The increasing integration of self-consumption photovoltaic generation, electric vehicles and other single-phase loads is increasing unbalance in low voltage grids. When generation and consumption are not evenly distributed across the phases, effects arise that limit grid performance and affect power quality, including overvoltages on some phases and undervoltages on others, power quality events, high neutral currents and increased technical losses. 

In many cases, the power quality events affecting customers are not caused by inadequate voltage at the transformer station, but by a local issue: the uneven distribution of loads across phases. For this reason, acting only on voltage at the transformer station does not resolve them. 

optima.smart is a power electronics solution installed on low voltage lines that transfers energy between phases in real time, without supplying or consuming net energy from the grid (except for equipment losses, approximately 3%). In this way, it reduces voltage unbalance both upstream and downstream of its connection point. 

Unlike a voltage regulation solution at the transformer station, optima.smart acts locally along the line where the unbalance is concentrated. 

This solution has two main benefits: 

• Voltage unbalance reduction 

The first evidence of optima.smart’s impact is the reduction in unbalance at its connection point and, as a direct consequence, the balancing of phase voltages. 

Commissioning tests at one of the pilots analysed provide a clear comparison between both scenarios. Before the equipment was activated, voltage unbalance reached values close to 11%, with significant differences between phase voltages: one phase dropped to 215 V, while the other two recorded values well above 240 V. 

Once optima.smart is in operation, average voltage unbalance at the connection point remains at around 0.1%, well below the 2% reference value established by UNE-EN 50160. As a result, the voltages of the three phases converge and show virtually identical behaviour. 

In the pilots analysed, a significant proportion of the recorded events was directly associated with voltage deviations caused by phase unbalance. Consequently, after optima.smart was commissioned, the number of recorded events was reduced by up to 94%, while their cumulative duration was reduced by more than 95%. 

This behaviour differed at each site. In one case, undervoltages associated with phases operating at lower voltage levels predominated; in the other, the main issue was overvoltages caused by one phase operating at higher voltage levels. Although the specific situations were different, both originated from an uneven distribution of loads and generation across the phases. 

The figures above show that, before the equipment was installed, overvoltage and undervoltage events were distributed across a large part of the grid, with some customers experiencing a high number of events. After optima.smart was installed, the number of affected customers was significantly reduced and the remaining events were concentrated at specific points in the grid. 

Therefore, the main effect of optima.smart is not only the direct elimination of power quality events, but also the mitigation of the phase unbalance that causes many of them. Once this unbalance has been reduced, the remaining events can be more clearly attributed to other grid-related causes, making them easier to identify and enabling specific corrective measures to be defined. 

• Neutral current reduction and lower losses 

In a four-wire low voltage grid, phase unbalance causes current to flow through the neutral conductor. This current generates conductor losses through the Joule effect. 

On the lines analysed, before optima.smart was deployed, neutral current could exceed phase current. By improving phase balancing, optima.smart reduces the current flowing through the neutral conductor and decreases current differences between phases, directly reducing the technical losses associated with these conductors. 

Conclusion 

optima.smart addresses one of the main challenges arising from the large-scale integration of single-phase resources into low voltage grids: voltage and current unbalance between phases. 

Its operation improves voltage balancing along the line, promotes a more even distribution of load and helps mitigate the power quality events associated with this phenomenon. It also enables better use of existing infrastructure capacity and facilitates the integration of new loads and distributed energy resources. 

Once the effects of unbalance have been mitigated, the DSO can more clearly identify other phenomena affecting the installation and prioritise specific actions to address the causes that continue to constrain grid performance. 

Testimonials

optima.smart is a solution that addresses the grid’s dynamic challenges dynamically, solving issues that traditional static solutions cannot. Everything changes, including the way electricity is consumed. The integration of distributed generation or loads such as EVs cannot be properly addressed with traditional solutions, whereas this type of device adapts its behaviour to the grid’s dynamic changes – UFD.

By installing optima.smart, we have reduced unbalance on the LV line, optimising the voltage profile and limiting the current flowing through the neutral conductor and the associated losses. This experience has enabled us to positively assess the potential of this solution to facilitate the integration of new demand and generation into the low voltage grid – CMH.

The implementation of optima.smart has virtually eliminated undervoltage issues, reducing the time outside regulatory voltage limits by almost 90%. It has also reduced current imbalance by 80.6% and neutral conductor current by 64.2%, relieving the most heavily loaded phase and cutting thermal losses by more than one third. The result is a more stable grid with greater available capacity, without the need to reinforce existing cabling or oversize the transformer. – Bassols.

Electrical distribution switchgear based on fully gas-insulated technology (GIS), now available without fluorinated gases, has established itself as the most reliable technological solution

Behind something as commonplace as switching on a light or using our household appliances lies a complex electrical infrastructure built around an interconnected grid that relies on technology to operate correctly. Today, we take a closer look at one of the key elements of the grid, distribution switchgear, and at the differences between the two predominant insulation technologies: GIS (Gas-Insulated Switchgear) and AIS (Air-Insulated Switchgear).

The enormous expansion of the power grid during the 20th century drove unprecedented progress in electrical engineering. Step by step, this development created a power grid capable of supplying a population whose day-to-day demand for electricity continued to grow.

This technological journey encompasses countless advances and engineering decisions that have brought us to where we are today, at a time when the electrification of society is undergoing a major transformation aimed at decarbonising economic activity and reducing society’s environmental impact.

Among these innovations is the technological development of medium-voltage distribution switchgear, equipment designed to receive and distribute electrical power to transformers, where voltage levels are transformed, while providing the necessary switching, isolation and protection functions. Two main insulation technologies have traditionally been used: GIS (Gas-Insulated Switchgear) and AIS (Air-Insulated Switchgear).

Although both technologies provide insulation and enable electrical current to be switched and isolated safely, the development of urban infrastructure, together with the resulting need to optimise the space occupied by electrical switchgear and minimise its footprint, as well as the critical requirement for reliability, has made GIS the predominant technology.

Let us see why.

Gas-insulated switchgear: the predominant technology

Picture a city centre. Space is shared by residential buildings, roads, shops, leisure and cultural facilities, hospitals, railway infrastructure and numerous other public services. Land availability is limited, while demand for electricity is both intensive and continuous. At the same time, people are constantly moving through streets and public areas.

In this environment, where safety and security of supply are essential and the space available for electrical equipment is limited, gas-insulated technology has become an ideal solution.

GIS technology stands out in terms of reliability, safety, sustainability and space optimisation.

What began as an ingenious insulation solution for installations with space constraints has evolved into one of the technological pillars of the world’s most advanced power grids.

But let us take a closer look at this technology and its main alternative.

What is GIS, or Gas-Insulated Switchgear?

GIS is a technology in which busbars, the main circuit, and switching and connection devices are insulated and enclosed within gas-tight, sealed-for-life stainless-steel compartments containing a dielectric gas as the insulating medium.

Thanks to this configuration, GIS distribution switchgear provides:

• An extremely compact design and configuration.
• Greater protection against external environmental conditions.
• High operational reliability.
• Greater safety for operators and users.
• Reduced maintenance requirements throughout its service life.

For these reasons, GIS technology has become predominant in electrical distribution equipment used in transformer substations, urban infrastructure, industrial installations, renewable-energy facilities, ports, airports, hospitals and data centres, among many other applications.

What about AIS, or Air-Insulated Switchgear?

While GIS uses gas to insulate its internal components, AIS (Air-Insulated Switchgear) uses ambient air as its insulating medium.

As a result, live components must be separated by greater physical clearances, and insulation performance is more dependent on the environmental conditions surrounding the equipment.

AIS solutions have been widely used. However, their greater space requirements and their increased exposure to environmental conditions can result in additional costs, particularly due to more frequent periodic maintenance. Consequently, in many applications these solutions have increasingly been replaced by more compact and robust GIS solutions.

What are the main differences and advantages of GIS over AIS?

1. Smaller footprint

The most immediately apparent advantage of Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS) is its compactness.

Because it uses an insulating medium with a higher dielectric strength than air, components can be installed much closer together. This can reduce the space required for an installation by 80% to 90% compared with an equivalent AIS solution.

2. Higher reliability

Active components are protected inside sealed enclosures, minimising the impact of environmental conditions.

This significantly reduces the risk of incidents caused by:

• Humidity.
• Dust.
• Industrial pollution.
• Saline environments.
• Wildlife or vegetation.

3. Reduced maintenance

Because GIS equipment is protected against weather conditions and contaminants, fewer maintenance interventions are required throughout its life cycle, contributing to higher grid availability.

4. Increased safety

Enclosing live parts reduces exposure to accidental contact and improves performance in events such as an internal arc.

5. Ready for critical infrastructure

Data centres, hospitals, transport systems, industrial facilities and renewable power generation plants demand solutions offering high levels of reliability and continuity of service.

These are precisely the environments in which GIS technology demonstrates its full potential.

The evolution of GIS technology: towards fluorinated-gas-free solutions

For decades, a large proportion of GIS technologies have used SF₆ (sulphur hexafluoride) as a dielectric gas due to its excellent insulating properties.

However, regulatory developments, particularly within the European Union, together with global sustainability targets, have driven the electrical equipment industry to develop new insulation solutions that retain the main advantages of GIS technology while eliminating the use of SF₆.

The need to accelerate the electrification of our economy through a sustainable approach has further reinforced the already strategic role played by the electrical equipment industry. The sector is currently making a major contribution towards achieving society’s decarbonisation targets.

In this context, the various initiatives promoted by the European Union to reduce the environmental impact of human activity, including new regulations governing fluorinated gases such as SF₆, are driving industry towards a future without these gases.

The electrical industry uses such gases as part of the dielectric solution required to ensure the safe operation and handling of electrical equipment such as distribution switchgear. GIS technology has played a fundamental role in the industry for decades, helping ensure both security of electricity supply and operator safety, while providing gas tightness and enabling gas recovery at the end of the equipment’s service life.

Today, this technology is evolving towards a scenario in which alternatives to SF₆ are taking over.

Among the main insulating media introduced by leading manufacturers, the most competitive solutions are those capable of maintaining comparable technical and operational characteristics while requiring the fewest possible changes for distribution system operators.

This is particularly important when adapting the power grid for the future without introducing significant changes to established equipment and operating practices.

This is where industrial natural air insulation comes into play. Used in the technology developed by Ormazabal, among other manufacturers, this solution uses gases naturally present in the atmosphere which, after a controlled industrial process, provide the insulating medium for distribution switchgear. This eliminates environmental moisture from the insulating medium while providing the appropriate dielectric insulation required by the equipment.

One of the main industrial advantages of this technological alternative is that it is patent-free, facilitating scalability and accessibility across the electrical industry.

Furthermore, a key factor that makes Ormazabal’s proposal particularly suitable for the grid is its ability to implement this technology while maintaining the same design, operation and usage parameters as SF₆-insulated equipment.

As a result, Ormazabal’s range of fluorinated-gas-free solutions for primary and secondary distribution networks up to 24 kV has attracted significant interest since the first alternatives entered the market.

Ormazabal’s fluorinated-gas-free solution

As part of its commitment to leading the sustainable transformation of power grids, Ormazabal has invested a decade in technological research to develop an innovative fully insulated alternative that does not use SF₆ as a dielectric gas.

The solution uses industrial natural air, manufactured under controlled and tested conditions using only components naturally present in air. It is commercially accessible and patent-free.

The technology reduces environmental impact while addressing the new European regulatory framework for fluorinated gases and supporting climate-neutrality objectives.

Ormazabal’s technological alternative has been very well received by the market. Following more than 10 years of continuous research, it retains the design, operation and maintenance parameters of existing equipment backed by more than 30 years of proven experience, making it one of the market’s most comprehensive solutions.

The Ormazabal technology proposition ensures ZERO changes to design, operation and maintenance parameters, together with ZERO uncertainties regarding health, safety, reliability and performance.

Ormazabal’s fluorinated-gas-free solutions for secondary and primary distribution offer the following key features:

• Naturally sourced gas.
• Natural air components.
• Industrially manufactured.
• Fully accessible.
• Minimum filling pressure.
• Known behaviour.
• Proven gas tightness.
• Easy operation and use.
• Innovative switch-disconnector.
• Circuit breaker based on proven technology.
• Optimised dimensions.
• Similar footprint.
• Digital native.
• Sensors.
• Automation.

This launch is aligned with Ormazabal’s strong commitment to European climate-neutrality targets and people’s well-being, while promoting the electrification of society.

These challenges are part of Ormazabal’s DNA and are being actively addressed through the digitalisation of the power grid, facilitating the connection of electric mobility infrastructure, energy storage and renewable energy sources.

Would you like to learn more about Ormazabal’s ZERO solutions for the power grid?

The Ormazabal Classroom celebrates a quarter of a century as a benchmark for university-industry collaboration, connecting students with real-world engineering and technology projects

We commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Ormazabal Classroom at an event attended by representatives of EHU (Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea – University of the Basque Country). Since its creation in 2001, this pioneering university-industry collaboration initiative has helped promote practical training, knowledge transfer and the integration of talent into the industrial sector.

The event, held on 30 September at Ormazabal’s headquarters in the Biscay Science and Technology Park in Derio, was attended by EHU’s Vice-Rector for Knowledge Transfer and Internationalisation, Gotzone Barandika; the Director of the Bilbao School of Engineering, Charles Pinto; and other academic representatives involved in the initiative.

Representing Ormazabal were Javier Ormazabal, President of Ormazabal; Jorge González, CEO; Emmanuel Orio, Human Capital Director; and Milagros García, Marketing Director, together with other representatives from the organisation.

From education to attracting talent

Located at EHU’s Bilbao School of Engineering, the Ormazabal Classroom was created to bring students closer to the realities of technology and industry through hands-on projects addressing the company’s real challenges and needs.

Over the past 25 years, the Classroom has become a gateway for qualified talent to join the company, as well as a space for identifying, attracting and developing professionals who now work across different areas of the organisation. This also contributes to strengthening the company’s technological and industrial capabilities. This impact is reflected in the almost 60 students who have joined Ormazabal and the 15 projects launched through the initiative.

At the same time, it has given students the opportunity to gain early experience working on real-world projects, accelerating their professional development and enhancing their employability.

“The Ormazabal Classroom is one of the best examples of how collaboration between universities and companies can generate value for society as a whole. Over these 25 years, we have worked together to advance knowledge, foster interest in technology careers and help talented people find opportunities to develop professionally in our region,” said Javier Ormazabal, President of Ormazabal.

Gotzone Barandika, EHU’s Vice-Rector for Knowledge Transfer and Internationalisation, added:

“The track record of the Ormazabal Classroom demonstrates the enormous potential of cooperation between academia and business to enrich students’ education and jointly address the technological and societal challenges of the future.”

A collaboration with a tangible impact on the region

The history of the Ormazabal Classroom reflects the potential of public-private collaboration to create opportunities and strengthen the innovation ecosystem in the Basque Country. Joint work between faculty members, students and Ormazabal professionals has created an environment for learning and knowledge exchange focused on real-world industrial challenges.

The Classroom develops initiatives across different disciplines of strategic importance to the company, including the development of customised engineering solutions for the electricity grid.

Beyond its academic dimension, the Classroom also serves as a meeting point for different generations of engineers, encouraging knowledge sharing and consolidating the long-standing relationship between EHU and Ormazabal.

Celebrating 25 years of shared knowledge

The event provided an opportunity to recognise the people who have helped establish and strengthen this initiative over the years. It also brought together former students who joined the company after taking part in the Ormazabal Classroom, putting faces to one of the initiative’s greatest achievements: turning knowledge and hands-on experience into long-term career opportunities.

25 kV switchgear powers tunnel boring machine for the expansion of the Montreal Metro

The extension of Montreal Metro’s Blue Line demonstrates how a medium-voltage switchgear system from Spain and a tunnel boring machine from Germany can become the backbone of a major infrastructure project in Canada. At the heart of the project is a tunnel boring machine (TBM) from Herrenknecht AG with a diameter of 9.7 metres and a length of 135 metres. Since May 2026, it has been advancing up to 15 metres per day through the underground of the French-Canadian metropolis. At the same time, it removes excavated material and installs concrete segments for the new 4.6-kilometre tunnel. To ensure that this mobile factory operates reliably, it requires a stable, safe and standards-compliant power supply. To support this, we supplied the medium-voltage technology in mid-2025.

Reliable technology for extreme conditions

As a long-standing partner of Herrenknecht, we supplied a cgmcosmos medium-voltage switchgear system for the project. Operating at a voltage level of 25 kV, it ensures the power supply of the tunnel boring machine. The switchgear was integrated by the customer into a specially developed enclosure designed to meet the stringent safety requirements of tunnel operations. It serves as the power intake switchgear for the TBM’s electrical supply.

In addition, we supplied a switching station that manages the electrical power distribution for both the construction site and the tunnel boring machine throughout the entire construction period, ensuring a reliable and secure power supply.

A particular challenge was compliance with North American standards. The switchgear had to meet both the requirements of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and the specifications requested by the customer for this international project. We fulfilled these requirements and delivered a standards-compliant solution for operation in Canada.

Technical collaboration between experienced partners

Our German solutions team was involved from the very beginning, from technical consultancy and configuration of the switchgear manufactured at our production facility in Spain through to support during integration into the TBM at Herrenknecht’s headquarters in Schwanau, Germany. The final integration of the switchgear into the machine and the acceptance tests were carried out by Herrenknecht together with the end customer. We remained available throughout the process to provide support on specific technical questions.

Power supply across growing distances

A key characteristic of tunnel construction is that the tunnel length increases with every metre advanced. As the TBM progresses, additional supply stations must be installed to ensure the power supply over ever-increasing distances.

The Ormazabal switchgear installed in the rear section of the machine plays a crucial role in this process. It reliably supplies power to the TBM and protects the electrical components, even as operational loads increase.

“Thanks to our long-standing cooperation, we are very familiar with Herrenknecht’s technical interfaces and requirements,” explains Antonio Gonzalez Espinosa, Solutions Manager at Ormazabal Germany. “For the Montreal project, we adapted an existing configuration to meet the technical requirements for operation in Canada.”

He adds: “In previous projects, we actively supported the Modbus TCP communication of our protection and metering equipment. Today, Herrenknecht’s engineering department has developed such a deep understanding of our products that it can independently perform these tasks. This is an excellent example of the strong cooperation and continuous development within our teams.”

Technical specifications of the switchgear

• Rated voltage: up to 27 kV
• Operating voltage: 25 kV at 60 Hz
• Rated busbar current: 600 A
• Short-time withstand current: 20 kA / 1 s
• Control/motor voltage: 24 V DC
• Lightning impulse withstand voltage: 125 kV
• Internal arc classification: IAC AFL 20 kA
• Compliance standards: CAN CSA C22.2 No. 31-04, IEEE, CENELEC EN 50180
• Voltage presence indicator: Ormazabal ekor IVDS

Technical expertise and standards-compliant solutions

“Due to the long-standing collaboration, Ormazabal has an in-depth understanding of Herrenknecht’s requirements. The medium-voltage switchgear supplied is based on a proven standard configuration that had already been jointly developed and refined in previous projects. Both companies are familiar with each other’s processes, products and requirements, enabling demanding projects such as the Montreal Metro expansion to be implemented smoothly,” says Reinhold Mattes, Electrical Project Manager Traffic Tunnelling at Herrenknecht AG.

New site brings together central functions for the German market

On Friday 26 June, we held the official ground-breaking ceremony for our new German headquarters in Krefeld. With this new building, we are creating a new hub for Germany, Central and Eastern Europe. In future, the headquarters will bring together engineering, technical project implementation, service, sales and departments specialising in the customisation of systems. The aim is to provide our customers in Germany with tailored support to meet the requirements of modern energy distribution and medium-voltage technology. The building is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027. Our approximately 70 employees will then relocate from our current site in Krefeld to a location some three kilometres to the north. Ormazabal employs a total of around 90 people in Germany.

“I am delighted that a modern and growing company such as Ormazabal is making a long-term commitment to Krefeld as a business location. Not only was a suitable site found in Fichtenhain for the German headquarters, but the area also offers the perfect environment for a technology-oriented, internationally positioned company. I wish Ormazabal and its staff all the best for the construction phase and their work at the new site,” said Frank Meyer, Lord Mayor of the City of Krefeld, at the official ground-breaking ceremony.

Focus on SF6-free medium-voltage technology

With the gradual phase-out of the insulating gas SF6 across Europe, demand for SF6-free switchgear is growing significantly. We are developing solutions for the safe and efficient operation of medium-voltage networks. Our switchgear is based on ‘industrial natural air’ and operates entirely without F-gases. Ormazabal deliberately relies on proven technical parameters to ensure operational continuity, minimise risks and enable network operators a reliable transition to SF6-free technologies. In future, our site in Krefeld will tailor these solutions even more closely to the requirements of the German market and network operators.

Medium-voltage technology for grid operation

The new site in Krefeld will play a central role in the customised expansion of switchgear and the technical adaptation of solutions for the German market. This includes technical connection conditions, specifications from the Association for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies (VDE), and specific requirements from grid operators.

