The inauguration of the Smart Grids Academy at the Iberdrola Tower in Bilbao marks a significant milestone in the effort to transform the energy sector in Bizkaia and internationally. This innovative educational platform is the result of collaboration between the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, Iberdrola, and the GAIA Cluster, and is part of the ‘Bizkaia with the talent’ strategy. Its mission is to empower professionals with advanced digital skills to tackle the challenges of energy transition and the development of smart electrical networks.
During the presentation, the essential role of smart electrical networks in the transition to a more sustainable and digital economy was emphasized. These networks, which use cutting-edge technology to optimize energy consumption and supply, are key to advancing decarbonization through electrification. However, the event also highlighted that “without smart networks there is no energy transition, and without trained people, there will be no smart networks,” emphasizing the need for specialized talent in the sector.
To meet this demand, the Smart Grids Academy offers a comprehensive training environment that seeks to not only strengthen the competitiveness of companies and universities in Euskadi, but also to raise their global prestige in the field of Smart Grids. Under the leadership of Iberdrola, the academy aims to establish an ecosystem of innovation and learning that will put Bizkaia on the global map of smart energy.
The presentation was attended by prominent figures from the institutional and business sectors, such as Ainara Basurko, Deputy of Economic Promotion of the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, Asís Canales, Iberdrola’s delegate in the Basque Country, and Elena Zarraga, president of the GAIA Cluster. They all agreed on the importance of public-private collaboration to materialize projects of this caliber.
The academy will offer versatile training, combining in-person, online, and hands-on techniques in technological laboratories in the Basque Country. Starting in the first quarter of 2025, pilot training programs will be launched, targeting both companies in the sector and professionals who wish to enhance their skills in the field of smart electrical networks. The curricula will cover aspects such as the architecture of Smart Grids, cybersecurity in electrical networks, and advanced data management.
Smart Grids Academy is conceived not only as a training center, but as a collaborative and dynamic hub. Organizations, companies, and institutions are invited to get involved, sharing their knowledge and supporting the growth of this international innovation space. The goal is for this initiative to not only promote local talent but also attract foreign professionals, consolidating Bizkaia as a pioneer in smart electrical networks.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
