased, and therefore the temperature of the entire planet rises, which is linked to other changes in the earth system. This current climatic alteration of anthropogenic origin is what is known as "climate change".
What is the future of electric cars?
Over recent years, technological evolution and cost reduction in renewable power generation technologies as well as batteries for electric mobility, are enabling electric vehicles to become cost competitive with internal combustion engines at very rapid pace, decarbonising the transport sector. As part of its commitment to sustainability and the environment, and as an effective means of combatting climate change, Iberdrola is driving and leading the transition to sustainable mobility and electrification of transport.
Electric vehicles are, therefore, the most effective way to transform transportation, resulting in the reduction in both CO2 emissions and air pollution. It is therefore necessary to implement a European-wide strategy that will facilitate large-scale developments of electric vehicles, promoting zero-emissions transport.
Is renewable energy sustainable in the long term?
There are numerous types of renewable energy with numerous benefits such as:
1. Environmentally friendly as they don't emit greenhouse gases nor air pollution
2. Limitless: we obtain them from inexhaustible or rapidly regenerating natural resources, so they can be used indefinitely and without limit.
3. Safe: they do not entail additional hazards, and they are relatively simple to dismantle, at the end of the facility's useful life.
4. They promote energy independence.
5. They create jobs and boost the local economy: renewable facilities are labour-intensive to build, maintain and operate, which creates jobs and stimulates the national economy. According to IRENA, the contribution of activities linked to the energy transition to employment is higher than those of sectors based on fossil fuels, since renewable energies or energy efficiency generate almost 3 times more employment (direct and indirect) than the oil and coal sectors, (7,49- 7.72 vs. 2.65 jobs/M$). Therefore, these represent far-sighted investment amid the crisis set off by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Related information
- Iberdrola puts its biggest wind farm into operation: East Anglia ONE, in UK waters
- Iberdrola, in conjunction with Fertiberia, starts work on Europe's biggest green hydrogen plant for industrial use
- Ignacio Galán, from Davos, discusses on CNBC the energy transition and the need to act urgently against climate change
- 'Change the change': International Climate Change Conference