For Ormazabal, Germany is one of the most important markets for energy distribution solutions and the integration of renewable energy sources. “The expansion of the electricity grids is one of the key challenges of the energy transition. With the new site, we are creating even better conditions for offering technologies for the German market and adapting them to individual requirements,” says Markus Kiefer, member of the management board at Ormazabal GmbH. “We want to support our customers closely and practically as they transition to SF₆-free technologies.”

Expansion of the Krefeld site

We have had a presence in Krefeld since 2004; with the new building, we are relocating our operations to the Fichtenhainer Allee Business Park.

The new headquarters is being built on a site covering more than 12,000 square metres and is due to be ready for occupation in 2027. The office and technical areas can be expanded in future to allow the site to be flexibly adapted to market requirements. Ormazabal is investing a total of around ten million euros in the new headquarters.

Ormazabal and Krefeld Business are jointly driving forward sustainable energy distribution

• Delegation from Krefeld: Ormazabal welcomes business development representatives at its production and research site in Spain
• Up-to-date insights into production processes and technological developments
• Background of the visit: Ormazabal is collaborating with Krefeld Business on a new German headquarters

Ormazabal welcomed a delegation from Krefeld to our global headquarters and research center in Spain. Alongside our  German management, representatives from the Krefeld Economic Development Agency (Krefeld Business) travelled to the Basque Country. The focus was on modern production processes and the further development of solutions for energy distribution, such as SF₆-free medium-voltage technology. Another aim of the trip was to deepen international dialogue and bring new ideas from one of Europe’s most significant industrial and technological hubs back to Krefeld. With this visit, Ormazabal also highlights the importance of its German site in Krefeld.

SF₆-free medium-voltage technology as a key technology

During a visit to a to part of our industrial capabilities in Spain, the delegation gained insights into state-of-the-art production lines for next-generation switchgear. Solutions for secondary power distribution with F-gas-free medium-voltage switchgear are manufactured there.

With the gradual European phase-out of the insulating gas SF6, demand for SF6-free switchgear is growing significantly. Ormazabal addresses these requirements with practical solutions for safe and efficient operation: the SF6-free switchgear is based on ‘industrial natural air’ and is completely free of F-gases. At the same time, we use proven technical parameters to ensure operational continuity, minimise risks and enable grid operators to make a reliable transition to SF6-free technologies.

Areas of application include industrial infrastructure, critical facilities and applications in the context of the energy transition, such as charging infrastructure and renewable generation plants.

Ormazabal invests in the Krefeld site

The visit to Bilbao also provided an opportunity to intensify the collaboration between Krefeld Business and Ormazabal. Krefeld Business is supporting us in expanding our business at the Krefeld site. With the new site, Ormazabal is consolidating Engineering, Solutions, After Sales and industrial manufacturing operations, thereby establishing a central customisation and technology hub for Central Europe. The aim is to tailor SF6-free solutions specifically to local regulatory, technical and operational requirements – with short response times, high service availability and a clear focus on automation and digitalisation for the German market.

The newly acquired site in the Fichtenhainer Allee Business Park will be home to the new headquarters for Germany, Central and Eastern Europe. Ormazabal is making a targeted investment in modern infrastructure and the sustainable expansion of its activities in the German market. The visit by the economic development agency to Bilbao was also a clear commitment to Krefeld as a business location.

Eckart Preen, Managing Director of Krefeld Business, emphasises: “The fact that Ormazabal is investing in a new German headquarters, particularly in economically challenging times, sends a strong signal for Krefeld as an industrial location. The visit to the Basque Country was also a sign of appreciation for this commitment and underlines the long-term partnership between Ormazabal and Krefeld as a business location.”

Joint innovation initiatives for the business location of Krefeld

A key part of the visit was also the exchange with Koldo Atxutegi, Chief Innovation Officer at Ormazabal, on open innovation strategies and collaboration with technology start-ups. We are currently working on 23 innovation projects – ranging from the concrete definition of problems through proofs of concept to implementation in operational settings. More than ten solutions have already been successfully implemented, including in the field of artificial intelligence, for instance to optimise stock levels, for digital service and field reports, or internal assistance systems. In total, Ormazabal invests four per cent of its turnover in research, development and innovation, positioning its Bilbao site as a group-wide pioneer for technology-driven collaborations with measurable added value for grid operations.

Krefeld Business also pursues open innovation approaches and cooperates, amongst others, with the BEAZ business development agency of the province of Bizkaia. A joint visit to the B Accelerator Tower (BAT) in Bilbao – an internationally oriented start-up centre – served to exchange best practices in innovation methodology, start-up support and institutional networking. The insights gained provide valuable impetus for the development of the Krefeld site.

“Bilbao Effect”: Origins with an impact

The term “Bilbao Effect” describes the successful transformation of the Basque metropolis of Bilbao from a traditional industrial city into an internationally recognised hub for innovation and technology. For Ormazabal, this effect is more than a regional phenomenon: as a company with roots in the Basque Country, we consciously apply the principles shaped there – industrial strength, an open culture of innovation and collaborative partnership – to other locations. The investments in Krefeld, the close dialogue with the Krefeld Economic Development Agency and the shared focus on innovation demonstrate how this approach is also having an impact beyond Bilbao.

In line with its commitment to continuous improvement and power supply quality, Ormazabal has carried out a strategic project in collaboration with the electricity distribution company Saltos del Cabrera, located in the municipality of Puente de Domingo Flórez (León).

With more than 30 years of experience in the sector, Saltos del Cabrera manages electricity distribution throughout the municipality of Puente de Domingo Flórez, as well as in parts of the municipalities of Benuza (León) and Rubiana (Orense). Its network includes several transformer substations in rural areas with complex technical and operational conditions, driving its commitment to innovative solutions and digitalisation.

In this context, Saltos del Cabrera chose to incorporate smart and digitalised solutions that would enable the grid to be remotely monitored, analysed and operated, improving operational efficiency and supply stability.

Project

The project focused on two strategic transformer substations, both equipped with 630 kVA Ormazabal transforma.smart transformers with an on-load tap changer (OLTC), which had a generic, non-optimised configuration.

The technical challenge for Ormazabal was to identify and adjust the equipment configuration, analysing low-voltage grid data in detail to identify the actual voltage regulation needs and adjust the operating parameters of the OLTC (On-Load Tap Changer) to improve power quality.

Methodology applied

Thanks to the advanced capabilities of transforma.smart, a structured analysis process was carried out in several stages:

1. Analysis of historical data from the low-voltage grid collected by transforma.smart and the grid data concentrator.
2. Detection of deviations from the regulatory voltage ranges.
3. Definition of new setpoints adapted to the actual load conditions and grid behaviour.
4. Remote implementation of adjustments, with no need for physical intervention at the transformer substation.
5. Post-adjustment monitoring, validating the improvement by tracking quality indicators.

This approach made it possible to adjust the operating parameters, improving the response capability of the voltage regulator and ensuring more stable and efficient operation.

As a result, a 97% reduction in overvoltage and undervoltage deviations was achieved, with no need for on-site visits, demonstrating the potential of digitalisation to optimise electrical asset management.

Conclusion

The solution implemented with transforma.smart not only resolved the identified power quality issues, but also demonstrated the effectiveness of applying digital intelligence to the operation and control of transformer substations.

In environments with demanding technical conditions, this initiative has significantly improved the end-customer experience, reduced response times for incidents and provided greater visibility into grid behaviour.

The project reflects Ormazabal’s ability to combine technical expertise, data analysis and digital tools to provide solutions tailored to the actual needs of electricity distribution companies.

“As part of our strategy to modernise the medium-voltage grid and adapt to new distributed generation scenarios, we have installed two transforma.smart units with the aim of ensuring efficient management of generation flows and maintaining optimal voltage levels, with no impact on third parties. The project, developed in two phases, involved several companies, with Ormazabal playing a key role as the company responsible for the design, assembly and commissioning of both units. We are currently continuing to work together with Ormazabal on the implementation of further improvements at these facilities.”

Key benefits to client

• 97% reduction in power quality issues.
• Optimisation without physical intervention, through remote adjustments.
• Greater operational visibility and traceability of grid behaviour.
• Improved end-customer satisfaction and fewer incidents.

 

 

A modern PV battery storage hybrid power plant has been built in Zerbst, Germany: the solar park with connected battery storage is located on the site of a former gravel pit. With an output of around 46.4 megawatts peak and a 16-megawatt battery storage facility, the plant will generate and store almost 50,000 megawatt hours of green electricity annually – enough to supply around 14,000 households and save 32,000 tonnes of CO₂. For the park connection and the secure control of the medium-voltage infrastructure, Statkraft relies on technology from Ormazabal.

A hybrid power plant of this size requires complex electrical infrastructure. In addition to the connection to the higher-level substation, the connection between the solar park and the battery storage facility must be reliable and remotely controllable.

‘The biggest challenge was to create a solution that meets both the high safety requirements and the flexibility for operating a hybrid power plant,’ explains Thomas Höfkens, Solutions Manager at Ormazabal Germany, responsible for the project’s management.

We supplied a customised medium-voltage collection station that acts as a central interface between the substation, transformer stations and battery storage facility. The precast concrete station houses our cpg.0 medium-voltage switchgear and an auxiliary transformer with a capacity of 630 kilovolt-amperes.

Safe and remotely controllable: Ormazabal supplies intelligent switchgear

The primary switchgear, consisting of a total of six circuit breaker panels for feed-in, output and transformer, is designed for voltages up to 36 kilovolts, currents up to 1250 amps and a short-circuit resistance of 25 kiloamperes per second. The Ormazabal protection devices used are connected to the ekor.uct telecontrol system via Modbus TCP. This allows Statkraft to integrate the entire plant directly into its own SCADA system and control it remotely. Janitza network analysers, which are also connected via Modbus TCP bus, were used for the measured values.

‘Thanks to the intelligent switchgear, we can flexibly control the operation of the hybrid power plant and respond to grid requirements in an optimal manner,’ emphasises Fredy Cañizares, Solar Engineering Manager at Statkraft. ‘This is crucial for using the energy generated efficiently and ensuring security of supply.’

In order to ensure reliable operation of the control and protection technology even in the event of grid failures or voltage fluctuations, an uninterruptible power supply system with 230 volts AC/110 volts DC and a capacity of 33 ampere hours was integrated, so that critical components such as telecontrol systems and protection devices are supplied with a stable power supply at all times.

Connection of the storage system via a special outdoor solution

The battery storage system, located in the middle of the solar park, balances out fluctuations in the PV system’s output: surplus energy is stored during the day and released again when output is low. The storage system enables demand-oriented feed-in and maximises the benefits of the green electricity generated. Two additional cgm.3 switchgear units in an outdoor enclosure are used to connect the battery storage system. The integrated ekor.rpa‑021 protection devices were parameterised on site by the German Solutions team.

The compact solution is specially designed for outdoor use and demanding environmental conditions and ensures a secure connection between the storage system and the collection station.

The Ormazabal Solutions team supervised the project from planning and delivery to installation and commissioning of the collection station and outdoor switchgear.

With our technology, we are working with Statkraft to help make the energy transition a reality. The combination of solar park and battery storage strengthens grid stability – and our solution ensures reliable operation.

We have united forces to call on policymakers, regulators, and grid operators to establish a business framework that supports the materialization of the energy transition in Europe

Enlit Europe 2025 – the international benchmark event for the energy sector, bringing together top leaders and experts in Bilbao – has become the chosen venue for the European electricity industry, which encompasses more than 770,000 companies and 11,600,000 jobs, to announce the so‑called “Bilbao Manifesto.” This letter, signed by 15 of the most relevant agents in the European electricity industry – including Ormazabal – seeks to highlight the need for a business framework that enables the realization of the continent’s energy transition.

The European industry represents a vital source of technological and industrial knowledge, responsible for developing, manufacturing, and installing clean electricity solutions across the continent; positioning itself as a key player in achieving Europe’s strategic and energy security objectives.

These objectives, as emphasized by Jorge González, CEO of Ormazabal, are not being met due to a lack of clarity and institutional support for the sector. “In the last 20 years, we have moved from 17% to 25% of non‑polluting primary energy; still far from the 50% we must reach by 2050. To achieve this, we must triple the pace of investment compared to the last two decades,” noted the CEO of Ormazabal.

The urgency of this acceleration becomes even clearer when considering that regulation in Europe regarding grid investment – currently national rather than continental – is not aligned with the electrification goals that have been set; aspects that authorities should harmonize. Added to this is an uneven playing field, with protectionist laws in countries outside Europe that hinder international competition for European companies, while Europe itself does not clearly promote technological and industrial investments.

Thus, the industry calls on policymakers, regulators, and electricity grid operators to:

1. Recognise the strategic importance of Europe’s clean electricity technology
   sector and qualify support for it as a vital European and national interest.
2. Ensure the swift deployment of technologies developed and manufactured in
   Europe without delay, because the expansion and upgrade of Europe’s clean
   electricity grids needs to be accelerated.
3. Support the growth of the clean energy technology workforce.
4. Make clear, realistic, longer-term commitments on demand for conventional
   and digital technologies.
5. Avoid adding new policy barriers to the competitiveness of Europe-based
   manufacturers and installers, as the sector is facing an accumulation of obstacles
   for a sector that has to deliver so much.
6. Accelerate the modernisation and digitalisation of Europe’s clean electricity
   system, including smart grids, while ensuring cybersecurity and grid resilience;
7. Ensure sustainability is supporting the competitiveness of Europe’s clean
   electricity technology supply chain.
8. Develop a well-designed “European preference principle”.
9. Ensure a fair competitive international environment by taking measures
   addressing unfair trade practices, while avoiding measures that deteriorate the
   competitiveness of Europe’s clean electricity technology supply chain. European
   clean electricity technology manufacturers have been substantially investing in
   Europe over the last years. The viability of such investments in Europe should be
   then secured.

Would you like to read the full manifesto?

Companies such as Astilleros Murueta, Tamoin, Vicinay Marine and Tecnalia Technology Centre are participating in the Nautilus project, which is included within the “Collaboration Challenges” programme of the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO)

Concerning floating platforms

Designed for depths of more than 60 metres, semi-submersible floating platforms are suitable for offshore installation around the world.

Capable of accommodating 5 MW wind turbines (10 MW in the future) and with a structure designed to be produced in conventional shipyards, the platform is transported on a conventional vessel to the point of installation, where it is commissioned using traditional technology. These competitive characteristics will respond to the need to move off-shore turbines to deeper waters, where the visual and ecological impact is lower. This will provide the option to scale the power of these wind turbines to greater figures in the short and medium term.

There are many ideas linked with the Smart Grids, but today we want to share 5 main attributes that any Smart Grid must fulfill to be considered as a real Smart Grid

The Smart Grid is the electrical grid that is able to integrate, efficiently, the behavior and actions of each user connected to that grid, ensuring a sustainable and efficient energy system, emphisizing the high quality and security services. But, how must a real Smart Grid acquire this definiton?

If we have to define 5 mainstays for a real Smart Grid, we have to consider these ones:

• Flexible
• Clever & safe
• Efficient
• Open
• Sustainable

Clever & safe

Could you consider something clever if it is not able to be used, and be protected, with security and simplicity? No, true? Then a Smart Grid cannot be named as it if it doesn´t fulfil these values. This kind of grids also have to be available in real time if we want to access to any information they can communicate.

Efficient

One of the most important values of any real Smart Grid is the aim of minimizing the necessity of new infrastructures for the electrical grid. If we transform our equipments into better tools, they will be enough to control the electrical delivery, ensuring the service and cuting down the costs.

Open

Do you think that a Smart Grid could integrate, safely, the renewable energies? Yes, it can, not only that, but it should. Renewable energy is the future of the energy production, so if something wants to be called as Smart Grid, it has to be prepared for this kind of energies. This also means that new electrical markets could be deployed and developed by these kind of grids, allowing new businesses oportunities.

Sustainable

And finally, we have arrived to the last crucial point: the sustainability, one of the key points for this kind of equipments. To be respectfull with the environment and sociable acceptable is essential.

420 millones de euros, 237 kilómetros de longitud y una red de alta tensión submarina (de ±250 kV) compuesta por tres cables (uno de retorno) a una profundidad máxima de 1.485 metros. Son las características del Proyecto Rómulo.

Esta infraestructura eléctrica representa la mayor inversión llevada a cabo por Red Eléctrica de España en un único proyecto. Y ha conseguido poner fin a los problemas de suministro eléctrico que históricamente viene sufriendo Baleares.

Una obra que REE ha calificado como “un hito de referencia mundial por su singularidad y complejidad técnica“. Y que se trata de la primera interconexión submarina de transporte en corriente continua de España.

Así las cosas, el Proyecto Rómulo se basó en el objetivo de “asegurar y mejorar la fiabilidad del suministro eléctrico del sistema balear“. Que hasta entonces se basaba en 2 subsistemas de pequeño tamaño y eléctricamente aislados.

Por otro lado, Rómulo ha logrado poner fin a la falta de mercado de generación competitivo de Baleares, permitiendo la integración de las islas en el mercado ibérico.

Esta infraestructura crítica entró en servicio a finales de 2011, tras las comprobaciones previas. Aunque no fue hasta 2012 cuando entró en operación.

Tal y como declaran desde REE, Rómulo “ha alcanzado con creces los objetivos inicialmente previstos en cuanto a la calidad y seguridad de suministro y reducción de costes para el sistema“. Ejemplo de ello es la reducción de emisiones de hasta 285.000 toneladas de CO2. Este proyecto ha llegado a dar una aportación puntual del 40% del consumo global del sistema balear.

Principales características técnicas del Proyecto Rómulo:

En este gráfico puedes ver las principales características del Proyecto Rómulo.

Fuente: www.ree.es 

Synchrophasor, a word that may sound like if we were involved in “Back to the Future” movie, is not a science fiction product but a device that is changing the electrical sector

What is useful for?

The solar energy has became one of the main alternatives to the fossil fuel generation market. Today we want to discover which countries are the main generators

Renewable energy looks like the best solution to a growing population that, year after year, demands more and more energy. Our Sun, that has been out there for thousand million years, has raised like one of the best solutions to provide energy to our grid. Today, in Velatia Networks, we are going to analyze which countries are leading the solar energy development in the world. We will base these numbers in the International Energy Agency’s Trends in Photovoltaic Applications report. The last official data we can seek for.

Firt of all, we have to clarify how this rank is composed (which values are treated). The study shows who has installed the biggest capacity and how much solar energy is producing nowadays, this means that some countries, that invested resources in green energy before the global economic crysis, and that now have decreased this investment, are also analysed. So, without further ado, let´s discover this rank!

10. South Korea

The Asian country has 2,398 Megawatts installed, something that makes this Republic reach the 10th position.

9. Belgium

Belgium, the 9th country in solar energy production and capacity has 3,156 Megawatts installed.

8. Australia

The 8th position goes to Oceania, where Australia, with 4,130 Megawatts, is the Oceanic country with more sun energy produced.

7. Spain

Spain, a country that was a reference in solar energy investment before the economic crysis, reaches the 7th position with 5,376 Megawatts installed.

6. France

Very close to their neighbours, France is situated in the 6th position with 5,678 Megawatts.

5. United States

The biggest economy in the world, the United States, are not positioned as the biggest solar energy generator. The American contry is the 5th country in our rank, with 18,317 Megawatts installed.

4. Italy

Italy, an example of how a “little” country, can be leader in a field like green energy, is situated near the “Top 3” of the biggest solar enery producers with 18,622 Megawatts.

It´s turn to discover who is in the top 3 of the solar energy generators. Who will lead this rank? We are close to know it…

3. Japan

Another Asian country in our rank. Japan, one of the technology leaders of the world, has a very strong solar industry, with 23,409 Megawatts installed, what makes them the third biggest solar generator of the world.

2. China

Yes, China. The most populated country in the world, with a huge energy demand, reached a 28,330 Megawatts generation during 2014, reaching the second position. If we think that nowadays, the Asian giant stills investing resources in this area, we can ensure that is not something anecdotal.

1. Germany

The first economy of Europe, and also a technology giant is the “winner” of our green energy rank. Germany, that has 38,250 Megawatts installed, is the biggest solar energy producer of the world, representing the 22% of the world solar energy capacity at the end of 2014.

These countries we´ve talked about, with the sum of the rest of the solar energy leaders, reach 177,003 Megawatts, enough energy to power over 29 million homes.

International Agency´s Trends in Photovoltaic Applications report

This study, that uses datas from 2014, it´s the last official global report about photovoltaic industry, and represents the best approach of the solar energy. Do you want to consult if by yourself and seek information? Click here and download the official report.

https://youtu.be/vcxdVZThDtY

Some technical datas:

• Is the largest operational hydroelectric plant of the world. In fact, is built by 4 different dams connected.
• Since 1984, when it was inaugurated, the Itaipu Dam has generated 2,223,197 GWh.
• 20 generators, 10 for the Paraguayan side (50 Hz) and another 10 for the Brazilian side (60 Hz).
• The 50 Hz units have a nominal power of 923,6 MVA.
• The 60 Hz units have a nominal power of 737,0 MVA.

