News
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28/07/2023
Iberdrola finalises the purchase of two Greenvolt Power onshore wind farms
in Poland
Iberdrola has moved forward with its international expansion by completing
the purchase of two onshore wind farms in Poland, owned by Greenvolt Power,
a subsidiary of Greenvolt Group. The projects are anticipated to come into
operation in the second half of the year, with a combined capacity
50-megawatts (MW), producing enough electricity to power 50,000 homes in
Poland per year.
The projects have been purchased from the Polish company Augusta Energy,
owned 50% by Greenvolt Group and 50% by K-Gal. T-Mobile has already agreed
a 15-year contract, indexed to inflation, to purchase the clean energy
produced by the wind farms.
Poland, a growth market
Poland, A-rated by the S&P ratings agency, is one of the largest renewable
energy markets in the European Union with strong growth in electricity
consumption and a commitment to replace coal as the main source of
generation, which currently accounts for 71% of the current generation mix.
Iberdrola plans to have 1,000 MW of wind and solar PV capacity in operation
by 2030 in Poland. The first step in the strategy was the acquisition of 2
onshore wind farms now in operation (Korytnica 1 and Zopowy) in 2021, with
a total capacity of 112.5 MW, and an extension project (Korytnica 2) with
50.4 MW, which is now operational
. With the completed purchase today, the company now has a capacity of
212.8 MW.
Additionally, more than 2,000 MW of Solar PV and onshore wind projects are
currently being developed, which are scheduled to be operational between
2025 and 2030.
Since Poland is one of the main markets for the Greenvolt Group in the
development of its strategy of promoting, developing, and building
large-scale wind and solar projects. Currently, of the 6.9 GW pipeline 2.9
GW will be at least at ready-to-build stage by the end of the year and a
total of 3.4 GW are located in Poland.
Alongside the development of large-scale wind and solar photovoltaic
projects in several European and American markets, the Greenvolt Group is
also present in the strategic segment of distributed generation, operating
in the business and residential segments in six geographies. In the
production of energy from residual biomass, it operates in Portugal and
the United Kingdom.
READ MORE
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27/07/2023
Iberdrola invests €10.54 billion in the last 12 months and increases its
net profit by 21% to €2.52
.
READ MORE
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26/07/2023
Masdar joins Iberdrola to co-invest in the Baltic Eagle wind farm in
Germany
Masdar, the UAE’s flagship renewable energy company, has signed a strategic
agreement with Iberdrola, a global clean energy leader, to co-invest in the
476-megawatt (MW) Baltic Eagle offshore wind farm
in the German Baltic Sea. Iberdrola will retain a majority 51% stake in the
asset, which will help to accelerate green energy security in Europe.
According to the terms of the deal, Baltic Eagle wind farm is valued at
approximately €1.6 billion euros. Iberdrola will control and manage the
asset, providing operation and maintenance services and other corporate
services.
The deal was signed in Madrid by Ignacio Galan, Iberdrola’s Executive
Chairman, and Masdar’s Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi,
as part of a wider acknowledgement agreement between the two clean energy
powerhouses. Both parties consider this a strategically important
transaction and a critical milestone as they strengthen their partnership
to explore further renewable energy investment opportunities in a range of
technologies and regions.
Baltic Eagle will consist of 50 wind turbines built on monopile
foundations, each with a unit capacity of 9.53 MW. Anticipated annual
production is 1.9 terawatt-hours (TWh), enough clean energy to meet the
electricity demands of 475,000 homes, saving 800,000 tons of CO2 being
released into the atmosphere every year.
The wind farm, which is scheduled to come into initial operation at the end
of 2024, has a minimum regulated tariff of €64.6/MWh for the first 20
years. In addition, 100% of its production has already been sold via
long-term contracts.
HE Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology,
Chairman of Masdar and COP28 President-Designate, said: “When companies
with long histories of pioneering clean energy join forces, it creates
lasting solutions for people and the planet. This landmark agreement
between Masdar and Iberdrola will harness Germany’s abundant wind power in
the Baltic Sea and bring electricity to nearly half a million homes, while
cutting emissions. As the UAE looks ahead to hosting COP28, partnerships
such as this show how we can hold back emissions, without holding back
progress.”
