IBERDROLA is committed to research, development and innovation, which are strategic variables for confronting the challenges facing the energy sector, and the Company’s focus in this area is sustainable development—the promotion of renewable energies and emerging technologies. The Company invested significant resources in these activities in 2009: €90.5 million, in line with the 2008-2010 R&D Strategic Plan.

Last year, R&D projects were carried out in all areas. It is vital for businesses, universities, technology centers, industrial organizations, and public institutions to collaborate through programs and agreements. Working together, employing an open innovation model, allows for the development of R&D activities that not only improve the competitiveness of businesses but, more importantly, generates wealth at the social and national level

In recognition of the R & D initiatives and projects being developed, IBERDROLA has been named as the fifth Spanish company with major investment in R&D, the first in the electricity sector under the EU Industrial R&D Investment Scoreboard and designated the world's most innovative Electric, according to the Boston Consulting Group.