Have you ever think about why everybody says that Smart Grids are so important for the next years? Take a look to know the 5 main reasons for the development of the Smart Grid

Today we want to analyze how the Smart Grid could contribute, positively, in a efficient electrical grid development. That´s why we will reveal 5 main advantages for the development of the Smart Grid. Keep on reading to discover them:

1.They turn up the energy supply reliability and quality level

When a damage happens, the intelligent network technologies are able to detect and isolate the problem, contributing to a quick electricity recovery in a strategic way. Prioritizing, for example, the electrical grid of hospitals, schools, police stations…  In addition, the intelligent network boosts the energy microgenerators that some customers could have installed when there is not any electricity company service.

2.They give tools to the customer that makes them able to optimize their own electrical consumption and to improve the behavior of the global grid

This advantage, also known as demand active managament, stablishes how the intelligent networks gives information and tools the the final user that allows them to have their own decissions about the energy use. The customer will see how much energy is using, when is using it and how much does it cost in real time. These kind of options, that are enough strong by themselves, boost the posibility of saving mony by managing our own energy and choosing the best moment for the consumption of energy.

3.They contribute to support the ambiental sustainability 

With the eclosion of the renewable energies, the grid has changed completely. Nowadays, there is no future for the grid if we don´t integrate the renewables. The distributed generation of zero emission energy is one of the main challenges, and the Smart Grids are the key for this defiance. They contribute to the development of the charging infraestructure for the growing electric vehicles, reducing the CO2 emissions.

4.They enhance the electricity storage

There is a pending signature in the electricity sector, and it´s called electricity storage. With the actual technology it´s something that cannot be done in a efficient way, but it doesn´t mean that it won´t be done in a short time period. With the thriving technology of Tesla and other leading companies, soon the electricity storage will be part of our rutine, and we´ll need a grid ready for this: the Smart Grid.

5.They improve the efficiency of the distribution

Imagine that it´s Christmas and the energy peak is on the top. Suddenly an electrical outage happens and your house doesn´t have electrical supply. A traditional grid  does not have enough habilities to face a problem like this in a quick way. Its main chance is an immediate intervention of a technical team. Smart Grids are able to improve the effiency of the distribution and the flexibility of the demand peak management. Something that prevents this kind of episodes and that reduces the necessities of new generation infrastructures.

China is building the world´s biggest solar farm. A mammoth project, called Ningxia solar project, able to generate 2GW of clean energy that will cover 4,607 hectares

The renewables race is going on and China wants to liderate it. The Asian country is invtesting arround $2.34 billion in a plant that will become the biggest solar farm of the world. This installation, located in the Chinese region of Ningxia, will house near 6 million solar panels that will generate arround 2GW of power and will cover 4,607 hectares. This giant project, which is being implemented in the framework of the Chinese Government plans of 20% of energy generated by renewables for 2020, will produce an ammount of photovoltaics capacity similar to the solar energy produced by a country like Thailand.

China Minsheng New Energy Investment Co. is the responsive of this ambitious Ningxia solar project, located in a region that is host to a slew of renewable energy projects like solar and wind farms. As the Government reports, CMIP expects to invest near $16.1 billion in five areas in the next five years, a plan that will achieve 12 GW of power capacity.

For now, 380 megawatts out of the planned 2,000 megawatts of capacity have been installed and connected to the grid.

The battery, powered by Tesla with the collaboration of the energy renewable company Noen, will be instaled in the south coast of Australia

The South Australia Government has announced that this region will house the biggest lithium battery of the world. This technological milestone will happen under Tesla´s collaboration and will be installed near a wind farm that it´s under construction. The battery, which capacity is estimated in 100MW, is designed to light up 30,000 homes if there is a blackout and will be the largest lithium-ion battery storage project all over the world, overtaking an 80 megawatt-hour facility in California, aslo built using Teslas´s products.

But under the agreement, Tesla must deliver the 100-MW battery within 100 days of the contract being signed or it will be free – a commitment Musk made in a Tweet in March.

“There will be a lot of people that will look at this -‘Did they get it done within 100 days? Did it work?'” Musk told reporters in South Australia’s capital city of Adelaide.”We are going to make sure it does”, sentenced.

The move has been applauded by environmentalists but left the state prone to outages as there is no way to store enough energy when the wind doesn’t blow. In September, South Australia’s 1.7 million residents were left without power, some of them for up to two weeks, when the grid overloaded and collapsed.

This announcement is under a AUD 500$ energy investment plan that includes the battery and a gas plant construction. The numbers between the Australian Government and Tesla haven´t been clarified.

The European country will also reduce its emissions by 49 percent for that year

The Dutch Government confirmed during 2018 that the coal power plants in The Netherlands will dissapear in just over 11 years. That´s the plan that the executive authorities is designing to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2020 and by 49% by 2030 compared to the CO2 levels obtained during 1990.

This measure will affect to the remaining five coal power plants in The Netherlands that are actually operating. These plants, that we could classify in two groups: old plants (Nuon and Heweg-8) and recent units (Eemshaven, Uniper and Maasvlakte) produce 3,910 MW of energy and will have to stop their activity for 2024 and 2029 respectivly. The plants are owned by RWE company.

Now the question is how The Netherlands are going to produce that ammount of energy withouth the coal-fired plants and the answer is close to renewable energy, or so it seems if we take a look to the greenhouse emissions cut plan.

The arabic country could install a total of 60GW of renewable energy, as has been known in an interview with the UAE state news agency, WAM

Dr. Khalid bin Saleh Al Sultan, President of the King Abdullah Atomic and Renewable Energy City, has granted an interview where the energy future of Saudi Arabia has been showed to the World. In the words of the Saudi authority, the country is studying a 40GW of solar and 20GW of a mix of wind and other clean energy solutions, plan that could be a reality by 2030.

This situation is the continuation of the renewable energy tenders, like the one of 700MW in 2017, that are becoming more and more common in the Saudi energy market.

The plan, that comes as part of a Saudi attempt to boost and integrate more renewable energy under the framework of the KSA Vision 2030 and the National Transformation 2020 Programme, the energy road map of the asian country, has shaken the market because of some substantial changes, like the “partners” that will collaborate with the Saudi Government.

If innitially the name associated to the energy future of Saudi Arabia was Softbank, now there is not anything sure in this issue, although there were announcements of a 200GW solar plan with the Japanese company. Annoucnements that, during the last months, have been desribed as “on hold” by some reports.

Huawei breakthroughs in the Saudi energy market

In addition to these news, during the last month some announcments of projects have been added on the table. The China-based firm Huawei had been chosen by Saudi firm ACWA Power as the sole inverter supplier for a new renewable energy proyect.

This proyect, Sakaka plant, the first large-scale solar project launched by Saudi Arabia, that will contribute with 300MW of clean energy to the Saudi grid, has been won with a record-low biy in early 2018.

In other words, Sakaka plant is estimated to generate enough clean energy that will be sufficient to power 45,000 households in Al Jouf region while offsetting over 430,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. Another renewable energy contribution to the energy future of Saudi Arabia.

During the first 8 months of the year the thermosolar energy has produced 4,269 GWh in Spain, a 4.1% increase compared with the last record

The Red Eléctrica Española (Spanish Electrical Grid) agency has announced the last thermosolar energy figures that show an increase in the generation of this type of energy during the first 8 months of the year in Spain. In the time between January and September Spain has produced 4,269 GWh of thermosolar energy, increasing the ratio in a 4.1% compared with the last record, registerd in 2015. This generation represents a 2.67% of the total energy generation of Spain during this period of time.

The Spanish Thermosolar Industry Promotion Agency points that during the last month of August, the thermosolar power in Spain added 745 GWh to the energy system of the European Country. This data is ahead of the historic curve. In fact, the agency also underlines that there were some generation peaks that reached the 8.72% of the total energy generated, with numerous time slots that constituted the 7% of the total amount of energy.

The same installed power than in 2013

By the other hand, is another significant aspect is that that record comes with the same installed power than in 2013. Furthermore, some of the thermosolar centrals are 10 years old or even older.

The Spanish thermosolar energy pool is made up of a 33% of storage plants, something that makes able to distribute energy even at nights, when the doomestic demand increases.

In order to boost the electric vehicle, the EU Comission is looking for energy supply solutions

With a growing number of electric cars in circulations in the European territory, and the growth prospects in this sector, the European Comission is looking for a solution to make this trend a reality for the next years by the avilability of charging stations for the users.

According to the plans for near-complete climate neutrality by 2050, the EU Comission has launched a media report that shows a e-mobility offensive. This plan has the aim on increasing the charging stations by one million by 2025, like a guaranteee of seriousness for all the potential electric vehicle users.

As part of the next long-term (2021-2027) EU budget, in June 2018 the Commission proposed to spend 60 % of the CEF €42.3 billion budget on projects that contribute to achieving climate objectives, for instance, through the development of charging infrastructure for EVs. The Parliament and the Council are now negotiating on the proposal. In its negotiating position (adopted in December 2018), the Parliament voiced its support for allocating 60 % of the CEF budget to projects contributing to climate action, while also calling for an increase of the overall CEF budget by almost €6 billion compared to the Commission’s proposal.

Electric road vehicles in the European Union

The European territory is the second most important market for the electric cars, followed by the United States, and it has growed continually during the last 5 years. One of the main reasons for this growth, that is is expected to be consolidated during the next decade, is the number of models that the different vehicle manufacturers have developed.

The Swedish city boosts its public transport infrastructure with the introduction of more than 150 electric buses in the region that covers Gothenburg, Mölndal and Partille

A new public transport model has started in the Swedish city of Gothenburg thanks to its renewed bus fleet. From now on, 157 electric buses, manufactured by Volvo, will be the backbone of the sustainable public transport of this city, that has made the largest single order of this kind of vehicles in Europe. The bus operator Transdev Sweden was awarded the contract to operate the service from public transport company Västtrafik, that has the aim on having all the traffic in Västra Götaland electrified by 2030.

This new public transport scenario will grow up reaching a total of 220 electric buses in service by the end of this year. This kind of buses are ready to host 150 passengers and represent an 88 per cent reduction in CO2 when transitioning to electricity. Something quite interesting in a region with 180 million trips made by bus each year. In order to attend the fleet 19 new high-power electric chargers have been scheduled to be installed during the second half of 2020.

The old continent added 3.6 GW of offshore wind to its energy generation capacity, reaching a new record

The past year confirms that Europe is increasing the offshore wind installations due to the Green Deal compromise. This is something that WindEurope (The European Wind Association) confirms in the last report published this February. This is illustrated by the fact that 10 new offshore farms came online across 5 countries of the old continent.

The UK was the main offshore installer during 2019, reaching 1.7 GW of new capacity and followed by Germany (1.1 GW), Denmark (374 MW), Belgium (370 MW) and Portugal (with 8 MW of floating offshore wind). Adding these new 3.6 GW to its installation capacity, Europe has 22 GW of offshore wind. The UK and Germany account for three-quarters of it. Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands share nearly all of the rest.

The European Commission says Europe needs between 230 and 450 GW of offshore wind by 2050 to decarbonise the energy system and deliver the Green Deal. This requires Europe to build 7 GW of new offshore wind a year by 2030 and ramp up to 18 GW a year by 2050. But the current level of new installations and investments is a long way behind that.

A competitive energy source

Offshore wind costs continue to fall significantly. Last year’s auctions – in the UK, France and the Netherlands – delivered prices for consumers in the range of €40-50/MWh. This is cheaper than building new gas, coal or nuclear.

The OREAC, an initiative led by major players in the offshore wind industry, thinks that the offshore wind will be crucial in the economic recovery

Investing in renewable energy as the pillar for an economic recovery, one ambitous plan that, after the publication of the road map set by the “Next Generation UE”, looks closer for the industry, that has grown by over 30 per cent in the last decade, with 30 GW of capacity installed today across the world. This view is now shared by the Ocean Renewable Energy Action Coalition (OREAC), an initiative led by major players in the offshore wind industry that looks for the climate action by the investment in renewable sources.

By these means, the OREAC has revealed a report called “The Ocean as a Solution to Climate Change” that estimates that during the year 2050 the worl could reach 1,400 GW of offshore wind power (one-tenth of global electricity demand) that could avoid 3 billion tonnes of CO2 annualy, equal to taking 800 million cars off the road, creating 24 million years of employment (defined as full.time work for one person per calendar and year), and contribute to the economic recovery in terms of driving the decarbonisation of the world economy to another level. Furthermore, this report also claims that ocean-based renewable energy, such as offshore wind, floating solar, tidal and wave power, could meet nearly 10 per cent of the global annual greenhouse gas emissions reductions needed to remain on a Paris-compliant 1.5°C pathway in 2050

About OREAC

OREAC was formed in response to the 2019 call for ocean-based climate action by the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel), and represents ocean energy in the global dialogue on a sustainable ocean economy. The Ocean Panel is a unique initiative of 14 serving world leaders working with diverse stakeholders to accelerate bold, pragmatic solutions for realising a sustainable ocean economy.

OREAC is spearheaded by Ørsted and Equinor, and includes other major players in the global offshore wind industry: CWind, Global Marine Group, JERA, MHI Vestas, MingYang Smart Energy, Mainstream Renewable Power, Shell, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, TenneT, and GE Renewable Energy. Additional partner organisations include Global Wind Energy Council, World Resources Institute, UN Global Compact, the Chinese Wind Energy Association and Ocean Energy Systems.

Kincardine floating wind farm, which construction began in 2018, has a total power of 48 MW

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has announced that Kincardine Offshore Wind farm, located approximately 15-kilometres off the southeast coast of Aberdeenshire, in the north-east of Scotland, in water depths ranging between 60-metres and 80-metres, has been completed and classed as the world´s largest floating offshore wind farm. A milestone in the offshore sector that started in 2018 with the installation of the first turbine.

The Kincardine floating wind farm consist of five 9.5 MW turbines, as well as a smaller 2 MW turbine (the first one that was installed in 2018) making a total of 48 MW of nominal power, and is expected to generate up to 218GWh worth of electricity each year, enough to power the equivalent of approximately 55,000 Scottish households. The project was developed by Kincardine Offshore Wind developer, a subsidiary of Pilot Offshore Renewables; giving the engineering, design, supply, construction and commissioning of the offshore farm to Cobra Wind, part of ACS Group.

Installing wind power will represent investment of arround €550 billion over the next eight years

Wood Mackenzie, the energy, chemicals, renewable energy, metals and mining global research and consultancy group, has determined that investment in wind power –one of the pillars of the global renewable energy industry– will grow by 8% over the next eight years, reaching €55 billion annually. This energy, which accumulates 591,000 MW installed worldwide, would mean a total investment of €5 billion over the course of 2020-2028.

The consultant clarifies that these figures are based both on the increase in offshore demand, which has risen by up to 20%, and on the rise in the price of turbines themselves. Numerous associations, such as Wind Europe, back up the key role this industry plays in achieving the climate goals of continents such as Europe, where it already accounts for 15% of energy generation. To achieve this, Europe would have to install 30 GW of wind power annually, doubling the 15.4 GW added during 2019.

Despite these optimistic forecasts, Wood Mackenzie emphasises the negative role that the global health crisis resulting from Covid-19 is causing in the supply chains of the world’s leading turbine manufacturers, and therefore in deliveries to the main operators. This situation would therefore affect countries such as China, the United States, Spain, or Italy, although, in the case of Asia, the return to early March production levels only meant a 3 GW production penalty.

The French photovoltaic market has overcomed the 431 MW added during the first half of 2020 or 2019 in a 217%, reaching a new record

The French Ministry of Ecological Transition (MTE) has announced that the french photovoltaic market has accelerated its growth during the first half of 2021 due to the connection to the grid of new 1,36 GW solar energy. This numbers represent an important acceleration compared to the previous years and are also a new kind of growth that the mediterranean country has not seen before. In terms of numbers, during the same period of 2020 and 2019, the photovoltaic power that was connected to the grid was estimated at 431GW, the third part of the growth experienced during this year.

In the first quarter of the year, newly deployed PV systems totaled 713 MW and in the second quarter their combined capacity reached 654 MW. Furthermone, during the first half of the year, solar PV generated around 7.6 TWh of power, compared to around 6.8 TWh for the same period of 2020, thanks to a higher level of solar radiation (specially in March and April), generating approximately the 3.1% of the French electricity consumption (+3% of increase compared to the same period of 2020).  This increase is outlined by an increase in the number of connections and also by a higher proportion of utility-scale PV plants, according to the MTE.

Around 66% of this new French photovoltaic power, corresponds to installations bigger than 250 kW (leses that 1% of the new connections). Small sized installations, the ones bellow 8 kW, represent almost 83% and around the 7% of this new energy power.

The regions that contributed most to this growth are ouvelle-Aquitaine, Occitanie, Grand-Est, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, that hosted around 69% of this new connected power in the continental France during this year.

The United States Department of Energy has released the Solar Futures Study, detailing the significant role that solar energy will play in decarbonizing the country´s power grid

Only 15 years. That´s the time that, according to the Solar Futures Study, an inform released by the Department of Energy of the United States, will need the solar power to provide close to the half of US power. The prevision, that draws a 40% of participation of solar energy on the US electricity; a significant role that could also boost the employment of 1.500.000 people on the American soil and drive the US decarbonization challenge.

Nowadays, the United States solar energy contributes with 76 GW of installed power to the grid, something that represents the 3% of the current electricity supply. Something that is far away from the goal marked on the Solar Futures Study, that describes the need for quadrupling the yearly solar capacity additions and proive 1,000 GW of power to the grid. During 2020, the United States added 15 GW, a long way short of the declared ambition. Furthermore, by 2050, solar energy could provide a total of 1,600 GW on a zero-carbon grid – producing more electricity that consumed in the total ammount of residential and commeercial building of the US-. The forecast says that the full decarbonization of the American grid would need a total ammount of 3,000 GW of solar by 2050, due to an expected growth of the electricity consume in the transportation, buildings and industrial sectors.

Which are the key findings of the Solar Futures Study?

• A clean grid requires massive, equitable deployment of diverse, sustainable energy sources — The U.S. must install an average of 30 GW of solar capacity per year between now and 2025 and 60 GW per year from 2025-2030. The study’s modeling further shows the remainder of a carbon-free grid largely supplied by wind (36%), nuclear (11%-13%), hydroelectric (5%-6%) and biopower/geothermal (1%).
• A decarbonized power sector will create millions of cross-sector jobs – The study modeling shows that solar will employ 500,000 to 1.5 million people across the country by 2035. And overall, the clean energy transition will generate around 3 million jobs across technologies.
• New tools that increase grid flexibility, like storage and advanced inverters, as well as transmission expansion, will help to move solar energy to all pockets of America – Wind and solar combined will provide 75% of electricity by 2035 and 90% by 2050,  transforming the electricity system. The deployment of storage enables more flexibility and resilience, growing from 30 GW to nearly 400 GW in 2035 and 1,700 GW in 2050. Advanced tools like grid-forming inverters, forecasting, and microgrids will play a role in maintaining the reliability and performance a renewable-dominant grid.
• A renewable-based grid will create significant health and cost savings –  Reduced carbon emissions and improved air quality result in savings of $1.1 trillion to $1.7 trillion, far outweighing the additional costs incurred from transitioning to clean energy. The projected price of electricity for consumers does not rise by 2035, because the costs are fully offset by savings from technological improvements.
• Supportive decarbonization policies and advanced technologies are needed to further reduce the cost of solar energy —Without some combination of limits on carbon emissions and mechanisms to incentivize clean energy, the U.S. cannot fully decarbonize the grid—models show that grid emissions fall only 60% without policy. Continued technological advances that lower the cost of solar energy are also necessary to enable widespread solar deployment.

The “heating plant” in Freital, Saxony, supplies electricity to 6,000 German households. Where previously 12 boilers provided the thermal energy for an adjacent housing estate, now two ultra-modern combined heat and power plants will produce low-emission electrical energy. From Ormazabal, we have supplied a transformer station as a ready-to-connect complete solution to enable this energy to be fed into the public grid. From the engineering to the organisation of the delivery of the solution, everything has been done by a single source for our client, the electrical utility Freitaler Stadtwerke (FSW).

The transformer substation has an area of 3.3 by 8.5 metres. It has a transformer with a capacity of 3,150 kVA, which raises the voltage from 10 kV to the 20 kV of Freitaler Stadtwerke’s medium-voltage network. The transformer substation also includes a transformer for auxiliary services, a low-voltage board and two remote control lines with their corresponding meter cabinets.

Ormazabal’s ga-gae cubicles are customised according to client specifications. These panels have integrated intelligent electronic protection and control devices, which meet the requirements of the distribution grid operator and ensure an efficient management of the power generation plant: load decoupling, undesired grid configurations, real time fault detection… Thanks to this built-in intelligent technology, the operator will be able to detect failures in real time and react more quickly from distance.