Ignacio Galan, Iberdrola’s Executive Chairman, said: “Delivering the clean
energy that the world needs requires companies with vision and commitment
that are willing to make major investments in new infrastructure. Masdar
brings all of these qualities to Baltic Eagle. This a major project that
will help to drive forward green energy security in Europe, reduce
emissions for homes and businesses, and support thousands of highly skilled
jobs. Building long-term partnerships with sustainable leaders like Masdar
will help Iberdrola to continue leading the energy transition globally.”
Dr Sultan Al Jaber and Mr Ignacio Galan met earlier this month. Ahead of
the UAE hosting the UN climate change conference, COP28
,
they discussed the urgent need to triple global renewable energy capacity
to ensure the Paris Agreement goals of limiting global temperature rises
remain within reach.
In September 2022, the UAE and Germany signed an agreement to advance
projects of joint interest on areas including energy security,
decarbonization and climate action. The Energy Security and Industry
Accelerator Agreement (ESIA) signed between the two countries involved
plans for Masdar to explore offshore wind opportunities in the Baltic Sea
to support Germany’s clean energy goals. Today’s €1.6 billion deal with
Iberdrola marks a significant contribution towards that aim.
The strategic partnership between Masdar and Iberdrola will help to advance
Europe’s ambitious offshore wind
development targets. By joining forces, the two flagship clean energy
companies will share knowledge and develop innovative solutions. This can
also lead to enhanced project management practices and improved operational
efficiencies, which ultimately drives down costs and makes offshore wind
more competitive.
Iberdrola, a leader in offshore wind
Iberdrola has 3,000 MW of offshore wind projects under construction or
secured with zero seabed costs a thanks to the Group’s first mover status.
The company is helping to support the energy transition and job creation in
its supply chain across the world.
At the beginning of July this year, Iberdrola connected the Saint-Brieuc
offshore wind farm in France
to the electricity grid. It is the first large-scale offshore wind project
to be delivered in the Brittany region.
In addition, the Vineyard Wind offshore project
in the US is expected to come on-line in the last quarter of 2023. The
Baltic Eagle wind farm in Germany will be operational in 2024, with East
Anglia 3 in the UK and Windanker
in Germany beginning production in 2026.
These projects will add to Iberdrola’s current 1,258 MW of operational
offshore wind projects, including West of Duddon Sands in the Irish Sea,
Wikinger in the German Baltic Sea, and East Anglia ONE in the southern
North Sea.
Masdar, the UAE’s clean energy powerhouse
Since 2006, Masdar has been a pioneer in advancing the clean energy sector
in the UAE, the Middle East and around the world. With projects across 40
countries, Masdar is delivering more than 20 GW of clean, life-changing
energy – enough to power over 5.25 million homes. Its global investment
portfolio exceeds US$30 billion and, in some cases, Masdar’s projects are
bringing continuous electricity to places where there was none.
Together with partners, Masdar has developed landmark renewable energy
projects across continents. This includes the Middle East’s first
concentrated solar power plant in Abu Dhabi and the world’s first
utility-scale offshore floating wind farm off the Scottish coast. Masdar is
also developing Southeast Asia’s largest floating solar power plant and
moving forward with building Africa’s largest wind farm, a 10 GW
mega-facility in Egypt.
About Iberdrola
Iberdrola alliances to deliver the energy transition
In recent months, Iberdrola has closed multiple long-term alliances to
promote the decarbonization of the economy:
* Iberdrola recently signed a strategic alliance with GIC for the
expansion of the transmission networks in Brazil for €430 million.
* An agreement with Norges Bank Investment Management was secured to
co-invest in 1,265 MW of new renewables capacity in Spain.
* The company has signed an agreement to sell more than 8,400 MW of
combined cycle gas plants in Mexico for $6 billion.
* Iberdrola and MAPFRE have progressed their strategic alliance by
incorporating an additional 100 MW into their clean energy joint
venture in Spain, which already has 450 MW.
* Iberdrola and bp also signed a strategic alliance in March to deploy
11,700 fast charging points in Spain and Portugal.
* In addition, a few months ago Iberdrola signed an alliance with
Energy Infrastructure Partners to co-invest in the Wikinger offshore
wind farm and boost its offshore wind portfolio.
