Iberdrola “Energy Recoded”

March 5, 2025 at San Agustin de Guadalix, Spain (invitation)

Today’s business world is no longer stable and predictable. It cannot simply evolve from the past and extrapolate into the future. Yet too managers hope that their old models will continue to work. They seek to replicate the success formula of the past, to continuously enhance and improve the status quo, and trust that their luck will continue into the future. We call this a fixed mindset. Instead they need to break free, with a growth mindset.

“The best way to predict the future is to create it” said Abraham Lincoln.

Markets are more crowded than ever before. Competition is intense, from across geographies and sectors, whilst customer aspirations are constantly fueled by new innovations and possibilities. Innovation is continuous and essential. Yet too much innovation is just improvement, keeping pace, not getting ahead. It is quickly imitated or redundant, the advantage is lost, and investment is squandered.

“This is the age of disruption … which is not simply about disruptive technologies, but dramatically changing how people think and behave” says Sebastian Thrun of Udacity.

What’s the future of energy?

The energy transition dominates many business agendas, both in the energy sector as companies seek to shape the future markets, and in other industries as they seek to reduce emissions.

While some will focus on the relative merits of wind, solar and hydro – adding in geothermal, biomass and hydrogen – others will focus on the challenges of migration, adoption and regulation – and more generally on optimising energy generation, storage and distribution.

Battery technology enables us to store excess energy generated by renewable sources such as solar and wind power, making them more reliable and flexible. Smart grids, which use sophisticated algorithms to balance supply and demand, are another key trend that is helping to optimize the use of renewable energy.

Recognising the limitations of land, and the use of previously farming or domestic land for energy generation, the sea is the next frontier (and then space of course, with asteroid mining and more!). Orsted is leading the development of wind islands, elsewhere floating solar platforms, tidal energy, and bioenergy from algae.

  • Solar, South Korea … The world’s largest floating solar power platform is currently being developed in South Korea. It’s located near Saemangeum, an estuarine tidal flat on the coast of the Yellow Sea. This impressive 2.1 GW floating solar farm is part of a planned mega renewable energy project that aims to generate up to 3 GW of electricity in the Yellow Sea. Once operational, it’s expected to provide enough electricity to serve the needs of approximately one million homes
  • Geothermal, Iceland … 85% of Iceland’s energy needs are met through geothermal energy, making it one of the world’s leaders in this field. The Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant is the world’s largest geothermal power plant and generates 303 MW of electricity. Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source that uses the natural heat of the Earth to generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gases.
  • Tidal, Scotland …  harnessing the power of ocean tides to generate electricity, the MeyGen project in Scotland is a notable example of this technology in action. The project involves the installation of tidal turbines in the Pentland Firth, which is known for having some of the strongest tides in the world. The project has the potential to generate up to 398 megawatts of electricity, which is enough to power approximately 175,000 homes.
  • Hydrogen, Japan … Fuel cell vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells are already on the market, with companies like Toyota and Honda leading the charge in this area. In Germany, a hydrogen fuel cell-powered train called the Coradia iLint has been developed as an alternative to diesel trains. The train emits only water vapor and has a range of up to 600 miles on a single tank of hydrogen.
  • Bioenergy, UK … Drax power station is exploring the use of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) to capture and store carbon dioxide emissions from biomass combustion. This technology has the potential to achieve negative emissions, effectively removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

However generating the energy is only the starting point.

Smart grid systems are being implemented in many countries to optimize the distribution of renewable energy and reduce energy waste. For example, in the United States, Pacific Gas and Electric Company has implemented a smart grid system that allows customers to monitor their energy usage in real-time and receive alerts during peak energy usage periods.

AI-enabled energy management systems are being developed to optimize energy usage and reduce energy waste. For example, Siemens has developed a system called the EnergyIP Smart Grid Platform that uses AI to analyze data and provide real-time energy management solutions.

Iberdrola

Iberdrola Group is today a world leader in renewable energy, with 41,303 MW of operational renewables by he end of the first nine months of 2023 and with 8,000 MW under construction, and on the cutting edge of the energy transition towards a low-emissions economy.

This commitment is reflected in its 2025 Strategic Plan, which will allocate around €17,000 million to the renewables business. Thanks to these investments, Iberdrola will increase its installed renewable capacity by 12,100 MW to 52,000 MW in 2025 – 3,100 MW of onshore wind, 6,300 MW of photovoltaic, 1,800 MW of offshore, 700 MW of batteries and 200 MW of hydroelectric.

 

Objectives

  • Explore the drivers of future change, learning from the world’s most innovative companies
  • Consider the challenges and opportunities of disruption, and specifically related to data
  • Evaluate alternative future scenarios, and how we help our clients develop better futures
  • Explore what innovation and transformation, means for every part of our business
  • Reflect on what it takes to lead today and tomorrow, to be a performer and transformer.

