Innovation in renewables

Clean energy innovation

 Wind energy

More than two decades ago, we pioneered onshore wind power and continue to drive its evolution with an innovative vision focused on operational excellence. The incorporation of higher-capacity turbines significantly reduces their number, resulting in lower investment, operational and maintenance costs, as well as a smaller environmental impact. These turbines feature large rotors and blades – which have grown from around 45 metres in diameter in 2000 to over 140 metres today – made from stronger, lighter materials, along with aerodynamic improvements, new tower designs and advances in foundations.

In existing assets, we apply deep learning techniques to improve production forecasts under extreme and seasonal events, as well as to enhance pre-construction energy assessments through more accurate operational data analysis. We also use generative AI to accelerate incident resolution by our technicians via optimised searches in technical documentation. From an operation and maintenance perspective, we pursue repowering of older wind farms with modern, more efficient turbines. In Spain, notable repowering projects include the Isabela (48 MW) and Molar del Molinar (49.5 MW) parks, which will significantly reduce the number of installed turbines while increasing total production capacity. For plant maintenance, we use drones to carry out remote inspections of turbines with high-resolution imaging.

Another area of focus is foundation materials. An example is the GATZA Wind Farm (Greece), selected as a pilot project to implement soft-spot foundations incorporating polystyrene in the core of the structure to reduce density and cost without compromising load capacity. This solution is monitored using specialised sensors, load cells and thermometers to validate performance.

We also work on extending turbine lifespan using digital modelling with artificial intelligence, predictive maintenance and sensors to monitor structural stress, including foundation analysis. The RENOTWIN project stands out, incorporating BIM (Building Information Modelling) and digital twins to comprehensively manage the lifecycle of renewable assets, integrating big data and AI tools to adjust parameters in real time, including carbon footprint.

Additionally, to reduce operational risks and improve training, we implement pioneering virtual reality solutions that provide immersive tours inside turbines, offering a safe, efficient learning experience without the need for physical travel.

Finally, we actively explore the potential of quantum computing to solve complex energy problems. We have applied quantum and quantum-inspired algorithms to optimise turbine layouts, reducing wake losses and improving energy efficiency.

 Offshore wind energy

We combine the construction of large commercial wind farms with innovation projects that optimise the entire asset lifecycle. In 2024, we commissioned the Saint-Brieuc wind farm, equipped with direct drive turbines and 82-metre blades, increasing annual production by 20%. We are also progressing with Vineyard Wind, the first commercial-scale offshore wind farm in the US, which will supply clean energy to over 400,000 households.

From our innovation centre in Qatar, we develop AI-based tools to evaluate park performance, identify losses and improve fault diagnostics through Grey-Box models and predictive analytics, facilitating decision-making with interactive visualisations. We also anticipate possible failures by applying predictive maintenance with machine learning, reducing unplanned turbine downtime.

We participate in projects such as WINDTWIN, which promotes the use of digital twins to simulate turbine and entire farm behaviour, optimise control strategies and implement predictive maintenance, reducing costs and increasing availability. In parallel, the MEGAWIND project focuses on innovations in bolted joints and welding processes for metallic structures, critical to supporting large turbines, improving reliability and reducing uncertainties in foundation design.

In the United Kingdom, we collaborate with Carbon Trust in consortia addressing the three technical pillars for scaling floating wind: floating structures, dynamic cables and anchoring systems, as well as optimising operations and maintenance. Another strategic line is reducing foundation costs through new monopile designs and transition pieces.

In operation and maintenance, we rely on autonomous equipment for aerial and underwater inspections, reducing risks, costs and emissions, and eliminating the need for large vessels.

 Photovoltaic energy 

In solar photovoltaic energy, innovation focuses on increasing the competitiveness of the technology and optimising the use of solar resources.

In Spain, we have developed digital tools to analyse plant performance, including advanced radiation modelling, and implemented intelligent cleaning systems with robots and sensors. The ECOSIF project stands out for analysing corrosion in structures to extend asset life. Antecursor II inspects and manages vegetation under solar panels with thermal cameras to detect overheating and integrated blades to cut vegetation.

