The Spanish Technology Platform for Electricity Grids, Futured, is promoted by the Ministry of Science and Innovation through the State Research Agency. It was established in October 2005 with the aim of fostering the technological development of the electricity grid to achieve the objectives of the energy transition. 

Currently, Futured has nearly 200 members and integrates the entire value chain of Spanish electricity grids: electric utilities, product and service suppliers, technology centres and universities, innovation agencies, and the Administration itself. In this interview, Mónica Puente Ferreras, Chairwoman of Futured, tells us more about the essential areas of action to achieve the energy transition.

What are the main challenges currently facing the electricity sector in Spain? 

The energy transition represents a major transformation that requires two fundamental pillars: an increase in the electrification of the economy (electrification of transport, climate control, data centres, etc.) and a greater penetration of renewable generation, both centralised and distributed.

The decarbonisation targets for 2050 represent a crucial challenge for the energy sector and for society as a whole. In this context, the International Energy Agency has recently highlighted the need to deploy or renew more than 80 million kilometres of grids worldwide to meet these goals, which is equivalent to today’s entire global electricity grid. 

Electricity grids are the backbone of the power system, and to carry out such a transformation and achieve the objectives efficiently and effectively, it is essential to commit to technological development, innovation, and investment.

Based on this context, the sector faces three main challenges. First, adapting the existing grid and developing new networks to ensure connectivity. Second, promoting the national industry is key to increasing its technological capacity and competitiveness. Finally, we must not forget about attracting and retaining talent. As the sector becomes more technologically advanced, it requires professionals with the necessary expertise to manage these technologies. 

Moreover, to reach solutions that enable this energy transition, dialogue, and collaboration between the various players that make up the energy ecosystem is essential – an approach that is at the heart of the Futured platform.

Regarding R&D&I, what are the main areas of activity? 

Futured operates on two levels: working groups and outreach activities. The working groups are created dynamically and are open to Futured members. In these groups, collaboration and consensus among participants on various topics of interest are achieved.

On the outreach level, Futured is connected with relevant national and international bodies related to grids, such as ALINNE, ETIP SNET, ISGAN (International Energy Agency), Mission Innovation, ENTSOE, EDSO, etc., as well as organisations representing grid users. This ensures a two-way transfer of information between these organisations.

In its vision document, available on the website, Futured identifies as key technologies: digital technologies, storage, power electronics, and the evolution of equipment and materials currently in use. Based on these technologies, a series of functions in development are defined: 

• Grid automation

• Digital asset management

• Integration of distributed energy resources

• Flexibility markets

• Integration of electric mobility

• Design with digital twins

What are the benefits for Futured of collaborating with a company like Elewit?   

Redeia and its technology platform, Elewit, are essential players both in the energy transition and in the Spanish electricity system. By definition, both transmission grids and their technologies fall within Futured’s area of work.

In this respect, Elewit, as a technology company with a focus on innovation, is an ideal interlocutor within the platform, as its objectives – advancing the grid through technological development – align with Futured’s. Thus, it contributes to grid development together with the other participants through the various working groups. In addition, it serves as a point of contact with various public administrations on matters of funding, innovation, and energy. 

What does our country need to become a leader in the field of energy transition and connectivity?  

We are already an international benchmark in the energy transition. With a grid whose supply quality is among the best in Europe and a top-tier business and knowledge ecosystem, Spain is well positioned to face the energy transition process. 

In terms of knowledge and innovation, our leadership is evident in highly competitive programmes such as the European Framework Programme, where we rank among the top in terms of returns. Moreover, our companies, which account for 67% of the value chain for electrical equipment for transmission and distribution grids in Spain – according to the Association of Electrical Equipment Manufacturers – actively compete in international markets and have a significant turnover abroad.

To maintain and even strengthen our leadership, a stable environment with a medium-term vision is needed to encourage innovation and the necessary grid investments. On the other hand, the transformation involves the development of new business and outreach models in the sector. Furthermore, the participation of the regulator in the innovation process through regulatory exceptions or sandboxes will allow models to be tested in real situations to define the most appropriate regulation. 

In conclusion, there is no doubt that the great challenge we face will be achieved through continuous dialogue between the various agents, making platforms like Futured extremely valuable for this purpose.