The future of energy: Challenges and Opportunities for the Energy Transition
The 22nd edition of the IESE Energy Industry Meeting, held on February 19-20, 2025, in Madrid, brought together key industry players to discuss the present and future of energy in Europe. Focusing on energy transition and geopolitics, the event highlighted the importance of an orderly transition and the need to adapt grid and storage infrastructures to the new energy mix.
Key Trends in the energy sector
The energy sector faces three major challenges:
- Renewable energy expansion: Renewables will account for almost 50% of global generation by 2030.
- Regulatory changes: Carbon neutrality policies drive companies to adopt more sustainable models.
- Rising energy demand: Global energy production is expected to grow by up to 75% by 2050.
Gas reduction and energy transition in Europe
Rodrigo Costa (CEO of REN) stressed that the reduction of Russian gas has been key to Europe’s energy independence, but that diversification of sources remains a challenge. Cristina Lobillo (EU Energy Platform) confirmed that Europe has reduced its dependence on Russian gas by 65% in the last three years. However, imported gas remains up to six times more expensive, which has led to the evaluation of alternatives such as green hydrogen, biomethane and further development of renewables. Lack of infrastructure remains an obstacle to this transition.
The energy landscape in Spain
Loreto Ordoñez (CEO of Engie Spain) stressed that Spain has made great progress in renewable generation but that the challenge remains system stability and investment in networks. In 2024, Spain reached a milestone: 55.8% of electricity generated came from renewable sources, and 77% was CO₂ free when including nuclear power. However, challenges remain:
- Insufficient infrastructure: Lack of investment in grids and storage, resulting in high demand rejection.
- Bureaucracy: Approval of renewable projects can take up to 5 years.
- Lack of demand integration: The need to improve the digitalization of the electricity system was highlighted at this point.
- Uncertain tax policy: Energy taxes are not aligned with environmental criteria.
All these points lead us to a situation where electrification of demand remains a challenge, especially in key industrial sectors. In addition, the growth of photovoltaic self-consumption requires better integration into the grid.
The role of nuclear power in the energy transition
Arturo Gonzalo Aizpiri (CEO of Enagás) explained that the phasing out of nuclear in Spain could lead to greater dependence on gas at times of low renewable production. Nuclear power remains a key element in the Spanish energy mix, with 20.6% of total production. Although some countries are opting to phase it out, others, such as France and Finland, continue to invest in new plants to ensure energy security. In Spain, the phasing out of nuclear power poses challenges in terms of storage and gas dependence in the short and medium term, which at least appears to be a setback.
Digitalization, productivity, and decarbonization
José María Calvo-Sotelo (IE Business School) said that “AI has blown the classic determinism of the energy sector out of the water”. As he explained, in the energy sector, traditional forecasting and control are not enough in the face of current advances and the potential of algorithms capable of learning and evolving. Unleashing their full potential requires quality data, robust cybersecurity, and a culture of innovation that embraces experimentation.
The last panel of the event brought together experts such as Manuel Menéndez Menéndez (EDP Spain), José María Calvo-Sotelo (IE Business School), Alejandro Seco (Ithaka Infrastructure Partners), and Joaquín Coronado (Build to Zero). During the discussion, they highlighted that digitalization is key to improving operational efficiency and reducing costs in the energy sector. The role of artificial intelligence, data analysis, and advanced automation were highlighted as essential tools to optimize the integration of renewable energies and guarantee the stability of the electricity system.
The importance of network visibility and digitization
Marina Serrano, president of AELEC, highlighted the need for greater grid visibility to optimize the flow of energy. Digitalization will be key to reducing congestion and improving the efficiency of the electricity system.
The role of AI in the energy transition
Artificial intelligence will make it possible to optimize demand forecasting, improve network efficiency and reduce operating costs. The use of intelligent storage systems and advanced automation to facilitate the integration of renewable energies is also expected to expand.
IESE Energy Industry Meeting Conclusions
Attending the IESE Energy Industry Meeting has been an enriching experience. As a professional at Plain Concepts, it was inspiring to hear first-hand from industry experts and to reflect on the challenges and opportunities we face in the energy transition.
I take away from this event the conviction that at Plain Concepts, we are on the right track. Our work in AI, machine learning, and advanced data analytics can make a difference in grid optimization, demand forecasting, and renewable integration. Now, more than ever, is the time to accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions and contribute to a more efficient and sustainable energy future.
