Basque regional president Imanol Pradales visits the Iberdrola Group stand at ENLIT Europe 25, which opens in Bilbao
- During the institutional visit, Mario Ruiz-Tagle, CEO of Iberdrola España, said that “by investing in electricity networks we are improving security, efficiency and economic growth”
- Ruiz-Tagle added that “it is essential to stimulate investment in electricity networks. Every euro allocated to the modernisation and digitalisation of electricity networks has a direct impact on the quality of supply”
The Lehendakari (Basque regional president) Imanol Pradales this morning visited the stand that the Iberdrola Group, which includes Iberdrola España, has at ENLIT Europe, the largest international trade fair for the energy transition, which opens its doors tomorrow at the BEC (Bilbao Exhibition Centre) and focuses on the strategic role of electricity networks.
During the institutional visit to the company’s stand, Mario Ruiz-Tagle, the CEO of Iberdrola España, stressed that investing in electricity networks improves security, efficiency and economic growth for everyone, from small domestic customers to large industrial consumers.
Ruiz-Tagle highlighted the strategic role of networks in the electrification of the economy and industrial competitiveness, particularly in a region like the Basque Country, which is at the forefront of industrial development. “Investing in networks means backing energy autonomy. An industry connected to modern networks can optimise its consumption, reduce costs and improve its competitiveness in global markets. This not only benefits companies but also strengthens the country’s energy security,” he said.
They were joined during the visit by Asís Canales, Iberdrola España’s delegate in the Basque Country and the Group’s global People and Resources director; Javier Arriola, director of the Northern Region at i-DE; Julio Castro, CEO of Iberdrola Energía Sostenible España; David Martínez, CEO of Iberdrola Energía España; and Estibaliz Goñi, director of Processes and Technology at i-DE. Iberdrola España's distributor company. Several representatives and CEOs of leading Basque companies – such as Arteche, Ingeteam, Ormazabal and the Basque Energy Cluster – also took part.
Ruiz-Tagle said that achieving a national development ambition requires a stable and predictable regulatory framework that encourages investment in electricity networks. Every euro allocated to the modernisation and digitalisation of electricity networks has a direct impact on supply quality. Smart grids reduce interruptions, improve incident response and enable more efficient energy management, resulting in a more reliable service for industry and citizens.
Spain faces a strategic challenge: accelerating investment in networks to avoid losing competitiveness compared with other European countries. The electrification of sectors such as industry, transport and buildings requires infrastructure capable of supporting new loads and managing dynamic flows. Without swift action, there is a risk of slowing electrification and limiting economic growth.
