Iberia’s Clean Industrial Revolution: A Defining Moment for Cleantech Leadership

The Cleantech for Iberia symposium at IE University brought together regulators, investors, innovators, universities, and incubators for a dynamic exchange on the future of cleantech in Spain and Portugal. The event, inaugurated by Jules Besnainou at Cleantech for Europe and Bianca Dragomir at Cleantech for Iberia, and wrapped up by Breakthrough Energy’s Alberto Toril Castro, reinforced a crucial message: there is no time to wait! 

A Defining Moment for Iberia 

With the Clean Industrial Deal (CID) expected to unlock €100 billion for industrial decarbonization, Iberia is at a turning point in the Clean Industrial Revolution. The challenge ahead is ensuring Spain and Portugal move fast enough to fully capitalize on their strategic advantages and become leaders in cleantech manufacturing and industrial transformation.  

Key Takeaways from the Symposium 

• There is no Green Deal without a Grid Deal. The modernization of Europe’s energy grid is essential for accelerating the clean transition. 
• Let’s Make Europe Competitive Again. A movement (MECA) is needed to ensure Europe remains a leader in cleantech innovation and industrialization. 
• We need market design for cleantech. Regulatory frameworks must be adapted to incentivize and support clean technologies. 
• Regulation: Innovate, Transform, Accelerate, Simplify! Policymakers must focus on streamlining processes and reducing barriers. 
• Let’s make the business plan for regulators. A structured roadmap is necessary to align industrial needs with policy action. 
• We must activate the end demand for cleantech. Stronger market signals and procurement strategies are required to drive adoption. 

Iberia’s Competitive Edge 

Several factors position Iberia as a rising leader in the clean industrial transition: 

• Renewable Energy Leadership: Portugal’s renewable electricity share is set to exceed 80% in 2023, placing it among global leaders in clean energy adoption. 
• Proactive Policy Frameworks: Spain’s upcoming Industry Law and Portugal’s soon-to-be-released Energy Storage Roadmap signal strong governmental commitment to cleantech. 
• Public Finance Support: Institutions such as Instituto de Crédito Oficial, Enisa, COFIDES, CDTI Innovación, IDAE, Aicep Portugal Global, Banco Português de Fomento, and the European Investment Bank (EIB) are actively funding and de-risking industrial transformation projects. 

Challenges to Overcome 

Despite Iberia’s strong momentum, several barriers must be addressed to accelerate the clean industrial transition: 

• Stronger demand signals for cleantech manufacturing. 
• More de-risking tools and scale-up capital to support emerging technologies. 
• A cohesive public cleantech investment strategy to align national and EU funding efforts. 
• Clear and stable regulatory frameworks to attract long-term private investments. 
• Increased cleantech education and training for public sector leaders and investors.  
• A robust and modernized energy grid to support large-scale industrial electrification and energy storage. 

Cleantech Investments: A Growing Opportunity 

Spain and Portugal are increasingly viewed not just as markets, but as strategic hubs for cleantech manufacturing and industrial projects. Key recent developments include: 

• Matteco’s latest investment round in green hydrogen, bank by Spanish investors with €15M. 
• H2SITE’slatest investment round, backed by Spanish venture funds with €36M. 
• Malta Inc’s Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) project in Puertollano.  
• Rondo Energy’s thermal storage project in Portugal.  
• TURN2X’s renewable gas project in Extremadura.  
• Plexigrid and Circular Resources joining the Cleantech for Iberia coalition.

A Call to Action 

The message from the Symposium was clear; this is a defining decade for Iberia and an opportunity to take the lead in the Clean Industrial Revolution. The transition is already underway—now is the time for Iberia to accelerate and help make Europe competitive again.