Switchgear cgm.zero24 in use for 24 kV secondary distribution

E.ON is relying on Ormazabal’s SF6-free technology as part of a pilot project in Germany. The aim of the joint project is to drive forward the energy transition and modernize the distribution grid. E.ON installed Ormazabal’s SF6-free digital native technology solution cgm.zero24 in a new walk-in type concrete substation in Bavaria. The solution was recently put into operation by E.ON subsidiary Bayernwerk Netz GmbH. It is fully gas-insulated and operates without F-gases.

The pilot project, which is carried out jointly by E.ON and Ormazabal, is based on a long-standing partnership. The energy supply company E.ON and Ormazabal, as a global expert in electrotechnical solutions, have been working together for many years in innovative projects in the field of energy distribution. In the course of framework agreements, both companies are cooperation partners and pursue the same intentions in terms of sustainability: to develop future-oriented solutions related to secure energy distribution and thus to promote the decarbonization of the economy as well as the energy transition.

The pilot project in the south of Germany is an example of this transformation. Here, an old transformer tower is being replaced by a new digital transformer station. The walk-in type substation model UF 2742 (2-room station up to max. 1000 kVA) was manufactured by Betonbau BBD GmbH and is equipped with Ormazabal’s cgm.zero24.

A future-oriented project

The aim of the project on the part of E.ON is to commission an SF6-free plant and thus to gain experience in the handling and maintenance of SF6-free switchgear at an early stage. Georg Koller, Material and Product Testing at Bayernwerk Netz explains: “In the course of the upcoming F-Gas regulation, the regulations for the use of fluorinated gases will be stricter in the future. We want to be prepared for the resulting adaptations and developments in medium-voltage compact switchgear at an early stage. This project will enable E.ON and Ormazabal to gain operational and application experience. These shared long-term analyses are of outstanding importance for future operations and the upcoming energy transition.”

cgm.zero24 convinces as digital native

Ormazabal has been developing technologies for electrical power distribution for decades and has been researching SF6-free technology for more than 10 years. To ensure a suitable SF6-free solution for the 24 kV public distribution market, the requirements and expectations of the main players such as E.ON were already exchanged at an early stage and taken into account by Ormazabal during the development phase. 

The efforts of both companies to make distribution networks more efficient and to lower emissions through clean energy and efficient processes go hand in hand with the EU’s goals to reduce emissions in the electricity sector and the corresponding regulations for F-gases.

The specific project in the Bayernwerk Netz GmbH grid has been realized with SF6-free insulation, digitized according to E.ON’s needs, thus incorporating all the intelligence necessary for grid automation and complying with E.ON’s currently applicable specifications.

Ormazabal fully meets these requirements with its motorized cgm.zero24. For the pilot project, the digital local substation is equipped with two feeder and one transformer panel. Thanks to the digital equipment, the system can be controlled and operated remotely, ensuring reliable power distribution in the grid.

Both Ormazabal and E.ON contributed their know-how during the planning and validation phase of the pilot project, which was followed by a factory acceptance test at Ormazabal in Krefeld and then at Betonbau in Kösching. Betonbau, with whom Ormazabal and E.ON have worked together in a trusted relationship for many years, was responsible for providing the factory-built transformer station in accordance with DIN EN 62271-202.

New technology ensures greater sustainability in the E.ON grid

The cgm.zero24 is the next generation of gas-insulated SF6-free solution for 24 kV secondary distribution. Its insulation is based on “industrial natural air”, which only consists of air components and is manufactured in a controlled and tested manner. “This keeps our customers on the safe side in case there are any restrictions or regulations regarding fluorinated gases in the future,” says Jurek Aengenvoort, Key Account Manager at Ormazabal, who accompanied the project.

The solution is a breakthrough as it is based on a similar overpressure as SF6 products that are already installed in the grid. Therefore, amongst other things, it is possible to draw on the many years of experience with regard to internal arc behavior and leakage rate.

Ormazabal’s SF6-free solutions have been developed with zero changes in design, operation and maintenance parameters to ensure zero uncertainties in terms of environment, health, safety and reliability. “We have achieved a development that is based on proven concepts experienced for more than 30 years with SF6 systems, so safety, performance and reliability aspects are well covered,” explains Jurek Aengenvoort.

cgm.zero24 is a digital native – which means that the solution has been developed with integrated automation systems and is therefore prepared for the use of sensors, protection and control components. This is of crucial importance for efficient grid management, as it enables a smoother integration of renewable energy generation, emobility and energy storage in the grid.

Milestone on the route to a future without SF6 gases

With the recent commissioning of its SF6-free technology for the distribution network in Germany, Ormazabal continues its “ROUTE TO ZERO” and lives up to its corporate philosophy, in which commitment to climate protection and investment in continuous research and development are firmly anchored. Jurek Aengenvoort explains, ” In future, Ormazabal will continue to work together with our customers, such as E.ON, to ensure a smooth transition to SF6-free products. From our point of view, this kind of cooperation has proven its worth both for the customers and for us as a manufacturer and solution partner.”

Georg Koller of Bayernwerk Netz adds, “To enable the energy transition, the distribution networks will have to be significantly extended in the coming years. This is only possible in close cooperation between switchgear suppliers and distribution grid operators. Only if it is ensured that the components that will be used meet future technical, operational, climate-neutral and legal requirements. it will be possible to expand and implement an energy supply that is efficient, reliable, secure and sustainable in all respects. The project is a milestone for driving forward and implementing the energy transition in compliance with legal requirements and climate protection goals.”

Our long-standing partner RWE is driving forward the expansion of solar energy and is focussing on innovative solutions. The combination of solar modules and battery storage systems, which act as a buffer between solar power generation and the supply grid, is not the only innovative aspect of these solutions. The location is also special: the utility operates a ground-mounted photovoltaic system with integrated storage at the Garzweiler opencast mine near Jackerath in Germany. An agri-PV demonstration plant has also been built here. Three different PV concepts are being tested on a recultivated area. RWE is also building several photovoltaic systems in the Hambach opencast mine, which is also located in the West of Germany. RWE is using customised switching stations from Ormazabal to connect the solar parks to the medium-voltage grid.

The Jackerath photovoltaic storage plant is one of the projects that RWE has realised on its way to climate neutrality. As part of the project, a total of 22,490 solar modules were installed on an area of around 10 hectares in the Garzweiler opencast lignite mine. The electricity generated here from solar energy is fed into the grid and is calculated to supply around 4,000 households. A battery storage system with a capacity of 8.1 MWh is also integrated, and is designed for a two-hour power consumption and output. This means that the electricity generated can also be utilised after sunset and used as required.

“Solar power in combination with a battery storage system from the opencast mine is a successful model. Not only the recultivated areas around the opencast mine, but also the active opencast mining areas offer plenty of space for renewables. We have proven this with the Jackerath photovoltaic storage system”

says Benjamin Dolle, Solar Project Manager at RWE Renewables Europe & Australia.

Reliable delivery of the station

For the connection to the medium-voltage grid, a distribution and metering station with switchgear was required, which gathers the individual supply lines of the various PV parks and provides a common connection point at the substation. We were awarded the contract for the corresponding tender by RWE and were able to meet an early deadline despite ongoing supply difficulties on the market and offer a competitive price.

“Only one year has passed between the tender in summer 2022 and the delivery of the station in September 2023. Given the current delivery times for individual components as well as concrete and station buildings, this is a pleasing result”

says Thomas Höfkens from the Ormazabal Solutions Team Germany.

cgm.800 fulfils all requirements regarding technical details

We fully met the technical requirements and our Ormazabal Solutions team developed a customised energy distribution solution for the solar park. The substation was manufactured by Scheidt as a multi-room solution and has a further area for communication technology in addition to the system room. A medium-voltage switchgear of our cgm.800 product type is used. It consists of 5 cubicles and has an operating voltage of 25 kV. It is suitable for higher rated currents of up to 800 amperes and enables, among other things, the realisation of measurements in compliance with the utility by accommodating the certified current and voltage transformers. Both are installed in the cable connection compartment of the circuit-breaker outgoing feeders. This allowed us to avoid the need for additional measuring panels for each outgoing circuit breaker, saving both space and financial resources. For the station’s own power supply, the complete solution also includes a supply transformer (160 kVA). Ormazabal also designed the auxiliary technology in accordance with RWE’s requirements. We relied on the Sigma F + E 2.0 for short-circuit and earth fault detection.

Challenges at the installation site in opencast mine successfully mastered

The delivery of the 50-tonne station initially proved to be complicated due to the hard-to-access installation site in the middle of the opencast mine. In addition, there was only limited space available for the 200-tonne crane, as there is an overhead power line nearby. However, thanks to good coordination between our team and RWE throughout the project, challenges such as these were successfully overcome and the process, including the installation, ran smoothly.

“The cooperation was good and very straightforward. We were able to find solutions to any difficulties that arose at short notice. For example, with the procurement of cable connectors that are compatible with the pre-assembled connection cables of the voltage transformers. Ormazabal was able to achieve significantly faster delivery times here.” 

Michael Demming, Electrical Engineer at RWE Renewables Europe & Australia.

Switchgear cpg.0 for the grid connection of solar parks in the Hambach opencast mine

We were also commissioned to supply a customised MV switchgear for the grid connection of the PV parks in the Hambach opencast mine. RWE is building several photovoltaic systems on the future banks of the planned Hambach opencast mining lake. Until the lake has reached its final filling level, there will be several years to temporarily utilise the area for the solar parks. One of these is the “RWE Neuland Solarpark”. The solar plant of this project provides a peak electrical output of 12 MWp and the connected battery storage system is designed for a two-hour power consumption or output. It has a capacity of 8.1 MWh.

The RWE decision-makers decided in favour of the cpg.0 switchgear with an operating voltage of 30 kV, which has 2 feed-in cubicles, 3 outgoing cubicles and one auxiliary cubicle. For this project, too, a transformer for own consumption (100 kVA) and the Sigma R+D 2.0 are used. The cpg.0 fulfils the same function here as in the Jackerath opencast mine, which is to gather the energy generated in the PV parks and realise the utilities measurements. The company Kalchschmid supplied two stations for the project: one for the medium voltage and one for the communication technology. The installation finally took place on site in the opencast mine. Here too, the installation of the stations was successfully completed as a team, despite difficult conditions such as bad weather and restricted access.

Ormazabal technology also incorporated in SMA power stations

To ensure that the solar power in Hambach can be reliably fed into the grid, the German specialist for photovoltaic system technology and energy solutions, SMA, supplied four Medium Voltage Power Station 5500 (MVPS). These consist of a robust central inverter and matched medium-voltage components. Ormazabal technology is also used here. The power stations are equipped with Ormazabal cgm.3 switch panels and ekor.rpa protection technology.

The realisation of the projects in Hambach and Jackerath illustrate the common goal pursued by RWE and Ormazabal: to achieve progress in the use of renewable energy. The projects are proof of the effectiveness of partnership-based cooperation and the joint commitment to a more sustainable future.

Connection to the electricity grid presents one of the key challenges for energy projects in general,  renewable energy projects in particular.

Moreover, Renewable  projects such as Bell Bay , encompassing solar generation, require meticulous planning and execution to ensure a successful, on time, on budget project outcome. This necessitated close collaboration and open communication between stakeholders – Climate Capital, Ormazabal Australia and Ormazabal Spain.

Climate Capital invests in renewable projects around Australia. They  build, own and operate projects which are behind-the-meter or present the ability to contract electricity offtake with a corporate counterparty; are 1 – 100MW in capacity; and offer sector and geographic diversification to Climate Capital’s existing portfolio.

Climate Capital’s mandate is to deliver and enable renewable energy projects that provide environmental, social and financial benefits. They  do this by working with a wide range of corporate energy users, energy consultants, project developers, vendors and other proponents

Climate Capital operates a co-investing model with its corporate shareholders who are a mix of social impact and family office investors. In addition, Climate Capital maintains strategic relationships with a range of institutional investors.

We continue to seek and develop strategic project investments to which we can add value and support delivery.

“I am very happy with product and services that you have been provided from the initial design stage to now. The primary challenge for the project was design flexibility and a viable solution that would be  needed in a rapidly changing environment.  Ormazabal Australia Engineering Manager Manu Shibu assisted greatly in the solution development with its 24kVcgmcosmos  switchgear and ekor.rpa-200 series protection systems, along with their ability to provide timely responses to customer queries in a collaborative and proactive manner”.

Mahesh Warusapperuma, Asset Manager at Climate Capital.

Ormazabal challenge and solution:

Ormazabal Australia supplied 5units of 24kV 630A 20kA 1s, IAC AFLR 20kA/1s —-cgmcosmos panels for the grid connection station..

For the project Climate Capital  also chose to use Ormazabal’s   ekor rpa 220 series  protection system. Ormazabal subsequently incorporated this requirement into its manufacturing plan highlighting its ability to adapt to differing customer requirements. 

Ormazabal has extensive experience of providing grid connection switchboards. However, in addition to supplying switchgear for the project, Ormazabal’s also joined forces with Climate capital to develop a design that is compact and met the DNSP rules and requirements.

 A collaborative approach in project management enabled the coordinated delivery  of switchgear with a direct benefit of reducing delivery leadtime for the customer.

The COSMOS switchgear also included Ormazabal’s IAC chimney system integrated into the design for the venting of gases outside the switch Kiosk  ensuring a safe environment for operator staff.

Omazabal ekor.rpa-200 series relays are an advanced protection, metering and multifunction control unit that have been designed to meet automation needs in distribution networks, as a result from ever more stringent demands in terms of supply quality. Depending on the model, the ekor.rpa 200 series  can incorporate current, voltage and frequency protection functions, as well as automation, local/remote control, metering of electrical parameters, presence and absence of voltage, phase imbalance, etc. There are also variants depending on the characteristics of the voltage metering channels (capacitive, standardised and transformers).

Benefits of Ormazabal solution:

Compact solution in cubicle

• Integration in the control compartment

Reduced commissioning

• Unit assembled, cabled and tested in the factory
• Current transformers installed in the bushing.

Reliability

• Optimisation of mean time between failures (MTBF)
• Programmable vs. cabled automation
• Safety redundancy: backup tripping coil

Key benefits to client:

• Ormazabal’s extensive experience in delivering connecting points enabled a flexible and pragmatic approach to delivering a timely project outcome in a rapidly changing environment.

• The cgmcosmos solution negates the need to work with SF6 during switchgear installation, enabling simpler installation into the outdoor kiosk and saving time.

• Combining Ormazabal’s well-documented training and supervision with locally engaged partners familiar with local compliance requirements allowed flexibility throughout the project regarding scope changes.

• Ormazabal’s integrated protection systems provide more leverage in the commissioning stages of the project.

Involved products in Bell Bay Solar Farm Project:

cgmcosmos

Modular and compact switchgear with integral gas insulation.
Up to 24 kV / 27 kV.

See in detail

ekor.rpa serie 200

Advanced multifunction, measurement and control protection units integrated in Ormazabal protection cubicles.

See in detail

Bordeaux Métropole and Enedis realize with the help of Europe, the powering of the Lafayette and Jefferson pontoons for more than 2,6 M€ investment, to reduce C0² emissions and atmospheric pollutants from the docked ships.

As one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the connection of the pontoon to the Chartrons quay is a twofold challenge, both in terms of environment and flooding risks. This electrical connection project of the pleasure and river boats will reduce noise pollution and eliminate the need of diesel generators to supply electricity on board.

Enedis is piloting the largest electrical grid on Europe at the service of the society and territories. Since 1955, we have been partners in continuous improvement, innovation and maintaining network quality.

As concessionaire of the electrical grid, Bordeaux Métropole is committed with the energy transition and climate protection. The aim of this project is to offer an alternative to the use of diesel generators on docked ships, to improve air quality and reduce noise pollution.

Ormazabal solution

Working with Bordeaux Métropole, Enedis and the UNESCO, we looked for the most suited solution that would not alter the site, while meeting the various requirements: the choice fell on a concrete monobloc underground substation of type pfs-62 including two rooms. One part is used by Enedis and stores HV/LV equipment, and the second one is made available to Bordeaux.

Facing the potential overflow of the Garonne River, the choice of installing the substation in a watertight metallic formwork with a pump-out water evacuation system, minimizes the risk of water penetrating the substation and complies with the Plans for Flood Risk Prevention (PFRP).

Main customer benefits

u003culu003ern tu003cliu003eSubstation integrated into its surroundings (not visible)u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003ePrefabricated monobloc watertight enclosureu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003e

Ormazabal products and solutions

cgmcosmos

Modular and compact switchgear with integral gas insulation.
Up to 24 kV / 27 kV.

See in detail

Distribution applications

Public distribution transformers, terciary (shopping centers, airports, hospitals, stadiums, etc.)

See in detail

Transformer substations

Prefabricated transformer substations

See in detail

By Nestor Ajuria, Global Renewable Energy Manager & Key Account Manager at Ormazabal

Let me start from the main message this time. Ormazabal is exhibiting in Intersolar Munich 2024 and we are enthusiastic to present our medium voltage solutions to connect your PV generation and BESS sites to the grid. Also, we are very proud to do so with our new solutions free from SF6 up to 24kV, for both primary and secondary distribution demands. A big step towards more sustainable and efficient projects in the PV and the renewables sector. You will find us in stand A2.240. Please come to visit us and you will have the opportunity to touch the products by yourself.

We have taken a step forward from using the SF6 based technology to the natural industrial gas as a dielectric for our GIS cubicles. More than 10 years of product development are giving birth to two product families that combine a new dielectric technology with the experienced technology and manufacturing capabilities of Ormazabal. Different dielectric but the same breaking and making technology, minimum overpressure, similar footprint than our previous products and the same reliability and technological expertise of Ormazabal. Digitally native products aiming to provide “zero” uncertainty in a very convulse market and social environment.

For grid connection we have developed the sbp.zero24 (link) product family. For power blocks, we have the cgm.zero24 (link). Possibly the best products in their class (disclaimer: the AI tool used to write down this article had some bias when it noticed Ormazabal was from Bilbao).

Intersolar is the most important Exhibition for PV in Europe. All stakeholders committed with the energy transition and a more sustainable world meet here either as exhibitors or as visitors. It has been a while since Ormazabal began to deliver solutions to the PV market and to the BESS industry. More than 50 GW in PV and 10GW in BESS are being distributed, managed and protected already thanks to our electrical solutions in medium voltage. Our collaborative approach, well received by world market leaders, our industrial strength and our determination to customize our solutions to the increasingly new demands and requirements of this market were key to our evolution in this market.

Renewable energy generation market, and especially solar PV, has been always in the turmoil. Some years ago, but less than twenty, it was considered a subsidized form of energy generation, suitable perhaps for small demands but unable to provide the energy society demanded. Now we face different discussions as PV generation is the cheapest source of energy and it is leading energy generation sites….at an exponential rate. Nobody discusses its success and its impact in the energy transition, and consequently it has become the leading technology in new energy generation sites. Today, the challenges are others.

Technically, a proper development of the MV and HV distribution grid to allow efficient distributed generation sites´ construction. From the demand side, electrification of the “easy to abate sectors” are of the essence too. Last but not least, the so called “fossilization of the renewable generation” or the “not in backyard movement”, etc. are the main topics. Achieving to provide a good answer to these issues and concerns will provide our society a more sustainable, efficient, robust and just energy system

Because in the end, the point is to improve the world we are living. This is the reason why in Ormazabal we are working hard to develop more sustainable and efficient solutions.

Customised medium-voltage switchgear from Ormazabal

Customised solution for optimum supply reliability

The Pasewalk Industrial Park, strategically located close to the German A20 motorway and the Polish border, has developed into an important location for companies such as Birkenstock Injections GmbH and Topregal GmbH. In order to meet the requirements of these companies, a comprehensive modernisation of the energy infrastructure was necessary. The existing supply was not sufficient to supply the large-scale production facilities in the 156-hectare industrial park near Berlin. The engineering office Reik Schade in Pasewalk, together with Ormazabal as an expert in energy distribution, developed and realised a customised solution for the specific requirements on site. The industrial park has a high energy requirement but is located outside of Pasewalk “on a greenfield site”. A corresponding supply infrastructure with long lines from the distribution network operator’s station to the industrial estate therefore had to be created. For the energy distribution, Ormazabal supplied a medium-voltage switchgear gae type, which was customised for the project.

The solution was designed to reliably supply the production facilities with energy, including the large Birkenstock and Topregal buildings. The central elements are two medium-voltage systems that can be coupled via two blocks to ensure maximum supply reliability. The design of the blocks each contains a supply line including busbar voltage measurement, four motorised circuit breaker outgoing circuits connected via a coupling and an auxiliary transformer outgoing circuit.  This means that if one supply line fails, the other can take over the supply. In total, the redundant switchgear comprises thirteen panels with eleven circuit-breakers, providing sufficient capacity to connect additional companies in the industrial park. All units are motorised to enable remote control of the system. 

