The event took place at Iberdrola's headquarters, where Mario Ruiz-Tagle, CEO of Iberdrola España, and Asís Canales, institutional delegate and chairman of the i-DE Board, welcomed Elixabete Etxanobe, General Deputy of Bizkaia, and Ainara Basurko, Provincial Deputy for Economic Promotion. Favorable weather allowed for the official photo to be taken leisurely next to the large corporate letters featuring the company's emblem.
Inside, the four dignitaries engaged in a cordial round of greetings with those awaiting them, including Itxaso Berrojalbiz, Deputy for Finance and Treasury, Asier Abaunza, Bilbao City Council's Councillor for Urban Planning, Strategic Projects, and Public Space, and Carlos García Buendía, sub-delegate of the Spanish Government in Bizkaia.
“"In a particularly significant year for Iberdrola, as we celebrate 125 years of history, the fifth anniversary of the Global Smart Grids Innovation Hub confirms that collaboration between companies and institutions is key to creating a global benchmark in electricity grid innovation. From Bizkaia, this ecosystem is bringing solutions to the world that strengthen smarter, more resilient, and safer grids."
In her speech, Etxanobe highlighted the strategic importance of energy, stating that without smart grids, there is no energy transition, energy autonomy, competitiveness, or security possible. During the event, engineer David Alayón, General Director and Founding Partner of Digital Noise, delivered an insightful presentation on the technological future, exploring the use of Artificial Intelligence and its implications.
The day concluded with a round table moderated by journalist Lucas Irigoyen, where professionals associated with the Hub shared their experiences. Subsequently, the celebration continued in an adjoining marquee, entertained by the Iberdrola Electric Band, and the Bizkaia Smart Grids Awards were presented, recognizing about ten projects that refine processes and generate new knowledge within this unique ecosystem. Etxanobe and Ruiz-Tagle presented the diplomas to the awardees.