As Europe’s largest electricity utility by market capitalization, and the
second largest in the world, Iberdrola is a leader in renewables,
spearheading the energy transition to a low carbon economy. The group
supplies energy to almost 100 million people in dozens of countries. With a
focus on renewable energy, smart networks and smart solutions for
customers, Iberdrola’s main markets include Europe (Spain, the United
Kingdom, Portugal, France, Germany, Italy and Greece), the United States,
Brazil, Mexico and Australia. The company is also present in growth markets
such as Japan, Taiwan, Ireland, Sweden and Poland, among others.
The company has a workforce of over 40,600 and assets in excess of €154.6
billion. In 2022, Iberdrola posted revenues of nearly €54 billion, net
profit of €4.34 billion, with €7.5 billion paid in tax contributions in the
countries where it operates. The company helps to support more than 400,000
jobs in communities across its supply chain, and global supplier purchases
topped €17.8 billion in 2022. A benchmark in the fight against climate
change, Iberdrola has invested more than €150 billion over the past two
decades to help build a sustainable energy model, based on sound
environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles.
About Masdar
Masdar alliances to deliver the energy transition
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) is the UAE’s clean energy champion
and one of the largest companies of its kind in the world, advancing the
development and deployment of renewable energy and green hydrogen
technologies to address global sustainability challenges. Established in
2006, Masdar is today active in over 40 countries, helping them to achieve
their clean energy objectives and advance sustainable development.
Masdar is jointly owned by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Mubadala
Investment Company (Mubadala), and Abu Dhabi National Energy Company
(TAQA), and under this ownership the company is targeting a renewable
energy portfolio capacity of at least 100 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and an
annual green hydrogen production capacity of up to 1 million tonnes by the
same year.
As one of the world’s fastest-growing renewable energy companies, Masdar is
committed to developing offshore wind energy. The company established a
dedicated Global Offshore Wind business vertical in London which oversees
the life cycle of projects from origination to development, operation and
even asset management. Germany is a key market and Masdar is keen to
participate in upcoming auctions to support the country’s decarbonization
targets. In addition, Masdar has formed several strategic partnerships to
develop global integrated solutions. These include:
1. Masdar is actively involved in The Energy Security and Industry
Accelerator Agreement (ESIA) between Germany and the UAE, where it
aims to develop an impressive 10GW of offshore wind capacity in the
North and Baltic Sea in Germany. By undertaking such a substantial
project in Germany, Masdar showcases its dedication to driving the
global transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy
sources.
2. Masdar has also collaborated with RWE, a prominent Germany-based
energy company, to explore partnerships in key offshore wind markets.
The strategic alliance will combine their expertise, resources, and
technological prowess to identify and capitalize on opportunities
across regions.
3. An alliance with the Azerbaijan government to develop up to 6GW of
offshore wind capacity. Electricity generated by the project will
serve local demand and be exported to Europe. The project will also
facilitate green hydrogen production.
4. In October 2022, Masdar purchased Arlington Energy. This included the
acquisition of an extensive 3GWh battery storage pipeline in the UK.
READ MORE
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25/07/2023
Iberdrola signs a new 500 million euros guaranteed green loan with Citi and
Eksfin
Iberdrola has reinforced its liquidity position with a new 500 million
euros green loan granted by Citi, and partly guaranteed by the Norwegian
Export Credit Agency (Eksfin). The transaction represents the first Eksfin
guaranteed financing to a Spanish energy company. The loan, with an average
life of nine years, makes it possible to extend the duration of Iberdrola's
debt at a competitive price and is part of the company's financing
strategy, capable of diversifying its debt structure.
The aim is for the funds to be used for the construction and development of
the East Anglia Three offshore wind farm in the UK. This project will have
a capacity of 1,400 megawatts (MW), enough to supply clean energy to 1.3
million homes.
In addition to advantageous long-term conditions, the loan has a drawdown
period of 24 months, providing the Group with liquidity. This will improve
Iberdrola's liquidity position, which at the end of the first quarter 2023
exceeded 21 billion euros.
Iberdrola has strong relationships with Norwegian partners. The company is
active in offshore wind development in Norway with its partners
TotalEnergies and Norsk Havvind.