The medium-voltage switchgear was equipped with modern secondary technology and protective devices that are specially tailored to the requirements of the local energy supplier E.DIS Netz GmbH. This includes distance protection in all circuit breakers and connection to the E.DIS control system via an Ethernet switch. In addition to the connection station, Ormazabal also supplied a low-voltage substation that enables connection to the transformer station.

Installation and commissioning

The installation of the medium-voltage switchgear was logistically complex. Once the concrete station had been completed by Scheidt GmbH & Co KG, the switchgear was installed in the station on site. The large number of individual panels were then connected, aligned and wired. A crane placed the station precisely in the prepared building pit. The necessary cables and lines were laid and connected within a few days. The company WISAG Elektrotechnik Berlin-Brandenburg GmbH & Co. KG was responsible for coordinating the construction work and the final assembly. During commissioning, Ormazabal was on site to work with WISAG to ensure that all components were properly installed and tested and that the systems could be controlled remotely from the control room via the installed motorised drives.

‘We are particularly proud of the flexibility we demonstrated when changes were requested during the realisation of the project,’ says Marcel Breuer, who was responsible for the project on behalf of Ormazabal as a sales engineer. ‘By working closely with all parties and exchanging ideas, we were able to meet the customer’s requirements and create a practical solution tailored to their needs.’

Project successfully completed

‘This project shows how technical expertise and partnership-based collaboration can overcome complex challenges,’ concludes Reik Schade from the engineering firm Reik Schade for electrical project planning. ‘The commissioning of the installation in July 2024 marks an important milestone for the future-proof energy supply of the industrial park and its long-term growth.’ The buildings are also equipped with solar panels that enable the use of renewable energies on site and provide energy for the resident companies’ production processes. When the industrial area is fully developed, the total output of the photovoltaic systems is expected to be even higher than the demand of the entire Pasewalk grid area.

The Geldern wind farm uses a solution from Ormazabal for its primary grid connection, including an F-gas-free medium-voltage switchgear. 

Ormazabal’s new SF6-free technology is being used for energy distribution at a new wind farm in Geldern, North Rhine-Westphalia. The F-gas-free sbp.zero24 medium-voltage switchgear for the primary distribution level up to 24 kV is compatible with the cpg.0 lite switchgear type and is used alongside it in the transfer station at the grid connection point for the wind farm. 

Grünwerke GmbH implements renewable energy projects throughout Germany. Grünwerke has erected two wind turbines in the Geldern area, which feed green electricity into the grid. The cable lines for the wind farm’s electricity connection stretch from Steprather Heide, not far from the Dutch border, to the grid connection point in Kevelaer, approximately seven kilometres away. In order to connect the grid to the substation in Kevelaer, a transfer station and a power transformer were required. Here, the energy generated by the wind turbines is transformed from 20 kV to the grid-compatible voltage level of 10 kV and then passed on from the switchgear to the substation for further distribution. 

Heading into the future together 

Our partner, the energy infrastructure service provider Omexom Elektrobau GmbH, was commissioned to plan the innovative medium-voltage infrastructure for the project, which will have a future annual energy yield of approximately 32 GWh. For the grid connection, Omexom supplied a 20 MW power transformer in a special enclosure and a transfer station with a 10 kV and a 20 kV switchgear, which was planned and successfully implemented in close cooperation with Ormazabal.  

Customised solution from Ormazabal 

The medium-voltage switchgear we supplied consists of a 10 kV feed-in section with two cpg.0 lite-v circuit breaker panels and a 20 kV section with a cpg.0 lite-s riser panel and a cgm.3-ma metering panel. The supply transformer integrated into the metering panel ensures the station’s own power supply. 

Thomas Höfkens, Solutions Manager at Ormazabal Germany, explains: ‘Transfer stations now have increasingly higher self-consumption requirements. Our metering panel can be equipped with transformers of up to 5 kVA. This solution is unique and can easily meet the requirements of this station.’ 

An F-gas-free circuit breaker panel of the type sbp.zero24-v is used for the output to the wind farm. The new SF6-free solution from Ormazabal is compatible with our cpg.0 lite system type. This means that systems can be expanded with F-gas-free technology in the future if required. 

Ormazabal supplied all secondary technology, which was individually selected in accordance with Omexom’s requirements and the technical connection conditions of the responsible grid operator Westnetz GmbH. The parameterisation and protection tests in accordance with VNB specifications were then carried out by Omexom’s protection engineers. The protection technology includes a short-circuit direction and earth fault direction indicator in the feed-in panel, a distance protection relay in the transfer panel and an outgoing protection relay in the outgoing panel. The components ensure safe operation and reliable grid monitoring. 

The wind farm has been connected to the grid since July 2025 and will supply up to 9,000 households per year with green electricity. A key factor in the successful implementation of the project was the detailed engineering work carried out to meet the specific requirements for primary distribution. 

The system complies with the characteristics required by the tender for a rated voltage of 10 kV and 20 kV with a rated operating current of 1,250 A. ‘Close coordination between Omexom and Ormazabal made it possible to find the ideal solution for the project in Geldern,’ explains Viktor Kamperdick-Voß, Project Manager for Energy Technology at Omexom Germany. ‘The precise, joint planning and smooth communication are particularly noteworthy,’ says Kamperdick-Voß. 

F-gas-free sbp.zero24 switchgear 

‘In addition to several cpg.0 lite switch panels, an sbp.zero24 outgoing panel is also installed in the project,’ emphasises Thomas Höfkens. The new SF6-free switchgear used in the project is our next generation of innovative switchgear for medium voltage. The sbp.zero24 is based on the industrial natural air insulating medium and therefore does not require F-gases. The solution for primary distribution is based on proven vacuum technology and is completely gas-insulated. ‘The compatibility of the sbp.zero24 with our SF6 gas-insulated cpg.0 lite switchgear for the primary distribution level up to 24 kV and 1250 A / 25 kA ensures that both systems interact seamlessly with each other,’ says Thomas Höfkens.  

For the end customer Grünwerke, a subsidiary of the public utility Stadtwerke Düsseldorf AG, the project marks a milestone: it is the first time the company has used an SF6-free switchgear. ‘For us, this is a significant step and a valuable opportunity to gain experience with this future-oriented technology,’ emphasises Marc Ostendorp, project manager at Grünwerke. 

Cooperation that works 

One of the main criteria in selecting the supplier was compliance with the delivery date requested by Grünwerke. Omexom chose Ormazabal as partner for medium-voltage technology because of our customised solution, fast delivery times and reliable support in planning, installation and commissioning. 

“Ormazabal provided comprehensive training for the operating personnel on how to use the new type of system. As this is not a simple standard system, but a solution tailored to the project, the technicians had a number of questions about the installation of the switchgear. These were answered quickly and competently at all times by Ormazabal’s Solutions Team,” explains the Energy Technology Project Manager at Omexom Germany.  

The project at the Geldern wind farm demonstrates how innovative technology and close cooperation between partners can help to create a sustainable solution for energy supply. The use of an F-gas-free switchgear ensures both more environmentally friendly energy distribution and a reliable, long-term infrastructure. Together with Omexom and Grünwerke, we are making an important contribution to the energy transition – with a solution that is both ecologically and technically future-proof. 

• Over these three decades we have manufactured more than 300,000 transformers at our plant in Loeches (Community of Madrid) from which we export to more than 20 countries and where we have a team of nearly 300 people.

• The Minister of Economy, Finance and Employment in the Community of Madrid, Rocío Albert López-Ibor, visited our plant last week, on the occasion of this anniversary, accompanied by the Director General of Economy and Industry of the Community of Madrid, Jaime Martínez Muñoz; the Mayor of Loeches, Antonio Theodori Andrés; the President of Ormazabal, Javier Ormazabal; the CEO of Ormazabal, Jorge González; the Plant Director, Juan Miguel Muñoz; and Guillermo Amann, Director of Institutional and Sectoral Relations at Ormazabal.

• At the meeting, we detailed our growth and investment plan to expand the plant’s industrial capacity, promote digitalization and the incorporation of new technologies, and advance its commitment to the energy transition and sustainability, reaffirming its commitment to industrialization, job creation, and the economic development of the surrounding area.

At Ormazabal, a company specializing in technological solutions for the electrical grid, we are celebrating 30 years at our plant in Loeches (Community of Madrid), currently the largest manufacturer of electrical transformers in Spain. With over 300,000 transformers developed over these three decades and a team of nearly 300 professionals at our Loeches facilities, we continue with our growth plan to expand industrial capacity, promote digitalization and the incorporation of new technologies, and advance our commitment to the energy transition and sustainability. We thus reaffirm our commitment to industrialization, job creation, and the economic development of the surrounding area.

To mark this anniversary, the Minister of Economy, Finance and Employment in the Community of Madrid, Rocío Albert López-Ibor, visited the plant last week, accompanied by the Director General of Economy and Industry of the Community of Madrid, Jaime Martínez Muñoz; the Mayor of Loeches, Antonio Theodori Andrés; the President of Ormazabal, Javier Ormazabal; the CEO of Ormazabal, Jorge González; the Plant Director, Juan Miguel Muñoz; and Guillermo Amann, Director of Institutional and Sectoral Relations at Ormazabal.

During the meeting, they toured the facilities, which, following an investment of over €15 million in the last five years, have been expanded and improved to increase capacity and efficiency. The visit provided them with a firsthand look at a plant specializing in the production of medium-voltage electrical transformers with a high degree of digitalization and automation, designed to meet the needs of electrical grid operators and customers. The plant boasts an annual manufacturing capacity equivalent to 7 GW, enough power to recharge 100,000 electric vehicles.

Over the next five years, we anticipate a further investment of €15 million, increasing our production capacity to meet the demand for transformers for the electricity distribution network, electric mobility infrastructure, renewable energy generation, and data centers, among other sectors. We will also promote the implementation of technologies based on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data to optimize our processes.

Economic and social engine of the environment

Since its opening 30 years ago, the Loeches plant has established itself as one of the main economic and social drivers of its region, exporting to more than 20 countries and contributing to job creation, wealth generation, and added value. With a team of nearly 300 professionals, the facility maintains close collaboration with the industrial value chain, working in a coordinated manner to strengthen the local production network, as well as with local training centers and universities to promote regional talent.

Thus, the Community of Madrid is one of our strategic priorities, and we currently have a team of over 400 professionals there, including the team at our Getafe facilities, where more than 110 people work in applications engineering and customer support. Furthermore, we generate over 100 indirect jobs and invest more than 50% of our purchases in Madrid-based suppliers annually. All of this reaffirms our commitment to industrial activity as a driving force for transformation towards a more sustainable and efficient electricity grid, from the region where our headquarters have been located for almost six decades.

Commitment to technology and sustainability

Technology, innovation and a commitment to sustainability are fundamental pillars of Ormazabal’s strategy, along with the promotion of key trends such as the energy transition, digitalization and cybersecurity.

In this context, we are firmly committed to R&D&I as a driver of competitiveness, with the aim of optimizing processes, managing facilities and equipment more efficiently, reducing operating and maintenance costs, minimizing environmental impact, and developing new products and services.

In 2024 alone, we allocated approximately 4% of our revenue to R&D activities, reinforcing our position as a leader in the development of advanced technological solutions for the electricity grid of the future.

Iberdrola has commissioned Ormazabal to supply the medium voltage solution for its first solar park project in Germany, the Boldekow solar park in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, which came online in May 2025 and will generate more than 53 gigawatt-hours of environmentally friendly electricity per year.

This solution allows the green energy generated to be injected into the public electricity grid.

At Iberdrola’s Boldekow substation, a transformer connects the 110 kV high-voltage network to the medium-voltage power distribution system. We supplied the complete collection station with five cpg.0 medium-voltage switchgear panels, which form the core of the substation’s infrastructure.

The equipment is designed for an operating voltage of 33 kV and a nominal current of 1250 A. As a connection between the transformer and the solar park, the cpg.0 includes one panel to feed the transformer, another for the supply transformer, and three output panels for the solar park.

Moving forward together

With this project, Iberdrola continues its expansion in the German renewable energy market and further strengthens the long-standing cooperation between our companies. Both Iberdrola and Ormazabal bring decades of experience in the development and implementation of public electricity distribution infrastructure and grid connection projects for renewable energy. Our combined expertise makes us strong partners for the energy transition.

Projects such as Ciudad Rodrigo and Pizarro (Spain), Santiago, La Ventosa and La Venta (Mexico), Pyrgari (Greece) and Tâmega (Portugal) have been implemented jointly worldwide. In each case, we have developed solutions tailored to the specific technical requirements of each country.

The Boldekow solar park in Germany has over 80,000 solar modules and a total capacity of 56 MWp. Iberdrola needed a complete collection station with a short delivery time for its substation. Despite the current difficulties in finding stations on the market, we were able to meet this requirement thanks to a Gritec station equipped with primary distribution cells and state-of-the-art communication technology from Ormazabal.

Remote monitoring

Since the plant is remotely monitored and controlled from Iberdrola’s CORE control center in Spain, Ormazabal’s solutions team integrated the communication technology into the client’s SCADA infrastructure in accordance with the IEC 61850 protocol. The system includes our own ekor.rpa200 protection device with control and metering functions, as well as a switch.

In addition to the German team, Ormazabal experts in Spain also participated in the integration of the communication technology. Thomas Höfkens, Head of Solutions at Ormazabal Germany, comments: “I am proud of our international team. The project is based here in Germany and can be monitored on-site, but also easily from the control center in Spain. This saves the customer’s operations and maintenance team travel and service costs.”

Specifications and requirements

In addition to meeting local technical connection requirements, the station had to comply with Iberdrola’s specifications, including comprehensive documentation and the relevant approval procedures through the energy company’s project management platform. Thanks to years of collaboration, our project engineers were already familiar with these processes, which allowed for a smooth integration.

To ensure reliable and efficient execution, Ormazabal supported Iberdrola throughout all phases of the project: planning, implementation, installation, and testing. “The collaboration with the Iberdrola project team was very cooperative,” says Höfkens. “It’s important for the client to have a dedicated point of contact who supports them throughout the entire project. In this case, this included weekly follow-up meetings from start to finish.”

As part of the Iberdrola substation, the collection station also had to meet specific local requirements for the building permit, including fire protection and structural calculations. Our team configured the station according to Iberdrola’s fire protection concept and ensured compliance with all design and approval processes, including the building’s structural calculations.

Sebastian Böttcher, Head of Networks and Grid Connections at Iberdrola Germany, commented: “It is a great pleasure to work with a strong partner that shares our goals of contributing to European energy independence and, in particular, to the German energy transition in the heart of Europe. The synergies between two companies with strong roots in Spain and Germany have been fully realized. My sincerest congratulations to the international teams at Iberdrola and Ormazabal.”

Under a long-term direct supply agreement with Vodafone, the Boldekow solar park will supply 100% of its green energy to Vodafone, enough to power around 3,000 mobile phone antennas and avoid 20,000 tons of CO₂ emissions per year.

This tool supports companies in adopting concrete measures that promote gender equality and women’s leadership.

At Ormazabal, we are taking a step forward in our commitment to gender equality by joining the Target Gender Equality accelerator program, promoted by the Global Compact to leverage the prominent role of companies in society as a catalyst to boost both gender equality and women’s leadership.

Thus, Target Gender Equality offers a practical methodology through an initial performance analysis, capacity-building workshops, peer learning spaces, and dialogue among multiple stakeholders, both nationally and internationally. These training sessions, in which several colleagues from the organization have participated, provide the tools necessary to implement these commitments within our organization.

This represents a new milestone in our firm commitment to gender equality, framed within our ESG strategy.

Sobre Target Gender Equality

This UN program is supported by more than 690 organizations worldwide and over 40 companies in Spain, involving 1,300 people from 72 different countries. It also has a global coalition comprised of UN agencies, such as UN Women and the International Labour Organization (ILO), and other organizations and experts who contribute their knowledge and experience to support the program.

In addition, the Women’s Institute of the Government of Spain and the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations (CEOE) are part of this Coalition at the national level for the fifth consecutive year, and have been closely linked to the development of the program.

• This plan, with an investment of over 35 million euros for our plant in Igorre and our future headquarters in Derio, aims to expand our industrial capacity, incorporate fluorinated gas-free technological solutions, promote the digitalization of the business and advance its commitment to the energy transition and sustainability.

• As part of this transformation, Lehendakari Imanol Pradales visited the new SF₆-free cell production line at the Igorre plant. He was accompanied by the Minister of Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability, Mikel Jauregi; the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Velatia, Javier Ormazabal and Alejandro Ormazabal, respectively; the CEO of Ormazabal, Jorge González; and the plant director, José Luis Bilbao.

• With this ambitious investment plan for the period 2024-2026, we reaffirm our commitment to industrialization, job creation and the economic development of the surrounding area.

At Ormazabal, we continue to advance our strategic growth plan with a planned investment of €35 million for the period 2024-2026. This investment will be allocated to the expansion and modernization of our production centers in Igorre and to the consolidation of our new headquarters in Derio at the Technology Park.

During his visit to the Igorre plant, Ormazabal’s largest industrial facility, Lehendakari (President of the Basque Government) Imanol Pradales learned firsthand about the progress of the €20 million investment plan being developed at the center. He was accompanied on the tour by the Basque Government’s Minister of Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability, Mikel Jauregi; Velatia’s Chairman and Vice Chairman, Javier Ormazabal and Alejandro Ormazabal, respectively; Ormazabal’s CEO, Jorge González; and the plant’s Director, José Luis Bilbao.

This investment plan reflects Ormazabal’s firm commitment to the energy transition, through a strong focus on technology and innovation. Thanks to this initiative, we have begun mass production of our new family of SF6-free switchgear, a solution that is being very well received by the market and positions Ormazabal as a leader in the development of safe and sustainable solutions for the electrical grid.

The aim of this industrial investment is to equip the Igorre plant with the most advanced technology for the production of our new ‘cgm.zero24’ cell family, thus guaranteeing the supply of fluorinated gas-free solutions for both the domestic and international markets. This product line represents a key step in Ormazabal’s strategy towards a safer, more sustainable, and more efficient electricity grid.

Since its opening more than 35 years ago, the Igorre plant has established itself as one of the main economic and social drivers of its surrounding area, contributing significantly to job creation, wealth generation, and added value. With a team of over 600 professionals, the facility maintains close collaboration with the industrial value chain, working in a coordinated manner to strengthen the local production network, as well as with local training centers and universities to promote regional talent.

On the other hand, we are making progress in launching our new facilities in the Bizkaia Science and Technology Park, which will house the core of our most digital solutions and become our new global headquarters. This project, which has involved an investment of 15 million euros, will bring together a multidisciplinary team of approximately 200 professionals, consolidating a space for innovation and technological collaboration.

With these investments in manufacturing and R&D, at Ormazabal we are preparing to meet the growth and demand of the sector, while also boosting wealth creation and strengthening our local ties. Currently, we have a team of 1,200 professionals in the Basque Country, generate more than 2,000 indirect jobs, and invest around €175 million annually in purchases from Basque suppliers. All of this reaffirms our commitment to industrial activity as a driving force for transformation towards a more sustainable and efficient electricity grid, from the region where our headquarters have been located for almost six decades.

Commitment to technology and sustainability

Technology, innovation and a commitment to sustainability are fundamental pillars of Ormazabal’s strategy, along with the promotion of key trends such as the energy transition, digitalization and cybersecurity.

In this context, we are firmly committed to R&D&I as a driver of competitiveness, with the aim of optimizing processes, managing facilities and equipment more efficiently, reducing operating and maintenance costs, minimizing environmental impact, and developing new products and services.

In 2024 alone, Ormazabal had a team of 115 professionals dedicated to research and allocated approximately 4% of our revenue to R&D activities, reinforcing our position as a benchmark in the development of advanced technological solutions for the electricity grid of the future.

The Government of Panama, through the Ministry of Health, has inaugurated a new hospital in the province of Colón, becoming a modern reference center for healthcare in the region.

Due to the need to ensure the connection of this hospital to the electrical grid, the main electrical contractor of the project entrusted Ormazabal to carry out the integration with the power plant, which globally controls all supply and energy distribution paths of the facility.

To achieve this, the hospital has an internal medium-voltage network protected and controlled by Ormazabal switchgear and protection and automation equipment. Given the critical nature of this infrastructure, the hospital has an emergency power plant of 8.4 MW, consisting of four diesel generators of 2.1 MW each.

The solution provided, thanks to the flexibility of Ormazabal equipment and a synchronization cabinet specifically designed for this application, enables an operation that guarantees continuous and reliable power supply, minimizing restoration times in case of anomalies and ensuring service to the community.

Ormazabal solution:

The proposed solution includes the supply of all necessary equipment to serve this substation. Among others, it incorporates the supply of medium-voltage switchgear, protection devices, a substation automation controller, and a diesel generator synchronization controller, specifically designed to ensure that all installed power is available by paralleling the four units.

The installation features two specific controllers. On one hand, a substation automation controller whose purpose is to monitor various electrical variables and control the status of all switchgear. This controller also monitors the state of the grid supply, acting as the master that initiates the transfer sequence to or from generators and implements load transfer management. The substation controller also enables interconnection with other systems such as BMS via DNP3.0 communication protocol, providing flexibility in operating the facility.

