Iberdrola España has been awarded the 3rd Eugenio Cuadrado Benéitez Prize for its contribution to the energy and industrial development of Zamora
- The award, presented by the Official Association of Industrial Technical Engineers of the province of Zamora, coincides with the company's 125th anniversary
- Iberdrola España's commitment to this region is rooted in a deep historical connection; it was here that the company took its first steps and from where, generation after generation, it has driven the transition towards a cleaner, more renewable and competitive energy model
Iberdrola España has been honoured with the 3rd Eugenio Cuadrado Beneítez Award, presented by the Official Association of Industrial Technical Engineers of the province of Zamora (COGITIZA), in recognition of its business track record, its contribution to industrial and energy development, its capacity for innovation and its firm commitment to technological, economic and social progress, particularly in the province of Zamora.
The Association's Governing Board approved the award and presented it during an official ceremony held this afternoon in the auditorium of the University College of Zamora, attended by representatives from institutions, academia, the professional sector and the business community, including the President of the Zamora Provincial Council, Javier Faúndez; the Director-General for Energy, Alberto Castro; the Director of the Higher Polytechnic School of Zamora, Higinio Ramos; Iberdrola España's regional representative for Castile and León, Miguel Calvo; and the Dean of COGITIZA, José Luis Hernández, amongst others.
This recognition takes on special significance as it coincides with the commemoration of the Iberdrola Group's 125th anniversary, a milestone that highlights more than a century of history linked to Spain's energy development and economic and industrial progress. Zamora has played a prominent role in this journey, thanks to the company's long-standing presence in the province and some of its most iconic energy infrastructure projects.
On behalf of Iberdrola España the award was accepted by engineer Luis Ángel Martín, Head of Operations and Management for the Duero Basin, who expressed his gratitude for the honour on behalf of the company and highlighted the close relationship that Iberdrola España maintains with Zamora, as well as the role of engineering and innovation as drivers of the energy transition and regional development.
The Association also wished to highlight the close collaboration it has maintained with Iberdrola España over the years on initiatives linked to technical training, the dissemination of knowledge and the promotion of the energy sector. Among these the work carried out at the Ricobayo Training Campus stands out; it has become a benchmark for the training of professionals and the development of talent associated with the energy transition.
Through this project Iberdrola España also reaffirms its commitment to Castile and León, focusing on retaining and attracting young talent, driving innovation and strengthening its ties with the region. The facilities that for decades housed Iberdrola España's Hydraulics Laboratory — an international benchmark in the field of engineering, situated next to the Ricobayo dam — have been transformed into a pioneering centre for innovation and training, through which more than 1,000 future professionals from all corners of Spain will pass each year. This initiative links the company's industrial and technological legacy with the challenges of the future, helping to generate opportunities and knowledge in rural areas.
With this award, the Official Association of Industrial Technical Engineers of the province of Zamora recognises Iberdrola España's contribution to the development of increasingly sustainable, efficient and innovative energy, as well as its role as a driving force behind the economic, industrial and social progress of Zamora and Castile and León.
Iberdrola España's commitment to Castile and León: from the Duero Waterfalls to global energy leadership
Iberdrola España's commitment to this region is rooted in a deep historical connection; it was here that the company took its first steps and from where generation after generation it has driven the transition towards a cleaner, more renewable and more competitive energy model. This pioneering endeavour began precisely with the development of the iconic Saltos del Duero, which have been true drivers of economic, social and technological development for the region.
One hundred and twenty-five years on that commitment has been consolidated, positioning Iberdrola España as a global energy leader and a benchmark in the sector's sustainable transformation. In Castile and León, the company currently manages around 6,400 megawatts of renewable capacity — of which more than 3,500 megawatts is hydroelectric —, consolidating the region's position as the area with the highest installed "green" capacity by the company in Spain.
The creation and development of these hydroelectric facilities represent one of the most significant milestones in Iberdrola España's century-long history in our country. It is a history built on the hard work and vision of several generations, who have seized every opportunity to meet the demands of industrial development and social welfare, always with the aim of contributing to a more sustainable, innovative society that is committed to its environment.
Cuadrado Benéitez, a man ahead of his time
During Holy Week in 1885 Eugenio Cuadrado Benéitez achieved a pioneering feat for the city of Zamora by using electricity for the first time to light a procession. Thanks to powerful spotlights powered by hydroelectric generators he managed to illuminate the procession of Nuestra Madre for a few moments in a technological demonstration that aroused great admiration at the time.
His reputation and expertise in the field of electricity led Zamora City Council to entrust him with various projects relating to street lighting. These included the illumination of the Plaza Mayor and adjacent streets during festive celebrations as well as providing technical advice on the installation of public lighting. He also acted as an expert witness in disputes arising between the municipal administration and the various companies holding concessions for the service.
In 1899 Cuadrado Benéitez collaborated with the engineer Federico Cantero Villamil in founding the company El Porvenir de Zamora, set up to harness the hydroelectric potential of the San Román dam. The infrastructure, whose construction was completed in 1903, gave rise to Spain's first hydroelectric power station, becoming a key project in the early days of the country's hydroelectric development.