Iberdrola also maintains a strategic alliance with the Norwegian sovereign
wealth fund, managed by Norges Bank Investment Management, to co-invest in
1,265 MW of new renewable capacity in Spain (20% wind and 80% solar PV).
The alliance is seeking to expand their plans by an additional 500 MW in
the Iberian Peninsula. In turn, the sovereign wealth fund is one of the
main shareholders of Iberdrola, holding a stake than 3% for more than seven
years.
Eksfin is the public Norwegian Export Agency with a triple A rating. The
entity performs functions equivalent to Cesce
in Spain, which has already backed an Iberdrola loan for 500 million, and
the EKF
from Denmark, which guaranteed a loan for 1 billion euros for the energy
company.
The total amount of Iberdrola's loans under guaranteed by an Export Credit
Agency (ECA) stands at 2 billion euros. These entities exclusively manage
credit and investment insurance on behalf of states, covering political,
commercial and extraordinary risks associated with internationalization.
This loan contributes to Iberdrola’s aim of diversifying financing, which
combines various sources: financial institutions, development banks (such
as the World Bank
and European Investment Bank)
, the market
and export credit agencies, helping to reduce or eliminate the risk of
operations.
A leader in green financing
Iberdrola has a firm commitment to sustainability, based on the
electrification of the economy through clean energy, and aimed at combating
climate change and supporting economies and employment in the communities
where it operates.
With this loan, the company chaired by Ignacio Galán continues to
consolidate its leadership in sustainable financing, with more than 50
billion euros under active management, of which close to 18.5 billion euros
are related to green bonds, which make it the largest private issuer of
this type of debt.
The projects to which Iberdrola allocates sustainable financing are aligned
with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), on which
Iberdrola focuses its efforts: number 7 –Affordable and Clean Energy- and
number 13 –Climate Action-.
READ MORE
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20/07/2023
Ignacio Galán reaffirms commitment to invest in the USA at Avangrid's
General Shareholders' Meeting
Avangrid, Inc. (NYSE: AGR), a leading
sustainable energy company and member of the Iberdrola Group, today
announced that shareholders overwhelmingly approved all presented proposals
at its 2023 Annual Shareholder Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts. With
overwhelming participation, approximately 98.5% of the shares present by
proxy or in person, the vote indicates strong shareholder support for
Avangrid’s strategic direction and governance system.
The Chairman of Avangrid’s Board of Directors, Ignacio Galán, addressed
shareholders of the company at the annual meeting. During his remarks, he
reaffirmed the company's investment commitment to accelerating the energy
transition :
“Now more than ever, we need to move forward on energy autonomy and
decarbonization. Avangrid is ready to lead the U.S. to a clean energy
future and provide our customers with more secure, sustainable and
affordable energy. Our efforts will also create jobs and economic growth,
promote environmental and social justice, and invest in our communities.”
At the annual meeting, the Avangrid shareholders voted to elect each of the
14 nominees to the Board of Directors to serve one-year terms expiring at
the company’s 2024 annual meeting. Additionally, the Avangrid shareholders
voted to ratify the appointment of Avangrid’s independent public accounting
firm, approve on an advisory basis the compensation of Avangrid’s named
executive officers, and approve amendments to Avangrid’s by-laws to
implement committee changes.
Avangrid CEO Pedro Azagra added, “Avangrid is proud to play a critical role
in the United States’ energy transition and be a central part of history in
the making. We have a more than 20-year history of commitment to clean
energy as part of the Iberdrola Group, giving us the experience and
dedication to build a clean energy future for all. We will do this through
the expansion of smart grids, continued transmission development, robust
renewables growth and the development of green hydrogen.”
During the meeting, Azagra also remarked on the company’s 2022 achievements
and future outlook:
* Continued Investments: Avangrid invested $2.7 billion in its networks
and renewables businesses in 2022.
* Commitment to Customers: The company continues to support a stronger
and more resilient grid for its customers through filed rates cases
in all jurisdictions.
* Delivering a Clean Energy Future for All: Avangrid is continuing
transmission investments that will help deliver Maine and New York’s
clean energy visions, drive long-term growth and contribute to local
economic development and job creation.
