Iberdrola España completes its plan to transform the Valencia region's electrical network damaged by flooding after investing €100 million
- The company has carried out an extraordinary programme to redesign and reinforce the electricity infrastructure following the damage caused by the 2024 disaster
- In addition to these investments, the company plans to allocate nearly €2 billion to networks in the Valencia region by 2031
- The plan, which involved more than 1,000 people in its implementation, improves the grid's resilience and incorporates the latest digital and artificial intelligence innovations
- The investment has enabled the restoration of more than 108,000 smart meters, the refurbishment of some 20 substations, the renovation of 940 transformer stations and the reconstruction of nearly 460 pylons, placing the region at the forefront of technology
- Iberdrola España has also promoted the social recovery of the affected municipalities through initiatives in schools, public spaces and family support programmes
Iberdrola's Executive Chairman, Ignacio Galán, alongside the President of the Valencian Regional Government, Juanfran Pérez Llorca, today presented the results of the "Plan il·lumina", the initiative launched by the company to restore, modernise and strengthen the Valencian electrical networks following the 2024 torrential rains and flooding.
With an investment of €100 million and the involvement of more than a thousand professionals, Iberdrola España has thus completed the transformation of key infrastructure for the region's future development in a context characterised by the electrification of the economy. In addition to this extraordinary investment, the company plans to allocate nearly €2 billion to networks in the Valencia region up to 2031.
Key initiatives carried out as part of the "Plan il·lumina" include the refurbishment of around 20 substations, the installation of more than 108,000 smart meters, the renovation of 940 transformer stations and the reconstruction of some 460 electricity pylons.
The event, which brought together institutional representatives, suppliers, customers and Iberdrola España staff, took place at the company's facilities in Torrent, which played a key role during the emergency caused by the flooding and in the subsequent implementation of the Plan.
Ignacio Galán reiterated the company's commitment to developing robust networks that incorporate the latest digital technologies and help to drive the electrification of the Valencia region, its competitiveness and the creation of opportunities for locals.
In his speech, he stated: "Today we can say with confidence that we have laid the foundations for Valencia to have the best electrical infrastructure”.
Galán thanked the staff at Iberdrola España and the partner companies who took part in the response to the DANA and in the implementation of the Plan il·lumina, and offered his thoughts to all those affected by one of the worst natural disasters to have struck Spain so far this century.
“That is the legacy of the il·lumina Plan: reaffirming our commitment to the Valencia region, so that it can take full advantage of the benefits of electrification in terms of energy security and autonomy, competitiveness and sustainability,” Ignacio Galán said.
During the event, at which the actions taken were detailed, the strategic importance of networks in an increasingly electrified economy was emphasised. The growth in demand associated with industrial transformation, digitalisation and electric mobility requires infrastructure capable of supporting this development.
Social initiatives following the DANA
As part of its comprehensive response to the DANA, Iberdrola España has also reinforced its commitment to the people and local authorities affected through various social initiatives. Notable among these are the refurbishment of the Catarroja School for Agricultural Foremen, in collaboration with the Valencia Provincial Council, as well as the reconstruction of children's playgrounds, improvements to the facilities at the Rosa Serrano School and the electrical refurbishment of the Municipal Market, in collaboration with Paiporta Town Council.
Iberdrola España has also collaborated with Loriguilla Town Council on the refurbishment of the Plaza de la Concordia and has worked with Valencia City Council and the Regional Government of Valencia on the installation of charging infrastructure for boats in the Albufera.
These actions have been complemented by initiatives to support affected families and provide psychosocial care, carried out in partnership with organisations such as Nuevo Hogar Betania and the Red Cross.
125 light-years in the Valencia region: from the Salto del Molinar to smart grids
The closing ceremony for the "Plan il·lumina" forms part of the celebrations marking Iberdrola's 125th anniversary, under the 125 Light-Years programme, and reflects the company's close ties with the Valencia region since its creation. Building on the pioneering hydroelectric development of the Salto del Molinar on the River Júcar, the region has played a leading role in significant milestones such as the roll-out of the country's first smart grids in Castellón, the construction of power stations such as the one at Cofrentes and the commissioning of pumped-storage facilities such as the one at Cortes-La Muela.