On the other hand, a synchronization cabinet monitors and operates the diesel generators. This cabinet starts, synchronizes, and connects the four units, ensuring total safety both electrically and for personnel during operation. A local touch SCADA allows an operator to know in detail the status not only of the generator sets but also of the entire installation. Like the substation controller, the synchronization cabinet allows interconnection with BMS systems via standard communication protocols.

Ormazabal challenge:

Provide the client with a complete and customized solution for automation, protection, and synchronization. Additionally, act as a single point of contact throughout all project phases, from design to commissioning.

Secondary distribution switchgears

cgmcosmos

Modular and compact switchgear with integral gas insulation.
Up to 24 kV / 27 kV.

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Protection & automation relays

ekor.uct

Remote control and control unit.

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Protection & automation relays

ekor.rpa serie 200

Advanced multifunction, measurement and control protection units integrated in Ormazabal protection cubicles.

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Data centers are essential for digital connectivity, cybersecurity, and cloud services. In Spain, this sector is growing rapidly. The demand for scalable and secure infrastructure is driving this expansion. At Ormazabal, we are proud to support this growth with a comprehensive power solution. Our technology guarantees reliability, innovation, and efficiency for modern data centers.

The client is a global data center operator with over 55 facilities in the US, Europe, and Asia. Its services include interconnection and custom-built data centers. These facilities enable it to meet customers’ digital demands and AI-driven workloads.

“Ormazabal’s solution exceeded our expectations. It combines innovation and reliability in a critical data center environment.”

Technical team, global data center operator.

Ormazabal’s solution 

We provide a customized solution, aligned with the client’s needs. Our team created the solution using our own technology. We designed it to support critical infrastructure. The system includes:

• 14 units of cpg.0 lite switchgear for safe and reliable power distribution.
• ekor.rpa 200 protection relays for intelligent monitoring and fast fault responses.
• Custom metal casings for strong physical protection.

This system keeps operations secure, efficient, and connected. It meets the highest standards for data centers.

Challenge 

The challenge was to meet stringent technical requirements. The data center needed high reliability and performance. At the same time, the system had to be flexible enough for future expansion. The project utilized advanced technology in a customized configuration. It required close collaboration between engineering and production. We delivered a robust and flexible solution. This was made possible by close teamwork.

Ormazabal products involved

Celdas de distribución primaria

cpg.0 lite

Modular single busbar switchgear with integral gas insulation, up to 24 kV

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Relés de protección

ekor.rpa serie 200

Advanced multifunction, measurement and control protection units integrated in Ormazabal protection cubicles.

See in detail

Envolvente de metal personalizada

Transformer substations

Prefabricated transformer substations

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This award adds toBest Performer 2024, delivered by EDP to our team last year

The “Award for Excellence,” presented during the EDPpartners Networks 2025 event, reinforces the confidence that EDP places in the Ormazabal team in Spain and Portugal as strategic partners in the transformation of the electricity grids of the future in Iberia. Furthermore, this award adds to theBest Performer 2024, delivered by EDP to our team last year.

In the words of Jaime Ramis, managing director of Ormazabal Southern Europe, “at Ormazabal we work on very important innovative projects with the EDP group and it is an honor to receive an award like this, which motivates us to continue working on the path of excellence and innovation.”

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to EDP for this support in continuing to move forward together towards a more sustainable and digitalized electricity grid and future; as well as our heartfelt congratulations to the other award winners.

The use of OPS technology will allow the supply of electricity to ships from the electrical grid at docks A-5.1 and A-6.1, without the need to keep auxiliary engines running and eliminating all noise, vibrations and emissions

• The joint solution responds to the strategic plan of the Port of Bilbao to electrify up to 11 berths.

• Both companies have established themselves as leaders in OPS-type solutions, having supplied their technology for the electrification of the Port of Cadiz last year.

The electrification of European port activity has emerged as one of the major technological challenges for the operators of these infrastructures, who, amidst the growth of maritime transport, must comply with European regulations to guarantee their ecological transition and eliminate environmental pollution, both in the ports and in the surrounding populations.

The BilbOPS project is a strategic investment aimed at electrifying the docks with 11 connection points.integrating the generation of renewable energy from 4 photovoltaic plantsBilbao Port and VINCI Energies Spain have entrusted Ormazabal and Ingeteam with ensuring the medium-voltage power supply for ships docking at piers A-5.1 and A-6.1 of the Port of Bilbao, the main port infrastructure in northern Spain. This is the first phase of a project that will later cover all cruise ship, ferry, and container piers, incorporating solutions for both power supply and the control and protection of the port-ship interconnections themselves.

Ormazabal and Ingeteam will supply the first two connection points to electrify the ro-ro traffic berth at the Port of Bilbao. They will provide a comprehensive project, encompassing all necessary service and user layers, complete with a highly customized supply and a design focused on achieving plug-and-play functionality in the field.

These solutions, known as On-shore Power Supply (OPS), allow ships to be supplied with electricity from the port’s power grid without needing to keep their auxiliary engines running to generate it, thus eliminating all noise, vibrations, and polluting gases that are harmful to nearby population centers. Both companies deployed this technology last year in the Port of Cádiz, electrifying the passenger terminal.

Illustration 1. Graphic explanation of what a PAHO is (Source: Ormazabal)

Technical solution for port electrification (OPS Technology)

The joint solution from Omexom Spain, the energy infrastructure brand of VINCI Energies Spain, and its partners, Ormazabal and Ingeteam, enables a high level of engineering integration that will improve overall service quality, reducing commissioning times, increasing the simplicity and maintenance of the electrical connection, preventing installation errors in the field, and guaranteeing system operation at the most demanding quality levels. It will also contribute to a 25% increase in energy transfer.

Thus, the solution, developed jointly by Ormazabal and Ingeteam, is based on a grid connection center with outputs to two OPS facilities. The power supply is guaranteed by two transformers, which will reduce the incoming voltage from the grid; then, two converters manufactured by Ingeteam will set the operating frequency for the docked vessel; and finally, two more transformers will step up the voltage for distribution throughout the port.

Thanks to the expert knowledge of both companies, it has been possible to make the same step-up transformer deliver power to the ship in an automated way, which simplifies connection operations.

About the BilbaOPS project

The BilbOPS project, developed by the Port Authority of Bilbao, is a strategic investment aimed at establishing green corridors with ports in its area of ​​influence, primarily in Northern Europe. The first step involves electrifying the container, cruise ship, and ferry docks with 11 connection points, integrating energy generation from four photovoltaic plants. The ultimate goal is for at least 30% of the energy supplied to ships to come from renewable sources.

The Port Authority of Bilbao is financing the project with funds from the programsNEXT GENERATION and CONNECTING EUROPE FACILITY (CEF) of the European Union.

Thanks to BilbOPS, the Port of Bilbao will be closer to meeting the European Union’s “Fit For 55” targets, reducing the port’s greenhouse gas emissions by 40%. With this project and other complementary measures, the port will be able to achieve the 55% emissions reduction target set by the European Union for 2030. BilbOPS will allow for a significant leap forward in the Atlantic Arc, adapting the Port of Bilbao’s infrastructure and providing this new service.

Our joint Generative AI solution for transformer substation design stands out as the winner

The tandemOrmazabal and Henko-IAhas emerged victorious in the#DATATONEuskadi2025thanks to its innovative solutionGenerative AIfor the challenge“System for the Design of Transformation Centers”The proposal was selected as the winner from among five challenges presented during the event held at theBAT B Accelerator Tower, which brought together more than 200 professionals.

This recognition highlights the strategic collaboration between business and technological innovation, as well as the potential of artificial intelligence in the industrial sector.

From Ormazabal and Henko-IA we would like to thankBAIC – Basque Artificial Intelligence Centerfor the organization of the event, and congratulate the rest of the participants for their great work:
Kaiku Corporación Alimentaria, Data Value Management, ULMA Handling Systems, LKS NEXT, Ingemat, Inetum, Seguros Lagun Aro and NWorld Advisory, Tech & Operations.

• We have an office in Sao Paulo and an industrial plant in São Sebastião do Passé (Bahia) from where we meet the main demands of the local market.
• In our 25-year history, we have participated in major projects in Brazil such as the Iguazu and Maringa airports, as well as the Campo Largo and Chafariz wind farms.

Our presence in Brazil reaches a significant milestone this week as we celebrate our 25th anniversary. During this time, we have participated in some of the country’s most important electrical grid projects, aiming to strengthen the security of the electricity supply and facilitate the integration of renewable energy. To commemorate this anniversary, we held a meeting in São Paulo and visited Ormazabal’s facilities in São Sebastião do Passé (Bahia). Among those present were Urbano Murillo, Chief Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Spanish Embassy in São Paulo; Nilza da Mata, Mayor of São Sebastião do Passé; and company representatives.

In the words of Jorge González, CEO of Ormazabal, “We are confident in continuing to help connect more renewable energy, contributing our expertise in the sector so that Brazil remains a global leader in green energy production.” Alberto Paniagua, Ormazabal’s Manager in Brazil, echoed this sentiment, stating that “the renovation and modernization of our office, as well as the expansion of our production center, are clear examples of our commitment to adapting to the needs of an increasingly demanding and diverse market.”

In addition, the delegation of representatives from Spain was complemented by Alejandro Ormazabal Echevarría, Vice President of Velatia; who wanted to be present at the first quarter of a century of a very relevant presence for the business group.

Ormazabal in Brazil

Ormazabal’s presence in Brazil dates back to 2000, when we opened our sales office in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, with just five employees. Today, we have over 40 employees, divided between our São Paulo sales office, which manages services and engineering, and our industrial facilities in São Sebastião do Passé. These facilities are dedicated to the manufacturing and adaptation of medium-voltage switchgear for the local market and the integration of various key components for the electrical grid, such as transformers and low-voltage switchboards. Recently renovated with a strong technological focus, these facilities are capable of producing 1,200 units per year to meet the growing investment needs for upgrading the electrical grid.

Thus, during the company’s 25 years of activity in the country, from Ormazabal we have supported some large companies such as Neoenergia, ENEL, Equatorial, Vestas, SGRE and many other companies from different sectors; as well as participated in large projects in Brazil such as the airports of Iguazu or Maringa, as well as the wind farms of Campo Largo or Chafariz.

• We are launching a new cell manufacturing line with SF6-free technology at the Igorre (Bizkaia) production center, the company’s largest plant.

• We reaffirm our commitment to industrialization, job creation and wealth generation in the region

At Ormazabal, a manufacturer of technological solutions for the electrical grid, we are reinforcing our commitment to society’s energy transition with new investments in technology and innovation. Between 2024 and 2026, we will invest €20 million in our Igorre plant (Bizkaia), the company’s largest facility, with the aim of expanding our production capacity, improving the efficiency of our installations, and incorporating new Industry 4.0 technology to advance the energy, digital, and sustainable transition.

Thanks to this investment, we have deployed a new manufacturing line for SF6-free cell technology, an innovative and sustainable equipment solution that has been very well received by the market. This line began operating in 2024, and we are expanding its capacity to meet the demands of the sector. The objective of this industrial commitment is to make the Igorre factory the spearhead of production for our new cgm.zero24 family, guaranteeing the supply of this fluorinated gas-free technology for both the national and international markets.

According to Jorge González, CEO of Ormazabal, the energy transition “represents a huge opportunity for the reindustrialization of the country, for the generation of local value through a competitive and digital industry, high-quality jobs with top-level STEM profiles. An opportunity that we must seize as a society.”

The Igorre plant currently employs 600 professionals, and we anticipate continued growth thanks to this investment in R&D and new production lines. In this way, we are fostering wealth creation and strengthening our presence in the region, where our headquarters have been located for nearly six decades, through our commitment to industrial activity aimed at transforming and improving the sustainability of the electricity grid.

Commitment to technology and sustainability

Technology and innovation, a commitment to sustainability, and the promotion of key trends in the environment, such as the energy transition, digitalization, and cybersecurity, are the pillars of Ormazabal’s strategy.

In fact, at Ormazabal we are committed to R&D&I to boost our competitiveness, optimize processes, manage facilities and equipment, reduce operating and maintenance costs, minimize our environmental impact, and develop new products and services. Specifically, in 2024 we invested nearly €26 million in R&D&I and have a team of 115 people dedicated to research.

In the words of Ormazabal’s CEO: “Our commitment to technology and industrial development is aimed at the energy transition. All our solutions are geared towards facilitating an energy mix with a higher proportion of renewable energy, as well as the electrification of processes currently based on fossil fuels, such as transportation.”

About Ormazabal

Ormazabal is a company specializing in customized, high-tech electrical solutions, with over 55 years of experience. Its solutions are designed to digitize the electrical grid to integrate more renewable energy generation, enable more sustainable mobility, and guarantee supply for buildings and infrastructure with critical energy needs, thus contributing to the decarbonization of the planet.

Their ongoing commitment to technological and industrial innovation has allowed them to position their own technology globally and install their equipment in more than 150 countries.

Currently, it has 16 industrial plants worldwide and a presence in more than 50 countries through subsidiaries and distributors. It employs over 2,700 highly qualified professionals and has an annual turnover exceeding €800 million.

Ormazabal participated in the redevelopment of the Notre-Dame Cloister

An ambitious project aimed at revitalizing this iconic heritage site while redefining the public space. The overall project involves pedestrianizing the area and creating new landscaped spaces along the esplanade, with paving stones that match those of the cathedral. Commercial terraces and new points of interest will be added, along with the creation of an underground cultural center.

Enedis operates the largest electricity distribution network in Europe, supporting local communities and the energy transition. As a long-term partner, we collaborate to modernize the grid and ensure a reliable and sustainable power supply.

Chartres Métropole supports urban development and heritage enhancement while addressing energy transition challenges. This project is part of a broader effort to modernize and preserve the city’s historical environment.

Ormazabal’s solution to the challenge

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Chartres Cathedral imposes strict architectural constraints. It was crucial that the distribution substation, located at the foot of the cathedral, remained entirely invisible to preserve the site’s historical integrity while providing the necessary power to supply the redeveloped cloister area.

In collaboration with Chartres Métropole and Enedis, Ormazabal proposed a custom solution: a monobloc concrete underground transformer substation of the PFS-48 type. This solution fully meets the requirements for invisibility, performance, and environmental integration.

Key benefits to client:

• Substation perfectly integrated into its environment (completely invisible).

• Prefabricated, watertight, monobloc enclosure.

Involved products in the project:

cgmcosmos

Modular and compact switchgear with integral gas insulation.
Up to 24 kV / 27 kV.

See in detail

Distribution applications

Public distribution transformers, terciary (shopping centers, airports, hospitals, stadiums, etc.)

See in detail

Transformer substations

Prefabricated transformer substations

See in detail

The UDEX 6.0 project is led by ORMAZABAL CORPORATE TECHNOLOGY and is part of the “Plan 2i for the Promotion of Innovation and Advanced Investment” program of the Provincial Council of Bizkaia. It will be developed during the years 2023-2025.

The UDEX 6.0 project is a project led by ORMAZABAL CORPORATE TECHNOLOGY, which is part of the “2i 2024 Program” of the Provincial Council of Bizkaia. It is carried out in the years 2023-2025.

This project has been financed by the Provincial Council of Bizkaia within the 2i 2024 Program.

ACTION CO-FINANCED BY THE BASQUE GOVERNMENT (DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENT) AND THE EUROPEAN UNION THROUGH THE EUROPEAN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND 2021-2027 (ERDF)

The R&D project entitled “Medium Voltage Primary Distribution Cells with Natural Gases” has been co-financed by the Basque Government and the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund 2021-2027 (ERDF).

CEPIGON is a project that aims to research and develop a new family of SF6-free primary distribution cells up to 24kV that, through the use of naturally sourced gases, meets the requirements set out in the new European Regulation (EU) 2024/573.

Furthermore, the scope of the project also includes the development of new sensor technology with which the new generation of primary distribution cells will be equipped, as well as the development of a data acquisition, storage and analytics system that will monitor the health status of the cell in the field, thus advancing in industry 4.0.

This is a competitive industrial research project in which ORMAZABAL DISTRIBUCIÓN PRIMARIA, S.L.U. is participating.

Proyecto n.º: ZL-2024/00814 ; ZL-2025/00153

ACTION CO-FINANCED BY THE BASQUE GOVERNMENT (DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENT) AND THE EUROPEAN UNION THROUGH THE EUROPEAN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND 2021-2027 (ERDF)

The R&D project carried out by ORMAZABAL entitled “Research and development in data and architectures of electrical networks for the improvement of network visibility and integration of prosumers” has been co-financed by the Basque Government and the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund 2021-2027 (ERDF).

EIDER is a project whose objective is to investigate digital technologies for the development of products/systems that allow the deployment of functionalities in architecturesEdge Computing in the nodes of the Medium and Low Voltage electricity network, thus increasing its visibility and control and facilitating the introduction of governance mechanisms in the information channels and the integration of prosumers into the network.

This is a multi-year strategic industrial research collaboration project (2024-2025) in which the following entities and/or agents of the Basque Science, Technology and Innovation Network participate: ACLARA METERS, S.L. (leader), AYESA IBERMATICA S.A.U., INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS, S.L.,MEDIUM VOLTAGE ORMAZABAL, S.L.U., AVENIDA ELECTRICA EXPOENCIAL S.L.U., ZIGOR CORPORACION, S. A., FUNDACIÓ TECNALIA RESEARCH AND INNOVATION, INSTITUTO IBERMAMATICA DE INNOVACIÓ, S.L., ORMAZABAL CORPORATE, A.CH. ZIGOR RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT, A.I.E., ZIV I+D SMART ENERGY NETWORKS, A.I.E.

Project no:ZE-2024/00049

The inaugural event, held last Tuesday the 14th at BAT B Accelerator Tower in Bilbao, featured our CEO, Jorge González, who signed the incorporation of Ormazabal into a think tank that aims to promote equality-oriented leadership through proposals, indicators, and concrete actions, fostering the commitment of top management in organizations.

Following this, and as part of the agenda after the presentation of the “Report on the evolution of equality culture and balanced leadership in the Basque industry,” our colleague Miren de la Cruz participated in the round table “Reflections and Advances on Female Leadership in the Industry” along with other representatives from companies in the sector such as Iberdrola, TECUNI SA, and Arteche.

The discussion highlighted the professional experiences of the participants in terms of female leadership in the industry, as well as the main initiatives promoted by their organizations.

At Ormazabal, we continue to take firm steps to achieve transversal equality at the organizational and societal levels.

Following the decarbonization commitments of the Port Authority of Valencia (APV), we delivered an engineering project consisting of two digital transformation centers to connect their new self-consumption photovoltaic installation.

We assist the Port Authority of Valencia (APV) in its decarbonization plan to become a zero-emission port in the near future. One of the projects undertaken is the installation of a solar photovoltaic generation plant on the roof of the vehicle silo on the dock of its eastern breakwater.

In this project, Ormazabal participated by providing the technology to elevate the voltage generated in Low Voltage, in the solar panels, to the Medium Voltage necessary to be injected and connected to the current electrical grid of the port.

We contributed all our experience, both in engineering services and manufacturing, in supplying two prefabricated surface transformation centers, models pfu.5 and pfu.7, fully assembled at the factory with cgmcosmos cells up to 24 kV, ekor.rpa control, protection, and communication electronic equipment, and BT/MT step-up transformers type transforma.dis, three of which are 1250 kV and one 1600 kVA, characterized by including biodegradable dielectric liquid type organic. Additionally, the supply was completed with an empty pfu.5 enclosure to house BT equipment provided by the client.

A Tailor-Made Solution for an Installation Challenge

Beyond meeting the technical requirements and satisfying our client’s needs, we faced the great challenge of installing the two transformation centers of the project under the roof of the Europe terminal building, intended for vehicle parking. This was an entirely atypical context due to access limitations and lack of height for the use of standard cranes for their placement, so we had to employ all our capabilities to meet these demands.

The solution required designing a metal structure to support the weight of each prefabricated enclosure, which necessitated collaboration between the technicians from our Uniblok transformation center factory and a local external supplier. Conditioned to withstand the weight of each enclosure, the structure also had to have the capacity to lift and lower the entire assembly. Once this point was resolved, it was necessary to use hydraulic skates, provided by our local partner, Grúas Rigar, to move the transformation center-metal structure assembly from the exterior of the building where they had been unloaded to the interior of the ground floor. Finally, the developed solution also included the use of hydraulic jacks to achieve the necessary precision in their final placement.

With this project, Ormazabal has managed, on the one hand, to align with the Port of Valencia in its decarbonization goal, and on the other, to respond to unusual technical limitations, which have been possible to overcome thanks to an expert and multidisciplinary team of professionals from various specialties.