* Clean Energy Leader: The company added nearly 400 MW of new onshore
wind and solar, including its first utility-scale solar plant, Lund
Hill
. Avangrid’s 8.6 GW renewables fleet now produces enough
emissions-free electricity to power approximately 2.7 million homes.
* Pioneer of Offshore Wind
: Avangrid is on track to deliver power this year from the country’s
first offshore, large-scale wind power facility Vineyard Wind 1,
which will soon serve 400,000 customers across Massachusetts.
The final voting results will be available on a current report on Form 8-K
that will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and posted
on AVANGRID’s website, www.avangrid.com .
READ MORE
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14/07/2023
We increase renewable energy production by 5.7 %, thanks to investments in
clean energy
Iberdrola has reinforced its commitment to the energy transition
, with data
published today by the National Securities Market Commission (CNMV).
showing the company has increased its renewables installed capacity by 6.5%
worldwide in the last 12 months, reaching a total of 41,246 MW.
Thanks to the investments new renewables capacity and new installed
capacity
, in the first half of the year the company has increased its own clean
energy production by 5.7% compared to the same period last year, up to
42,756 GWh.
The commitment to clean energy has seen strong growth in the company’s
solar PV capacity, which has increased by almost 45% in the last 12 months
(1,543 MW of new installed capacity), reaching almost 5,000 MW in total at
the end of the first half of 2023.
Continued growth has also been recorded in wind energy, reinforcing its
position as a global leader. Onshore wind power grew 4.5% in the last
twelve months, reaching 20,577 MW, while offshore wind power is up 8.9%, to
1,370 MW at the end of June 2023.
Last week Iberdrola connected the Saint-Brieuc offshore wind farm
to the French electricity grid, which is in construction off the coast of
Brittany. Saint-Brieuc is the first large-scale offshore wind project in
Brittany, and only the second in France to produce clean energy.
In line with the company's commitment to decarbonization, Iberdrola's
renewables capacity has improved in most of the countries where the company
operates: Brazil (+12%), Spain (+6.3%), United States (+2.5%) and the rest
of the world, where renewables capacity has grown by 25%.
In this way, the Iberdrola group is making progress on its historic
investment plan of 47,000 million euros between 2023 and 2025, with which
it aims to reach 52,000 MW of renewable installed capacity by 2025, with a
special focus on offshore wind power, where the company plans to invest
more than 11,000 million euros by 2026.
One of the cleanest generation portfolios in the world
The greater contribution of renewables means that Iberdrola’s emission-free
production ratio has increased to 83%, which rises even further to reach
89% in Spain. The company maintains emissions levels some two-thirds below
those of its European competitors.
In terms of installed capacity, the investments made by the company mean
that more than 81% of its total own capacity is emissions-free. By country,
the United States has 91% emissions-free capacity, 90% in Brazil, and 100%
in the United Kingdom, where all of its capacity is green.
READ MORE
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13/07/2023
Ignacio Galán receives the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology of
the United Arab Emirates
Clean energy pioneers from the UAE and Spain met in Madrid to discuss ways
to boost renewable energy capacity and support global net-zero goals.
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, founding CEO and current Chairman of the UAE’s flagship
renewable energy company, Masdar, met Ignacio Galán, Executive Chairman of
leading global clean energy firm
,
Iberdrola, in Madrid this week.
Ahead of the UAE hosting the UN climate change conference, COP28, in
November and December, Dr Sultan has been meeting global leaders to forge
strategic alliances and build consensus toward solutions that can deliver a
just and equitable energy transition
.
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology,
Chairman of Masdar and COP28 President-Designate, said, “The world needs to
triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 if we are to keep the Paris
Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees within reach. This
can only be achieved through strong international collaboration. Both
Masdar and Iberdrola have long and proud histories of advancing
life-changing renewable energy projects around the world. Not only do these
projects boost decarbonization, but they also increase jobs and
opportunities. This is exactly what is needed if we are to accelerate the
energy transition, without leaving people behind.
“I was delighted to meet Mr Galán and to discuss constructive ways in which
the renewable energy sectors in both the UAE, Spain, and across the world,
could continue to expand on their vital mission for the maximum benefit of
people and the planet.”