 

Agenda

Session 1: World Changing

  • Riding the waves of change – purpose, profits and value creation
  • Customer agendas, health to home, social to sustainable
  • Rethinking everything, discontinuities and disruptors
  • Inspired by SpaceX and Biontech, Jio and DBS

Session 2: Future Scenarios

  • Exploring alternative futures, change drivers and uncertainties
  • Strategies and plans, making choices from the future back
  • Building a future portfolio, to exploit and explore
  • Inspired by the rapidly changing world of mobility

Session 3: Moonshot Innovation

  • Moonshots and Gamechangers, breaking free of old mindsets
  • Human and tech, customer and brands, sustainable and better
  • Rethinking the future of energy, beyond traditional boundaries
  • Inspired by Google and Twelve, Northvolt and Lanzatech

Session 4: Business Models

  • 10 types of innovation, new business models and ecosystems
  • Business models as a source of competitive advantage
  • Dynamic business modelling and transformation
  • Inspired by Seimens and Tesla, Schneider and Orsted

Session 5: Performer Transfomers

  • What it takes to be a “Performer Transformer” – in mindset, roles and actions
  • Creating tomorrow while delivering today, turning purpose into practical action
  • Using the catalyst of external change to drive and guide your internal change
  • Inspired by Satya Nadella, Anne Wojcicki, Melanie Perkins and Hamdi Ulukaya

The energy sector has been undergoing significant transformations, with emerging business models reflecting the changing landscape. Here are some new and evolving business models in the energy industry:

  • Energy as a Service (EaaS): This model involves providing energy solutions as a service rather than a commodity. Companies offer comprehensive energy services, including generation, storage, and management, with customers paying for outcomes rather than infrastructure.
  • Virtual Power Plants (VPPs): VPPs aggregate the capacities of multiple distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage systems. By centrally managing these resources, VPPs can provide grid services, optimize energy use, and enhance reliability.
  • Blockchain-Based Energy Trading: Blockchain technology enables transparent and secure peer-to-peer energy transactions. Consumers with renewable energy sources can sell excess energy directly to others on a decentralized platform, bypassing traditional energy providers.
  • Demand Response Platforms: These platforms enable consumers to adjust their energy consumption based on real-time pricing or grid demand. Businesses and individuals can receive incentives for reducing energy usage during peak periods or when the grid is under stress.
  • Community Solar: Community solar projects allow individuals or businesses to invest in or subscribe to a shared solar facility. Participants receive credits on their electricity bills based on the energy generated by the communal solar installation.
  • Energy Storage as a Service (ESaaS): This model involves offering energy storage solutions on a subscription or pay-as-you-go basis. Customers can benefit from energy storage without the upfront costs and complexities of ownership.
  • Microgrids and Nanogrids: Microgrids are localized energy systems that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main grid. Nanogrids are even smaller, serving a single building or a small community. These systems enhance resilience, provide energy security, and support the integration of renewables.
  • Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading Platforms: Platforms enable individuals or businesses with renewable energy sources to directly sell excess energy to nearby consumers. Blockchain technology or other secure systems facilitate transparent and automated transactions.
  • Energy Efficiency as a Service (EEaaS): Companies provide energy efficiency solutions to businesses on a subscription or performance-based model. Customers pay based on the energy savings achieved through implemented efficiency measures.
  • Circular Economy Models: Companies are exploring circular economy principles, where energy systems are designed for longevity, reuse, and recycling. This involves a shift from a linear “take, make, dispose” model to a more sustainable and circular approach.

Here are some of the players at the forefront of shaping the future of energy:

  • Tesla: While often associated with electric vehicles, Tesla is also a major player in energy innovation. The company is involved in the development of energy storage solutions (Powerwall, Powerpack, and Megapack), solar products, and grid management systems.
  • Enel: An Italian multinational energy company, Enel has been actively pursuing a transition to renewable energy. The company is involved in wind, solar, and hydroelectric power projects and is known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation.
  • Orsted: Formerly known as DONG Energy, Orsted is a Danish energy company that has undergone a transformation, shifting its focus from fossil fuels to renewable energy. It is a global leader in offshore wind power.
  • NextEra Energy: Based in the United States, NextEra Energy is one of the largest renewable energy companies globally. It has a significant presence in wind and solar power generation and is known for its forward-looking approach to clean energy.
  • Vestas Wind Systems: A Danish company, Vestas is a leading player in the wind turbine manufacturing industry. It is known for its innovations in wind turbine technology and has a global presence in the wind energy market.
  • Pattern Energy Group: Specializing in renewable energy, Pattern Energy is involved in the development, ownership, and operation of wind, solar, and transmission assets. The company focuses on sustainable and responsible energy solutions.
  • Siemens Energy: Siemens Energy is a global player in energy technology, providing solutions for power generation and transmission. The company is involved in both conventional and renewable energy technologies and is actively working on innovations in the energy sector.
  • BloombergNEF (BNEF): While not a traditional energy company, BloombergNEF is a research organization providing insights into clean energy, advanced transportation, and sustainable industries. It tracks and analyzes trends and innovations in the energy sector.

 

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