The continuous evolution of the low voltage grid, driven by the emergence of new actors, has made its digitalization a key issue

Electrical grids, like the needs of their users, are currently undergoing an unprecedented evolution due to the push for the electrification of society. As a result of this phenomenon, actors who until a few years ago had little importance and use of the grid, such as the electric vehicle charging grid, multipoint renewable generation, energy storage, and the emergence of new private customers, have appeared strongly; causing imbalances due to the resulting undervoltages or overvoltages in the grid, especially in the low voltage grid, when connecting simultaneously with their particular needs.

Thus, the low voltage electrical grid must adapt to the arrival of these new energy demanders and suppliers; prioritizing the monitoring and digitalization of the grid for more efficient and stable control thanks to data management, its use with predictive functions, and the consequent automation of processes. But how is this crucial digitalization of the low voltage grid achieved? Today we are going to discover which agents are key in this process and how they contribute to stabilizing the grid and ensuring the electricity supply. Let’s get to it.

If we have to identify a relevant actor in this scenario, present in the integration of all the new grid actors we have mentioned, it is the digital transformer substation. These centers, whose work in the medium voltage grid we explained in a previous post, equip the main elements of their electrical equipment (mainly distribution cells, transformers, and low voltage panels) with specialized electronics and software to be interconnected at all times and offer real-time information to grid operators thanks to the detailed information of each line. This advanced supervision provides real-time parameters, such as currents, voltages, or powers; creating load curves for each output line and allowing events and alarms to be applied in different scenarios. In short, they become a fundamental tool for knowing what is happening in the grid in real-time. Essential information for grid operating companies.

Monitoring and control as key factors: from observability to action

Thanks to monitoring and control, electric companies can take a step forward in developing apps that use this data to analyze and prevent possible imbalances or grid saturation, improving the service to the end user. Additionally, this facilitates grid planning tasks, allowing new connections to it and reconfiguring existing ones to the new scenario; enabling the integration of renewable energies, electric vehicles, energy storage, and other private actors.

This early detection, to which smart meters also contribute, allows each line and phase to be linked to the end consumer and possible losses or inefficiencies; discriminating each case and avoiding interruptions or variations in the supply at a general level. Along with this, the incorporation of smart transformers and low voltage line optimizers at key points only increases the quality of the supply; especially in lines where overvoltages or undervoltages are more present.

The Digital Transformer Substation emerges as a key partner for the digitalization of the low voltage grid. Thus, the evolution from observability to grid action will allow advanced real-time monitoring thanks to a direct connection to the electric company’s control and operation systems. Providing its safe operation, mapping, and the development of new functionalities such as long-distance line protection, third-line coupling, or return voltage evaluation. Advantages that all users of an increasingly digitalized and, ultimately, more environmentally friendly electrical grid will enjoy.

Do you want to know more about this and other solutions for the electrical grid? Contact us through the following form:

The increase in connection points causing imbalances makes it crucial to stabilize the low voltage grid for its proper functioning

If the electrical grid was complex a few years ago, when the points of generation, transmission, distribution, and consumption were clearly drawn on the map, the current electrical grid, where connection points of different kinds have skyrocketed, has turned it into a complex infrastructure whose management poses an unprecedented technological challenge. The various types of consumers and generators, as well as the fluctuations in energy demand and supply, are causing voltage drop variations in the grid, jeopardizing its stability and thus affecting customers and operators. This is where we identify the great technological challenge: to stabilize the low voltage grid. But how can we achieve this?

Until now, there has been a traditional solution that, in the previous scenario, could serve to minimize the impact of these solutions. Thus, when designing installations, the voltage drop was limited; but this caused a reduction in the grid’s capacity to connect new elements. This situation makes it unfeasible, given the incorporation of multipoints such as renewable generation, both domestic and large-scale, or the electric vehicle charging grid.

Another solution has been to manually disconnect, as they are detected, those points where there are stability problems. In other words, cut to the chase. However, the high service standards and current needs make this solution unfeasible in the 21st-century electrical grid, which points towards more dynamic and flexible solutions to exploit the true capabilities that electricity can offer society.

So, which is the best solution for the grid?

The great revolution that the energy world is experiencing has caused the electrical equipment industry to respond technologically to the new needs of the grids. In this context, our protagonists today are born: the on-load tap changers. But what are these elements? They are revolutionary devices installed in medium voltage transformers, key nodes in the transformation of electricity from medium to low voltage, and they allow adjusting the transformer’s output voltage according to the grid’s conditions. In this way, these on-load tap changers allow optimal utilization of the total capacity of the low voltage grid.

But how do they achieve this in a grid where, as we have explained before, conditions change practically every moment? Thanks to two theoretical principles on which their operation is based:

• Undervoltages are mainly caused by large simultaneous consumptions or by imbalances of single-phase connections such as electric vehicles or heat pumps. If we increase the number of taps in the transformer, we increase its output voltage and, therefore, the voltage of the entire low voltage grid. Thus, we avoid these situations.

• Overvoltages are mainly generated by self-consumption injections and/or phase voltage imbalances due to single-phase connections. An example is photovoltaic panels. If we decrease the number of taps in the transformer, we reduce the output voltage and solve the problem.

Digitalization, key to adjust voltage values and stabilize the low voltage grid

If we can understand their operation theoretically, it is the technology of the tap changers that must respond, practically, to the problem of overvoltages and undervoltages.

These guardians of the low voltage grid use a digitized control system that measures the transformer’s output voltage in real-time and compares it with a setpoint value. If the voltage between both scenarios deviates, the system corrects the situation. For this, two main dynamic regulation techniques are used, which obtain an optimal setpoint value:

• Static automatic: Establishes a fixed output voltage value, suitable for absorbing voltage variations.
• Dynamic automatic: Sets an output voltage value that varies according to load fluctuations at the moment. Thus, the algorithm calculates the information in real-time, maximizing the grid’s capabilities.

In this way, both grid operators and end consumers have a more flexible, stable, and secure low voltage grid, complying with regulations and being prepared for today’s and tomorrow’s needs.

Are you interested in learning more about stabilizing the low voltage grid? Get in touch with us and discover our solutions.

The “Investissement et rayonnement espagnol en France” award serves as recognition for Ormazabal’s more than 30 years of presence in France

Last Thursday, the 12th, was a special day for the entire Ormazabal team in general and Ormazabal France in particular. The Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in France presented us with the “Investissement et rayonnement espagnol en France” award, which highlights Ormazabal’s efforts to invest in technology and industry as the growth vector of its activity in France.

The more than 150 people who make up the Ormazabal team in France, as well as the 2,600 who do so internationally, were represented by Javier Ormazabal, President of Velatia, who stated that this recognition rewards “a path of almost 30 years of anticipatory investments looking at the long term.” Indeed, over the past three decades, Ormazabal has decisively committed to the French market, where we have a factory with high industrial capacities in the municipality of Torcy, inaugurated in 2000, from which we supply customized technological solutions for the electrical grid to all our clients and partners in the region.

The award was presented by the director of Business France, Marie Célie Tardieu, who highlighted Ormazabal’s “relevant role” in the decarbonization of the French energy mix.

For his part, Javier Ormazabal emphasized the significant evolution the company has experienced in the last 10 years in France. Since the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in France (COCEF) and the Commercial Office of the Spanish Embassy in France awarded us the “Company of the Year Award” in 2013, our market share has grown substantially, making us a key player in supporting our clients in the decarbonization of their activities and the electrification of society.

“As you can see, France has rewarded us over these almost 30 years of effort, allowing us to grow, position ourselves, and be recognized as a French company without losing the global focus of our roots” declared the President of Velatia. Javier Ormazabal assured that Ormazabal’s long-term commitment to France will continue in the coming years. “We will continue in our endeavor and I trust that together we can advance our common goals,” he concluded.

The ceremony, sponsored by Telefónica, was attended by the President of the European Investment Bank, Nadia Calviño; the Spanish Ambassador to France, Victorio Redondo Baldrich; the Director General of International Trade and Investments of the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Alicia Varela Donoso; and the Director of Business France, Marie Cécile Tardieu, among others.

We want to express our most sincere gratitude to all the institutions and people involved in this award.

File number: PRAAST2_74597

The project aims to harness clean, efficient, and safe energy, impacting the entire energy chain from generation to consumption, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere and lowering electricity bills.

Participants: ORMAZABAL COTRADIS TRANSFORMADORES, S.L.U.

The investment for this project has been supported by the Energy Foundation and IDAE within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan financed by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.

(See poster)

The Commission and the European Parliament are sending undeniable Messages that the Green Deal and its key target of “green energy for all Europeans” is still in force. In addition, the Spanish Government has addressed to the European Commission a new version of the National Energy & Climate Action Plan and to the Spanish Parliament a draft Climate Change Law. Both pieces of legislation are decidedly ambitious to fight against the climate change relying in the electrification and the decarbonisation of the economy.

The signs are positive, Europe, and Spain with it, understand that an electrification strategy of the economy sustained in a clearly renewable generation mix it is the only way to the solution. The objective has not changed: by 2050 we can and must have a net decarbonised economy; and that means electrified.

The economic recovery after the COVID crisis can only come with massive investments to protect and create qualified and quality jobs; supporting all regions of Europe without exception, to their companies and sectors after having suffered this unexpected and sudden stoppage of the economy.

It is time to start rebuilding. It will be essential to encourage investment in those segments that are able to trigger new economic models without giving up climate and energy targets. The transition to a carbon neutral climate-friendly economy should be based on the use of renewable resources. That leads undoubtedly to transfer the entire economy to the only energy vector capable of sustaining itself only in ecologically neutral sources: the electricity vector.

The European transport sector is not only one of the biggest carbon sources but a high pollutant as well. The Green Deal and their climate targets implies the electrification of transportation. That means several subsectors, but here I want to focus on the on road transport and in particular the Electric Vehicle.

Electric Vehicle and the electrification of the society: an economic recovery opportunity

10 years ago, the full electric vehicles were just prototypes, but today they are a reality in continuous evolution not only in terms of the technology involved but in use and business models as well.

Unfortunately, the market share of the EV is still very low. The citizens in general are not convinced of the advantages of the EVs. There are several “marketing reasons” for that, but probably the most important is the “range anxiety”. We are used to combustion engines that just need fuel that can get at a petrol station round the corner. The only way to promote practically the use of the EV is to deploy a strong European network of fast and ultra-fast charging stations.

In the long-term, the use and business models will evolve towards shared and autonomous systems. That drives into huge CAPEX investments in car sharing fleets that can only be amortized with high level of use of the cars (300 miles/day?). That can only be handle with an intensive fast and ultra-fast charging system.

The domestic and slow charging system is necessary, but it is just the pick of the iceberg of the charging infrastructure network.

In this precise moment, there is an opportunity to push actively towards the definition of more ambitious targets in terms of high capacity charging points through the public consultation concerning the revision of the Directive 2014/94/EU on the Deployment of Alternative Fuels Infrastructure. More demanding European objectives will drive to more penetration of the EV.

However, the electricity network must be prepared accordingly. It is not an issue that we do not have a good network; it is an issue of preparing it for the new scenario due to three reasons:

1. A clean electrical system must be based on renewable generation sources; and, whether we want it or not, renewable sources are intermittent and impossible to control regarding their intensity, simultaneity and availability.
2. On the other hand, because of that unpredictability from the renewable source, the only way to balance and stabilize the system is to use storage systems of any type but fundamentally in the form of batteries embedded in all the voltage levels of the network and hydro pumping.
3. Finally, the new uses of electricity as the electric vehicle charging, intelligent heating and cooling systems, home automation or connected reversible self-consumption, are more demanding than the conventional consumptions. They put extra stress on the network in terms of its parameters (voltage and frequency), demand instant price signals and they even challenge the paradigm of the conventional one-way flow of the electric power.

Because of those three reasons, we must foster the network investments in two directions:

1. First is the reinforcement of the network. The new type of consumptions such as the electric vehicle charging infrastructure means more power to deliver more energy.
2. Second and even more critical is to make it smarter and automatized. The entire distribution network, both Medium and High Voltage, must be progressively automated and equipped with the communication, control, monitoring and self-regulation infrastructures. In other words, we must, in short, digitalize the distribution network.

The European (and Spanish) complete electricity system, transport and distribution operators, technology providers and its entire value chain and suppliers of smart solutions and systems, has the potential to generate skilled employment y and sustainable economic growth improving the energy mix towards decarbonization. This sector can be powerful engine to invigorate the economy in the post COVID era, and the electrification will be the key.

About Jorge González

Jorge González is Ormazabal CEO since April 2013, although he has been working in Velatia for 20years, in different companies of the group and with different responsabilities: engineer, business unit manager and later Managing Director of Polsa, Aislantes Sólidos, Uniblok and Ormazabal as General Manager for the regions of Europe and Africa.

Jorge González is Ormazabal CEO since April 2013, although he has been working in Velatia for 20 years, in different companies of the group and with different responsabilities: engineer, business unit manager and later Managing Director of Polsa, Aislantes Sólidos, Uniblok and Ormazabal as General Manager for the regions of Europe and Africa.

Ormazabal is a company specialized in the electric sector and focused on innovation. It was founded in 1967 and has a workforce of 2,300 people, a worldwide presence in moren that 100 cities and industrial facilities in 5 continents.

The transition of the low voltage grid towards its digitalization and remote operation offers great advantages for both operators and consumers

The application of new technologies to promote the evolution of the low voltage grid is bringing about a paradigm shift in customer service. Through these new technological capabilities, the low voltage grid is evolving to solve, and even prevent, problems remotely. But how is this leap from observability to remote operation being achieved? Let’s dive into it.

First, it is essential to understand the main problems that both users and grid operators face when something goes wrong within the vast web that is the electrical grid. Uncontrolled connections, lack of coordination of fuses between the transformation center and the consumer, or the degradation of those same fuses over time are some of the main causes of temporary service outages in grids that do not have observability or remote operation systems.

Moreover, when this occurs, a technical team from the electric company must be present to resolve an issue, replacing the affected fuses. A situation that can be avoided if the digitalization of the low voltage grid is embraced.

For this reason, companies are betting on the incorporation of technology that allows data collection and action based on it. Thus, the main focus of companies is on the incorporation of the digital transforming station and its elements for the evolution of the low voltage grid, such as automated low voltage boards.

These, as a whole, allow interconnecting all the data with the operators’ control centers, from where a global view of the line is obtained and action is taken remotely on each of the problems that may arise. For this, it is necessary that all the installed electrical equipment has communication systems that send the data to the control center. But not only that, these must allow remote interaction, performing maneuvers in the centers without the need for third-party displacements; just with a click. This is how crucial the digitalization of the low voltage grid is.

What are the main benefits of moving from observability to remote operation in the LV grid?

• Instant knowledge: Instantly knowing the loss of supply to affected customers. The information provided by the transformer substations, connected to the rest of the elements of the low voltage grid, allows mapping the grid and detecting those points where problematic situations occur.
• Faster service resumption: Control elements, based on the data obtained, facilitate automatic reconnection and restore the service quickly and efficiently.
• Lower costs: Grid operators reduce and optimize the operational costs of the grid, being able to prevent problems and intervene without the need for team displacements; reducing possible customer impacts and the average intervention time of incidents.
• Action by affected phase: One of the great advantages is being able to discriminate actions in the grid by line, as it is not necessary to cut the main node to which the affected line belongs thanks to the detail provided by the data. Thus, the service of the rest of the unaffected customers on the line is maintained. Something that was unthinkable not so long ago.
• Personalization: The arrival of electronic relays has been a game-changer by achieving personalized line protection through their use.

All these benefits are the basis for new functionalities such as the protection of long-distance lines or coupling, through automation, between own transformation centers or third-party lines. A giant step in the digitalization of the low voltage grid.

Advantages that directly impact an improvement in the safety, service, or operation of the electrical distribution grid. That is, both in the grid operator and the end customer. This is how important the evolution of the low voltage grid is.

Do you want to know more about this and other solutions for the electrical grid? Contact us through the following form:

Climate action is the main commitment of this Sustainable Development Goal 13 that we will learn more about today

Nowadays, the tremendous impact that climate change has on people’s lives is undeniable; a problem caused by greenhouse gas emissions resulting from human activities. This is generating increasingly frequent extreme weather events that affect every continent and nation across the globe, as well as sudden and severe changes in natural ecosystems. This is a situation that only people can change, and it is the focus of Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13).

If we are not able to curb the impact that our activities have on our planet, the consequences of this anthropogenic climate change, resulting from our current model, will only grow exponentially, further affecting our lives and denying a future to coming generations. Climate migrations and the consequent destabilizations of societies can lead to conflicts; a situation aggravated by the collapse of the natural systems we currently call home.

Therefore, if we want to meet the commitment to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, we must accelerate the decarbonization of our activities, pivoting towards an electrification model of the economy based on the promotion and use of non-polluting energies. However, to meet these levels – currently far from being achieved – we must halve our emissions by 2030. This necessity demands a firm commitment to decarbonization, which is one of the main levers of change proposed by Sustainable Development Goal 13.

We must, therefore, take transformative measures urgently, promoting an economic model where fossil fuels have no place and where energy is generated sustainably thanks to technologies within our reach, whose expansion is crucial for our near future. This is the premise with which SDG 13 is born, whose intermediate targets serve as support points to achieve significant milestones. Let’s see what they are.

What are the targets of SDG 13?

Let´s take a look to what´s the proposal of the United Nations as targets for the Sustainable Development Goal 13:

• 13.1 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
• 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. 13.3 Improve education, awareness, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
• 13.a Implement the commitment undertaken by developed-country parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to a goal of mobilizing jointly $100 billion annually by 2020 from all sources to address the needs of developing countries in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation, and fully operationalize the Green Climate Fund through its capitalization as soon as possible.
• 13.b Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least developed countries and small island developing States, including focusing on women, youth, and local and marginalized communities.

Do you want to know more about SDG 13? Check out the following video:

Responsible production and consumption are the premises of this Sustainable Development Goal 12 that we will explain in depth today

The production of goods and services for consumption by the population is one of the foundations of our society, something that guarantees the well-being of people and allows their development and progress. However, this reality, which emerged after the industrial revolution, hides a downside where the lack of responsibility in both production and consumption causes a profound environmental impact on our surroundings. This trend is depleting our planet’s resources, while the world population continues to grow and demands even more consumer goods, putting the future of current and future generations at risk. This is the pretext behind the development of SDG 12 by the United Nations. Do you want to know more about this Sustainable Development Goal? Let’s get to it.

This goal is defined as “Sustainable Development Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.” To reduce our current impact on the environment, we must change various habits in both consumption and production. This requires the replacement of energy supply systems used in production with more sustainable ones, such as those from renewable energies. Additionally, large manufacturers must adopt circular economy systems, including the design of durable, repairable, and recyclable products, as well as incorporating practices such as reuse, refurbishment, and recycling of consumer goods to minimize waste and resource depletion.

To achieve this, companies must have a deeper understanding of the direct impact their activities generate on the environment and society, analyzing the life cycles of their products, as well as their impact on people’s lifestyles.

What are the targets of SDG 12?

To understand Sustainable Development Goal 12 in depth, we need to look at its main targets. According to the UN itself, this SDG 12 aims to:

• 12.1 Implement the 10-Year Framework of Programs on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns, with all countries taking action and developed countries taking the lead, taking into account the development and capabilities of developing countries.
• 12.2 By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
• 12.3 By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses.
• 12.4 By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
• 12.5 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
• 12.6 Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle.
• 12.7 Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities.
• 12.8 By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.
• 12.a Support developing countries to strengthen their scientific and technological capacity to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption and production.
• 12.b Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
• 12.c Rationalize inefficient fossil-fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption by removing market distortions, in accordance with national circumstances, including by restructuring taxation and phasing out those harmful subsidies, where they exist, to reflect their environmental impacts, taking fully into account the specific needs and conditions of developing countries and minimizing the possible adverse impacts on their development in a manner that protects the poor and the affected communities.

Do you want to know more? Check out the following video:

The new facilities are a milestone and a clear commitment to our focus on automation, digitalisation and adaptation to local needs

Our strategic commitment to Germany as one of our key countries, both in terms of innovation and sustainable growth, is reinforced with an investment plan of 10 million euros for the construction of a new headquarter in the German country. These new facilities will become the nerve center of our industrial strategy for the Central Europe region.

With an initial property area of over 12.000 square meters the new site is located in the Fichtenhain industrial park in Krefeld. It will house both, sales and industrial areas. With the inclusion of engineering, solution, after-sales and other service departments in combination with a manufacturing area on site, the modern facilities will serve as the spearhead of our strategy to further adapt our solutions to the needs of the sector and the region.

The new future oriented headquarter will support our focus on automation and digitalization and on the customization of Ormazabal products and solutions to the individual requirements of the local customer.

Would you like to know more about our future facilities? Take a look at this draft 3D video-render:

A new finance training module joins other existing programs in our Ormazabal Learning Center to promote professional development within Ormazabal

The Ormazabal Learning Center (Ormazabal’s internal training platform) is growing with the launch of a new educational module in finance. This new e-learning module, which allows employees to enhance and certify their financial knowledge, joins the extensive internal training offer for employees, which includes technical and commercial training programs, as well as talent development programs.

