The escalation of tension in the Middle East and the impact of the Iran conflict on international energy markets have once again put the focus on a reality that Europe already experienced at the beginning of the Ukraine war: energy is much more than a raw material.
What for decades was considered a commodity has become a strategic asset. Each crisis that affects oil and gas producing regions generates price volatility, uncertainty, inflationary pressure and loss of competitiveness. Today, energy conditions economic growth and business resilience.
In this context, decarbonization can no longer be understood solely as a response to climate change. It has become a tool for energy security, industrial competitiveness and economic sovereignty. Reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and moving towards a model based on own resources has become a strategic priority.
Spain starts from a particularly favorable position to lead this transformation. It has some of the best renewable resources in Europe, experience in developing energy infrastructure and the ability to attract new industrial investment. The energy transition thus represents an opportunity to strengthen competitiveness, promote reindustrialization and generate high added value activity.
The need to accelerate this process is even greater given the strong expected growth in electricity demand. The electrification of industry and transportation, along with the advancement of digitalization, artificial intelligence and data centers, will require increasing amounts of electricity. And renewables have established themselves as the most efficient, competitive and scalable response to this challenge.
Decarbonize as a competitive advantage
In an environment of uncertainty, having renewable energy at predictable prices is an increasingly valuable tool for cost and process planning. By not depending on geopolitical swings, vulnerable maritime routes, or decisions taken thousands of kilometers away, Renewable energies represent a competitive advantage for companies and industry.
The availability of clean and competitive energy is, in fact, becoming one of the main factors of industrial location. Sectors intensive in energy consumption, as well as new activities linked to the digital economy, seek environments that allow them to guarantee stable long-term energy costs and simultaneously advance their decarbonization objectives.
In addition to competitive energy, companies demand comprehensive solutions that combine renewable supply with energy efficiency services, intelligent demand management and electrification of production processes.
In this area, Acciona Energía has established itself as one of the main players in Spain and internationally. The company is a leader in the commercialization of 100% renewable energy in our country and During 2025, it reached 17.8 TWh of renewable energy contracted through short, medium and long-term agreements.These include renewable energy purchase and sale contracts (PPA) with large international corporations such as Amazon, Bimbo, Vidrala, or Stellantis, which allow these companies to guarantee stable energy prices and advance their decarbonization objectives.
And if consuming competitive energy is important, it is even more important to do it intelligently. Energy efficiency has become one of the main levers to improve business competitiveness, reduce operating costs and reduce emissions.
In this sense, Activate Energy is currently promoting various solutions that include renewable self-consumption, battery storage and the installation of charging points for electric vehicles. Some examples of these services are the contract with Viscofan to install a 48MWp self-consumption solar plant in its facilities in Navarra, and the agreements with IKEA and with Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield for the installation of hundreds of charging points in its stores and shopping centers. In addition, the company also develops energy efficiency and optimization projects for industrial companies and public administrations. Among its references are companies such as ArcelorMittal or the paper company Torraspapel, and entities such as the city councils of Madrid and Gijón.
control center
Since his Digital Energy Services Control Center in Madrid, Acciona Energía manages the energy consumption of more than 6,000 facilities around the world. This platform optimizes more than 4,000GWh of annual consumption, generates savings of more than 150GWh per year and avoids the emission of more than 22,000 tons of CO₂.
The digitalization of energy management makes it possible to identify inefficiencies, anticipate consumption and maximize the use of resources. Combined with a 100% renewable supply, it turns energy into a true lever for industrial competitiveness.
In an international context marked by geopolitical uncertainty and growing economic competition, the energy transition has become an industrial opportunity and a country strategy. Taking advantage of it will mean attracting investment, strengthening the economy and resilience in the coming decades.