We also promote solutions such as floating photovoltaics, which reduce evaporation and avoid using agricultural land, and agrivoltaics, which combine solar generation with agricultural activities. Examples include the first smart photovoltaic plant in the Basque Country, which integrates AI and storage to optimise apple cultivation, and the project in Italy with the University of Campania, researching sustainable configurations for different crops.

In Brazil, we explore solar microgrids for rural electrification, such as the one inaugurated in Xique-Xique, and developed the Godel Conecta system to integrate distributed generation into networks.

In the United States, we test reflective materials under bifacial panels in Montague, improving efficiency and reducing vegetation management. Additionally, in 2025 we commissioned Powell Creek (202 MWdc), which will supply 30,000 households and strengthen energy capacity for data centres, manufacturing and electrification.

In Australia, we use drones for aerial and thermal inspections, optimising operation and maintenance, reducing risks and generating high-precision images to plan new installations.

From our innovation centre in Qatar, we have created an advanced digital tool combining statistics and AI to analyse large volumes of data, detect inefficiencies and diagnose faults in solar trackers, reducing analysis times and improving operational efficiency.

 Battery storage

In addition to pumped hydro storage, we are driving the development of battery projects that enhance the management capacity of the electricity system, both through stand-alone installations directly connected to the grid and through hybrid solutions that combine multiple energy technologies with storage systems.

In Spain, we are developing hybridisations that combine solar and wind with storage, optimising connection points. Six projects stand out with photovoltaic plants (Revilla-Vallejera, Almaraz, Almaraz II, Andévalo, Romeral and Olmedilla), which will incorporate more than 25 MW and around 60 MWh. At the same time, we are advancing in stand-alone projects for balancing and stability services, in collaboration with CIIAE, conducting load tests, degradation studies and lifecycle analysis. We are also working on grid integration with technologies such as virtual synchronous machines (VSM) and grid-forming converters (GFC), and on new solutions such as the ATENA+ project, which develops sodium batteries for long-duration storage. These initiatives strengthen system resilience, reduce emissions and facilitate the large-scale integration of renewables.

In the United States, we collaborate with Tyba on an advanced modelling platform that evaluates projects through nodal price simulations, arbitrage and regional opportunities, improving strategic decision-making and maximising profitability. In Mexico, we have developed a tool to size battery systems and mitigate renewable variability. From Qatar, we developed the Storage Valuation Tool, which optimises sizing and real-time operation, integrating technical and economic simulations to ensure efficiency and sustainability.

In Brazil, the Xique-Xique microgrid includes lithium-ion battery storage (928 kWp) to ensure continuous supply, and in Fernando de Noronha we installed solar systems with batteries for electric mobility, reducing fossil fuel use. In Australia, we inaugurated Smithfield BESS (65 MW/130 MWh), capable of supplying 20,000 homes, with 36 battery units, inverters, transformers and improvements in SCADA and grid connection, consolidating the transition to a more flexible and decarbonised electricity system.

 Pumped hydro power

In energy storage, which is key to integrating renewables and ensuring system stability, pumped hydro remains the only viable large-scale technology. Iberdrola leads this field with 4,400 MW installed, offering the most efficient, emission-free solution with performance superior to electrochemical batteries. Beyond its reliability, it provides environmental benefits by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and economic benefits by optimising the use of every renewable megawatt generated.

In Spain, we are advancing with projects such as CONSO II, which will incorporate six reversible 300 MW units, reaching 1,800 MW and 58 GWh of storage, and José María de Oriol II, with 440 MW and 15.2 GWh between Cedillo and Alcántara II. Although mature, the technology continues to evolve with innovations that reinforce its competitiveness. Notable examples include HYDROSES, which applies digital twins for predictive maintenance, and AVANHID, which develops operational models that increase flexibility and integration with renewables.

These solutions are applied in plants such as Valparaíso, Alcántara and Torrejón-Valdecañas, where variable-speed turbines and hybrid systems combining pumping with batteries have been installed, increasing operational flexibility and responsiveness to peak demand.

Additionally, we work on optimising the use of ecological flows to operate below technical minimums, reducing environmental impact and improving sustainability. In this line, the European SHERPA project aims to expand the operational range of plants to include reduced flows without compromising technical feasibility or sustainability, maximising the value of this essential technology for the energy transition and consolidating the role of storage as a strategic pillar of the electricity system of the future.