Wednesday, September 10, 2025
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The Spanish energy sector is going through an unprecedented moment of transformation. The need to decarbonize the economy, the volatility of energy prices, and the growing demand for more efficient and sustainable solutions have opened the door to new players. Among them, startups have emerged as true drivers of change, promoting innovation and redefining the future of energy in Spain.
What’s a startup?
Although this term has become popular in recent years, it is often confused with any small business. However, a startup is much more than that. It is defined as a newly created company with a high technological component that seeks a scalable business model. Its main characteristics include:
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Innovation
They propose disruptive solutions to existing problems or create new markets.
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Technology
They usually base their business on the development or application of new technologies.
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Scalability
They have the potential to grow rapidly and reach a large number of customers or users without a significant increase in costs.
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External financing
They often require venture capital investment or business angels to finance their growth.
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Agility
They are able to quickly adapt to market changes.
Unlike a traditional small business, which operates with an already established business model and seeks linear growth, a startup pursues exponential growth, taking calculated risks in its search for a validated business model that is easily scalable.
Why are startups important for the energy sector?
The energy sector, traditionally dominated by large multinationals, faces complex challenges requiring agile and disruptive solutions. This is where startups can demonstrate their great potential by providing innovative solutions that range from new ways of generating energy to intelligent management systems, acting as incubators of fresh ideas capable of transforming the energy value chain. Their agility and flexibility allow them to experiment, fail fast, and learn, adapting to technological changes with a speed unmatched by large corporations. Moreover, they are key players in driving the energy transition, developing technologies that facilitate the integration of renewable energy, improve efficiency, and promote electrification, which are all essential for Spain to reach its ambitious renewable electricity generation targets of 74% in 2030 and 100% by 2050, according to the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan. Lastly, they significantly contribute to the creation of high-value employment, generating jobs specialized in R&D, engineering and new technologies, driving the country's economic and technological development.
Examples of innovative energy startups in Spain
Spain is a breeding ground for energy innovation, with several startups making a difference in various areas:
Energy storage
Storage is key for stability of a network with high renewable penetration, and different startups are already working on solid state batteries, which promise greater energy density and safety.
Energy efficiency in homes and offices
According to the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving, the residential sector represents 18% of final energy consumption in Spain, underscoring the potential for savings through efficiency. There are currently startups that propose software platforms for building and company energy management, allowing for significant savings.
New renewable energy sources
Beyond solar and wind, there are startups exploring tidal energy, advanced geothermal energy, and even next-generation biomass.
Artificial Intelligence
AI is a powerful tool for energy management. For example, it can be used to optimize energy demand management in the electricity market, allowing consumers to actively participate and reduce their costs. There are also startups researching the automation of photovoltaic solar plant design and engineering on a large scale, thus reducing time and costs, which can accelerate the implementation of renewables.
As you may have seen, startups are not just a complement, but a fundamental part of the evolution of the energy sector. Their ability to innovate, adapt, and scale disruptive solutions positions them as the next generation of leaders who will drive the transition towards a more sustainable, efficient and digital energy model.
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