Ignacio Galán, Executive Chairman of Iberdrola, said: “Iberdrola has
decades of experience in delivering the clean and secure energy model the
world needs, investing more than 150 billion Euros in the transition over
the last 20 years. With another vital COP summit approaching, and much work
to be done to stay on track with the Paris agreement, it is more important
than ever that policymakers, and companies investing in energy, remain
committed to boosting clean electrification through renewables, smarter
grids and energy storage.
“It was a pleasure to meet again Dr Sultan Al Jaber. We both share the same
outlook that renewables are the best way forward for the planet. Many
private companies and investors from across the world are making the right
calls on supporting the transition. Together we can help the world to meet
its climate targets, as well as supporting economies and enhancing
employment.”
Masdar was established by Dr Sultan in 2006, under the UAE leadership’s
far-sighted vision to diversify the country’s energy sources while
addressing global sustainability challenges. One of the world’s
fastest-growing renewable energy companies, Masdar is active in over 40
countries and has a total renewable electricity generation capacity of over
20GW.
Masdar’s global investment portfolio exceeds US$30 billion and it is
targeting a renewable electricity capacity of at least 100 GW by 2030. The
company has invested in cutting-edge technology including green hydrogen
, geothermal
and waste-to-energy projects and is committed to delivering clean energy
across communities. As well as developing utility-scale projects, Masdar’s
off-grid plants are bringing continuous electricity to places where there
was none.
Leading the energy transition for more than two decades, Iberdrola is today
a global green leader in clean energy, networks and storage – the largest
electricity utility in Europe and the second largest in the world by market
capitalization, with more than 71 billion euros.
On top of the company’s current asset base of €150 billion, Iberdrola’s
Strategic Plan for 2023-2025
commits to a
record level of €47 billion of investment in just three years, focused on
electricity grids and renewables to promote a safe, clean, and competitive
system.
Iberdrola has more 40,000 MW of renewable operating capacity today,
including hydroelectric
,
onshore
and offshore wind
and
solar power
.
With more than 40,000 employees, and 12,000 new hires by 2025, the company
supports 400,000 jobs in total across its value chain.
About Masdar
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) is the UAE’s clean energy champion
and one of the largest companies of its kind in the world, advancing the
development and deployment of renewable energy and green hydrogen
technologies to address global sustainability challenges. Established in
2006, Masdar is today active in over 40 countries, helping them to achieve
their clean energy objectives and advance sustainable development. Masdar
is jointly owned by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Mubadala
Investment Company (Mubadala), and Abu Dhabi National Energy Company
(TAQA), and under this ownership the company is targeting a renewable
energy portfolio capacity of at least 100 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and an
annual green hydrogen production capacity of up to 1 million tonnes by the
same year.
About Iberdrola
Iberdrola , Europe’s largest electricity
utility by market capitalization, and the second largest in the world, is a
leader in renewables, spearheading the energy transition to a low carbon
economy. The group supplies energy to almost 100 million people in dozens
of countries. With a focus on renewable energy, smart networks and smart
solutions for customers, Iberdrola’s main markets include Europe (Spain,
the United Kingdom, Portugal, France, Germany, Italy and Greece), the
United States, Brazil, Mexico and Australia. The company is also present in
growth markets such as Japan, Taiwan, Ireland, Sweden and Poland, among
others.
The company has a workforce of over 40,600 and assets in excess of
€154.6.billion. In 2022, Iberdrola posted revenues of nearly €54 billion,
net profit of €4.34 billion, with €7.5 billion paid in tax contributions in
the countries where it operates. The company helps to support more than
400,000 jobs in communities across its supply chain, and global supplier
purchases topped €17.8 billion in 2022. A benchmark in the fight against
climate change, Iberdrola has invested more than €130 billion over the past
two decades to help build a sustainable energy model, based on sound
environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles.
READ MORE
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13/07/2023
EnergyLOOP and Surus join forces to tackle wind turbine blade recycling
Madrid 13 July 2023. ENERGYLOOP , a
company owned by FCC Ámbito and Iberdrola
for the recycling of wind farm
components, has signed a collaboration agreement with SURUS
, a leading Spanish company in adding value
through the execution of projects related to sustainability and the
circular economy, with the aim of providing a joint solution for the
recycling of wind turbine blades
in wind
farm repowering
projects.
Spain is a leading country in wind energy
production, fifth in the world in the ranking of countries with the highest
installed wind power capacity and second in Europe. According to the
Spanish Wind Energy Association (AEE), Spain has 1,345 wind farms with more
than 22,000 wind turbines and an installed capacity of 30,000 MW, producing
61,176 GWh of energy in 2023, which covers 27.1% of the country's energy
demand. In fact, the wind energy sector contributes more than €3 billion to
the Spanish GDP and employs more than 30,000 people.
In order to continue to maintain its leadership in wind energy, Spain needs
to modernise its wind farms, as they need to be modernised, both because of
their age (more than 36% of wind turbines are more than 15 years old) and
because of their efficiency and contribution to sustainability. The
repowering of a wind farm consists of replacing old, less powerful and less
efficient equipment with new machines of greater capacity and performance,
enabling the use of wind resources to be increased. To encourage this
renewal process, and given that Spain aims, according to the recent draft
of the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC), to cover 81% of
energy demand with renewable sources by 2030, the Ministry for Ecological
Transition and the Demographic Challenge launched in December a €223
million call for proposals for the repowering of wind farms.
One of the consequences of the repowering projects that will be addressed
is the need to provide a sustainable solution for the blades of the wind
turbines that have been replaced, as there are more than 66,000 blades
installed in Spain. These elements are made of polyester reinforced with
fibreglass or carbon fibre, materials that can be used in a recovery
process in the event that a blade has not been able to find a second useful
life.
ENERGYLOOP was created in response to the recovery of wind turbine blade
components and their reuse in sectors such as energy, aerospace,
automotive, textile, chemical and construction. Its activity will begin
with the start-up of production in 2024 in the Navarre municipality of
Cortes of an innovative blade recycling plant that will require an
investment of close to €10 million. The logic of this activity explains the
collaboration agreement with a company such as SURUS, a specialist in the
circular dismantling of industrial facilities and which has extensive
experience in the repowering of wind farms. Under the agreement, SURUS will
provide a flow of elements from those projects where it executes its
circular dismantling solution, and will offer ENERGYLOOP for recycling
those blades that have not been marketed for reuse.
In the words of Luis Sanz, ENERGYLOOP's managing director, "this
collaboration with SURUS, which has a wealth of knowledge, will undoubtedly
strengthen ENERGYLOOP's activity and provide a strong boost to the circular
economy, improving the necessary competitiveness and sustainability".
According to Adolfo Cancelo, managing partner of SURUS, "this agreement
allows us to continue contributing our knowledge and experience in the
market as an important player in the current wind repowering value chain
together with a consortium of the calibre of ENERGYLOOP, all within the
framework of our commitment to sustainability and the circular economy".
About ENERGYLOOP
ENERGYLOOP is the company owned by Iberdrola, through its PERSEO programme
, and FCC Ámbito, a subsidiary of FCC Servicios Medio Ambiente, which has
the support of Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energies and whose purpose is to
lead the recycling of components from renewable facilities, one of the
greatest medium and long-term challenges in the sector. The initial
objective is the recovery of wind turbine blade components and their reuse
in sectors such as energy, aerospace, automotive, textile, chemical and
construction. ENERGYLOOP contributes to the transformation of the wind
energy sector into a truly circular economy by investing in integrated
blade recycling solutions. This initiative will also improve its
competitiveness and sustainability thanks to the research and
implementation of new recycling technologies that will make it possible to
absorb the increasing amounts of waste and adopt increasingly efficient
solutions.
About SURUS
SURUS is the leading Spanish company in providing value to society,
companies and Public Administrations through the execution of projects
related to sustainability and the circular economy. Since 2010 we have been
developing turnkey consultancy, dismantling and reemployment projects,
dealing with the dismantling of any type of facility with the aim of
prioritising the reuse of the resulting assets, maximising recycling and
reducing the amount of waste generated. These assets are marketed via
auction on our web portal Escrapalia, where we have a large base of
hundreds of thousands of customers potentially interested in acquiring
them. www.surusin.com.
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