This new offering coincides with the update of the aforementioned reference programs. Thus, the technical/commercial e-learning has been updated to include the new product portfolio, and the mentoring training included improvements in 2023 that resulted in thirty new mentoring processes for professionals at the beginning of their careers in the company.

All this effort is reflected in the 37,857 hours invested by Ormazabal employees in their training, including other types of learning activities in languages, strategic planning, or leadership. This employee training, in addition to remaining stable over time, translates into an average of 15 hours of training per professional per year.

Do you want to know more about our commitment to talent development? Learn about it in our people section:

At Ormazabal, we consider sustainability as a central element of our business strategy, and therefore, we integrate it transversally throughout the organization

Our business model seeks to contribute to sustainable development through the generation of long-term value that benefits all our stakeholders, responding to increasingly ambitious environmental, social, and governance demands. This has been significantly contributed to by the proliferation of relevant European regulations, which began in 2001 with the presentation by the European Commission of the Green Paper “to promote a European framework for corporate social responsibility” and has resulted in what is now considered a regulatory tsunami, with standards such as the 2022/2464 Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

To provide the necessary resources and structures to adequately develop this area, at Ormazabal we launched a multidisciplinary forum in 2023 dedicated to analyzing the different relevant ESG aspects for the company, addressing them from an integrative and holistic perspective.

Do you want to know more? Access our 2023 Sustainability Report.

The set of Ormazabal facilities worldwide reaches the figure of 11 GW of annual green energy consumption

As part of our goal to achieve the intermediate decarbonization target of 68% of our activity by 2030 and the more ambitious goal of climate neutrality by 2050, in recent years we have redoubled our efforts to supply our facilities with energy from 100% renewable sources; contracting these types of services in countries and regions where energy distributors certify it.

Thus, in the last four years, we have managed to reach the significant figure of 11 GW of annual green energy consumption in all our facilities, increasing our consumption of this type of green energy sources by 25% and significantly reducing our environmental impact. A commitment that has been especially noticeable in Europe and that we will soon implement in the rest of the world as opportunities to contract certified green energy services arise.

In addition to purchasing renewable energy services, we are also committed to self-consumption in our facilities. An effort in which we have managed to reach a figure close to 1 GW annually (957,689 kW/h annually) thanks to the deployment of photovoltaic installations in several of our factories such as those in Amorebieta, Burgos, or Igorre.

Want to learn more about our sustainability strategy? Check out our 2023 Sustainability Report:

The Digital Transforming Station arises from the need to evolve and digitize the grid to integrate new infrastructures and technologies for everyday use

The evolution of the power grid, driven by the process of decarbonization and electrification in the society, has led to increasingly active components. One of these is the Digital Transforming Station, which evolved from the traditional transforming substation and serves to connect the medium and low voltage grids, transforming electrical energy safely.

The energy transition relies on the efficient and stable integration of renewable energy generation—from both power plants and end users—along with energy storage systems like BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) and the electric vehicle charging grid. These new actors, each critically important, have introduced a significant technological challenge for grid stabilization, as their simultaneous connection can destabilize the grid, requiring enhanced monitoring and control. In this scenario, the Digital Transforming Station emerges as the best plug-and-play solution for the market. Let’s see why.

The main difference between a digital and a traditional transforming station is that the digital substation is a natively digital solution. Every primary component within the transforming substation is interconnected, as well as connected to the control center that operates the electrical grid. This connectivity enables real-time data gathering on events occurring within these grid nodes, allowing for remote monitoring and control over various parameters: current, voltage, power levels, load curves of each outgoing line, and more.

This data helps power companies identify potential imbalances or grid saturation points, enabling them to respond to various events and alarms, and to generate predictive methods to reduce the number of future incidents. This crucial (r)evolution boosts grid management efficiency and facilitates tasks such as the maintenance, the connection of new generation and/or consumption nodes, or the reconfiguration of existing grids.

The information provided by these digital transforming stations, coordinated with that from smart meters, allows for the identification of issues or instabilities by line and phase, reducing the number of users impacted by potential problems.

Key Components of a Digital Transforming Station

While the digital transforming station is a turnkey solution, it consists of several different elements:

Medium Voltage Switchgear

• Equipped with protection and automation units
• Enables remote control and monitoring of the substation opening and closing to cut or restore service once an issue is resolved.

Automated Low Voltage Switchboard:

• Bases with automated circuit breakers and load-break disconnect switches (optional)
• Allows remote operation, control, and protection of the low voltage grid.

Smart Medium Voltage Transformer:

• Equipped with on-load tap changer (OLTC) and control units
• Selects the optimal tap to stabilize voltage automatically based on grid demands

Concrete enclosure adapted to project needs

Key Advantages of the this kind of transforming stations

We can group the advantages of the Digital Transforming Station into these main aspects:

1. Optimization of CAPEX & OPEX for the electrical grid
2. Comprehensive remote management
3. Coordination with other digital grid elements, such as smart meters and control centers
4. Stability of the electrical grid when interconnecting new players
5. Real-time monitoring

Out of these comprehensive engineering projects, developed with the leading CPOs & key players, 1,000 are already operational for our clients

Our ability to develop full-scale engineering projects for key players in the e-mobility sector has reached a major milestone by delivering over 1,000 projects for the connection to the medium voltage grid of various high power electric charging facilities in Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic & Slovakia. These projects, developed with the leading CPOs & key players, highlight Ormazabal industrial and technological capacity to provide customized solutions for the deployment of electric mobility in our society. 

In recent years, the market has entrusted Ormazabal with 1,500 projects for charging personal vehicles, professional fleets (light, medium, and heavy), and other vehicle fleets. To achieve this, Ormazabal leverages over 55 years of expert knowledge in the electrical grid of the main European utilities, focusing on engineering, production of key equipment, installation commissioning, and post-sale services. 

Ormazabal offers solutions with customized equipment, where automation and monitoring serve as key differentiators. Our engineering projects include fully equipped MV-LV connecting & transformer stations with concrete enclosures, ranging from 400 kVA to 4,000 kVA, and they are scalable to integrate photovoltaic energy production and energy storage. This flexibility allows these charging facilities to grow according to market needs without facing technological limitations. 

The medium voltage switchgear is one of the most recognizable elements of the electrical grid, and its role is crucial for the proper operation of the grid

Observing the electrical grid is similar to to look at a vast and complex spider web—endless lines that intertwine and form nodes through which electrical energy flows to meet our needs as consumers. These nodes contain numerous technological elements, which are part of the so-called electrical equipment, and are located at various points. Each has a different function, but all share a common goal: ensuring that energy reaches the final consumption points continuously, efficiently, and safely. While we have already detailed the main components of this electrical equipment and their global functions, today we will be focusing on one of the most relevant and well-known systems: the medium voltage switchgear, also known as distribution switchgear.

These technological marvels—resulting from decades of development and engineering applied to the electrical energy field—are key players in ensuring that the electrical grid is managed effectively. They help prevent the potential collapse of the rest of the electrical equipment in case of a voltage, current, and/or frequency issue, which would impact final consumers and must be avoided at all costs. Switchgear receives electricity and distributes it to the transformer, allowing it to adjust the incoming voltage. In simpler terms, it acts like a giant switch at the scale of electrical voltages.

Furthermore, the switchgear goes beyond this role, protecting the transformer and the rest of the elements in the distribution chain, such as the low-voltage switchboard, from possible grid disturbances. In other words, switchgear functions like large protective fuses that prevent damage to the other components in situations of voltage fluctuation.

Wherever a final user needs electricity, medium voltage switchgear is present. They are used to distribute electrical energy from high-voltage transmission lines to final consumers, specifically for industrial applications like factories, mining operations, or connecting renewable energy sources such as solar, hydroelectric, or wind power to the grid. Hence, these elements are vital to the operation of the electrical grid in particular and our society in general.

What technology do these distribution switchgears use?

To perform all these functions, switchgear operates under significant electrical voltage. Electricity flows through them—either at high or medium voltage—requiring a stable, safe, and reliable technological solution that meets the technical requirements of each installation. This is no easy task from a design and manufacturing standpoint. Electricity enters through the electrical grid and must be conducted to other components or interrupted as needed.

The most advanced medium voltage distribution switchgear uses a technology known as GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear). This solution uses gases of different kinds as insulators to create a sealed barrier inside the metal enclosure where the dynamic elements of the switchgear interact, allowing for safe and efficient operation. Among these gases, SF6 (sulfur hexafluoride) stands out, having been the dominant insulator in the industry for decades, along with new and innovative solutions based on industrial natural air, like those implemented by Ormazabal in their cgm.zero24 and sbp.zero24 solutions. This technology is the result of over 10 years of continuous research and represents an evolutionary step in sustainable technology.

Types of medium voltage switchgear

As mentioned earlier, switchgear can operate in different configurations depending on the overall electrical installation needs. One of the major advancements in switchgear technology is the ability to interconnect multiple units, commonly referred to in the electrical industry as “switchgear linking.” This development allows for various configurations of switchgear, each with its specific function, to work together in a unified system. The circuit passes through several units, each serving a unique purpose, to create a complete solution.

Types of switchgear by function

Among the different types of switchgear, the following are the most common:

• Incoming/Outgoing Switchgear: Connects and disconnects electrical installations that enter or exit the switchgear system.
• Busbar Switchgear: Used as mechanical protection for conductors connected to busbars, typically found in installations that do not require electrical protection.
• Fuse protection Switchgear: Offers protection based on fuses to medium-voltage transformers.
• Circuit Breaker Switchgear: Provides transformer protection with the ability to operate and restore the circuit much faster than traditional protection switchgear.

Types of switchgear by distribution phases

To understand the different types of medium voltage switchgear, it’s essential to recognize their functions in the distribution system. Depending on the power requirements of the installation or node, switchgear is classified into two categories: primary distribution and secondary distribution.

• Primary Distribution Grid: This is the phase of the electrical distribution system where electricity reaches substations to be transformed and distributed at medium voltage to the next stage of the grid or directly to electro-intensive consumers, such as industrial operations.

  • Primary Distribution Switchgear: Located further from consumption points, primarily in electrical substations, they act as large switches to protect the rest of the installations. These can also be found in high-demand industrial consumers or power generation sources like renewable energy substations.

• Secondary distribution grid: This phase adapts voltage levels to safely and efficiently approach consumption points, such as homes, offices, and hospitals. It relies on medium voltage substations to step down the voltage for low-voltage use by the final user.

  • Secondary distribution switchgear: Found near consumption centers, these switchgear units are vital for transforming voltage from medium to low. They are typically located in substations or near the final consumer, alongside other critical medium voltage equipment. Their role in protecting and interrupting the grid ensures the supply to consumers and protects the grid against possible disturbances.

Key components of a distribution switchgear

Although switchgear is a key element of electrical equipment, it consists of several internal components. Let’s explore the main ones:

• Metal enclosure: The structure housing the internal elements, serving as a sealed compartment for the flow of electricity. It is divided into different sections based on the type of switchgear.
• Internal wiring: The set of cables that conducts electricity and connects the internal components.
• Insulators: Epoxy elements like bushings or connectors that act as insulators between different sealed parts, ensuring safe operation.
• Circuit breakers: Devices that interrupt the flow of current in a circuit, designed to protect equipment from overcurrent or short circuits.
• Disconnectors: Used to isolate parts of the electrical system for maintenance or repair, often in conjunction with circuit breakers.
• Fuses: Protect equipment by interrupting the flow of current when it exceeds a certain level (short circuit current).
• Relays: Act as controllers to trigger protective measures when faults are detected, ensuring the safety and operation of the switchgear. Relays, along with remote devices, transmit real-time data and can receive control orders from control centers.
• External controls: Mechanical or digital devices that operate the internal functionalities of the switchgear, from digital displays to manual keys or lever operations for opening or closing circuits.

Ormazabal: experts in electrical solutions for the grid

At Ormazabal, we are dedicated to transforming the electrical grid into an infrastructure of the future: more reliable, resilient, and sustainable. With over 55 years of experience designing and manufacturing electrical solutions, we focus on digitalizing the grid to integrate more renewable energy, enable sustainable mobility, and ensure power supply to buildings and infrastructure with critical energy needs.

As part of our Route to Zero, we have launched our innovative fluorinated gas-free product lines, using industrial natural air insulation for public distribution up to 24 kV: cgm.zero24 and sbp.zero24. These solutions offer the most complete alternative to SF6 insulation on the market, ensuring zero changes, zero uncertainties, and a more sustainable electrical grid.

Want to know more? Contact us:

The project, which involves connecting the pumping station of the mining facilities, contributes to decarbonization and the safety of the operation

Mining, like other resource extraction-based activities, has traditionally relied on the use of fossil fuel-powered equipment and generators to ensure a reliable power supply for its facilities, which is essential for its operations. This situation, greatly influenced by the location and specific characteristics of such operations, is undergoing a transformation where Ormazabal is emerging as one of the key partners to overcome the complexities and achieve both electrification and the security of power supply in the sector.

Our latest project, in collaboration with our client Powins Australia, demonstrates this. We have developed and supplied a complete primary distribution solution to connect the pumping station of a mining facility in Western Australia. This plug-and-play solution, housed in a prefabricated metal building, ensures the mine’s connection to the power grid, guaranteeing continuous operations at the site, and supports our client in its efforts to decarbonize its activities.

To achieve this, Ormazabal supplied 15 switchgears of our cpg.0 primary distribution model (36kV, 2000 A, 25kA), distributed in two sets of 7 and 8 switchgears, respectively, in different configurations based on the client’s needs.

This project stands out not only for the high complexity of electrification in the mining sector but also highlights the importance of innovation and collaboration in overcoming these challenges and moving towards more sustainable operations. At Ormazabal, we have been supporting our clients on this path for over 55 years.

This programme aims to ensure the wellbeing of Ormazabal’s staff and their environment by offering psychological support services, as well as legal or financial advice

As part of our commitment to supporting the well-being of our people, we launched Carefirst. An international service available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, multi-language, which allows immediate psychological support, as well as consulting and resolving different problems with services such as legal and financial advice, thus helping the staff and their environment in the challenges of everyday life. These consultations are referred to a specialised external partner, thus ensuring total confidentiality in the process.

The programme, which was launched last June, has collected dozens of queries worldwide and aims to become a support tool for managing situations that may affect the well-being of our people and their environment.

This service is part of Ormazabal’s firm commitment to people, for which it develops different initiatives aimed at personal and professional development, with a special focus on the wellbeing of those who form part of the company.

The Finnish company opts for a 100% Ormazabal electrical solution, including fluorinated gas-free primary distribution switchgear, as a step forward in its commitment to innovation and sustainable technological development

Wärtsilä, a Finnish company and leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets, and Ormazabal, a company specialized in custom high-tech electrical solutions based in Bizkaia, have signed a new joint project in which the latter will provide Wärtsilä with a custom electrical solution for one of its engine test benches in its laboratory in Bermeo. This technology will protect the Finnish manufacturer’s test facility at its laboratory in Bermeo.

With a long-standing partnership that spans several projects, Ormazabal once again steps forward to support Wärtsilä. This time, the chosen solution is a combination of fluorinated gas-free switchgear sbp.zero24 and range cpg.0 lite, which are fully compatible for extensions and replacements.

These units, equipped with relays from the Bizkaia brand, deliver a fully proprietary, customized electrical system designed specifically to meet Wärtsilä’s needs.This set of switchgear will be installed in one of its engine test benches, connecting it to the rest of the electrical infrastructure associated with the laboratory, ensuring continuous protection of its equipment against potential disruptions in the public distribution grid.

A Ormazabal engineer examines the installation of the electrical solution at the facilities of Wartsila in Bermeo (Spain)

This new project, for which the installation will also be handled by the Bizkaia firm, aligns with Wärtsilä’s commitment to innovation in technology and sustainable services as a key differentiator in helping its customers continuously improve their economic and environmental performance. The Finnish company is ahead of the regulatory changes at the European level, which will require the placement of SF6-free equipment in electrical solution installations of this type connected to the grid. In this scenario, Wärtsilä once again trusts in Ormazabal, having done so previously for the supply of electrical transformers, medium-voltage switchgear, or control and protection equipment in previous projects.

The e.pergamin tool, which facilitates medium voltage projects by generating a descriptive report, was presented to over fifty clients in Lisbon

Our team at Ormazabal Portugal unveiled our new tool for designing distribution grid projects for the Portuguese market: e.pergamin, at the end of last September. This online program, based on the projection of customized medium voltage grid designs and especially useful for engineering companies, was presented at an event in Lisbon to more than 60 clients from various types and sectors. Attendees closely examined all the details of a program that significantly reduces the time required for such simulations, while also allowing the generation of a descriptive project report for subsequent contracting/execution by the user.

A series of advantages make e.pergamin a fundamental ally for this type of engineering in the Portuguese country.

The event, whose patron was the engineer Silvino Maio, was attended by the Ormazabal team in Portugal, who addressed the clients’ various inquiries, as well as a significant representation of colleagues from Ormazabal Spain, who joined the event in support of the launch. Additionally, during the course of the meeting, a live simulation of a medium voltage distribution grid project was conducted, explaining the functionality of e.pergamin and its potential to facilitate such processes.

On the other hand, Ormazabal clients were able to get an up-close look at our new range of fluorinated gas-free cells for medium voltage up to 24 kV: sbp.zero24 and cgm.zero24. The best alternative to SF6 insulation for the distribution grid, which aims to transform and improve the sustainability of the electrical grid, has been developed with industrial natural air: manufactured in a controlled and tested manner, using only air components, commercially accessible, and patent-free.

Want to know why e.pergamin is your go-to tool for developing medium-voltage distribution grid projects?

• Design of transformer and switchgear substations in CAD format.
• Generation of a descriptive report for the project.
• Creation of a cost estimate.
• Continuously updated.

Click on the image below and go to the e.pergamin website:

The increasing power demand of the Data Centres, particularly in the colocation sector, has brought new challenges and paradigm shifts in the electrical design of the installations. It has become necessary to implement medium voltage internal distribution grids to address both efficiency and cost considerations.

This fact arises new questions such as what the most suitable voltage level is to meet sustainability and efficiency requirements.

Impact of Voltage Level on Internal Distribution

IT design power is a function of the product of line voltage on the site and the current demanded from the grid. Increasing the voltage level reduces the current through the conductors. Conversely, a decrease in voltage level results in higher currents through the conductors. The size of the cables and equipment is directly determined by the resulting current, which in turn impacts installation costs. But can this impact be estimated in advance?

Let´s assume in a simplified scenario a data centre with an installed power of 15 MW, a power factor of 1, and a single incoming feeder. At a network voltage of 11 kV, the current would have a value of 787 A. If we repeat this calculation for a 24kV network voltage, the current drops to about 360 A.

The increase in network voltage reduces the current through the feeder to approximately 45% of what it would be at the same power level in a lower voltage level. Assuming linear and constant loads, we can extrapolate this result to multiple feeders and loads.

Additionally, from the perspective of conductor losses, we know that these depend on the material from which they are made and are proportional to the squared current flowing through them. This means that losses increase exponentially with linear increases in current.

By performing a similar calculation to the previous one, we can determine that conductor losses can be reduced by up to 80% simply by raising the voltage level from 11 kV to 24 kV.

From a cost perspective, increasing the voltage level not only helps avoid losses and improve efficiency (OPEX) but also reduces the size of the conductors, leading to savings in the construction phase (CAPEX).

GWP Index of Medium Voltage Switchgear

Before the EU Regulation 2024/573 came into effect, SF6-insulated GIS solutions were the best option when selecting medium-voltage switchgear, typically at 24 kV and 36 kV voltage levels. SF6-insulated switchgear ensures safe operation with compact dimensions compared to hybrid switchgear (vacuum switching and air insulation), but it comes with the significant drawback of the high GWP (Global Warming Potential) of SF6 gas. Although this type of equipment seals the gas inside the tank, precautions are needed when handling the equipment since a leak will have a significant impact as a greenhouse gas, with an impact about 23,500 times greater than CO2 equivalent. Furthermore, proper processing of these assets at the end of their life cycle is necessary.

These factors have been strongly decisive in selecting switchgear up to now, favouring air insulated switchgear and as a consequence influencing the choice of voltage level.

The implementation of the aforementioned regulation, which limits de use of dielectric gases based on the GWP level of the different solutions has not posed a threat but rather a great opportunity for the sector, primarily due to the technological shift it represents. The implementation of the EU Regulation will define new boundaries for the 24kV product range from 2026 onwards. switchgear manufacturers are now presenting SF6-free solutions that match the performance of traditional SF6 GIS switchgear.

This innovation allows us to reap the benefits of a higher voltage level, such as 24 kV, while combining the advantages of GIS switchgear without the drawbacks SF6 technology.

At Ormazabal, we have developed solutions using natural industrial air and without fluorinated gases, ensuring high performance, reliability, and safety. This allows operators to implement our solutions with “zero uncertainties” regarding environmental, health, or safety concerns, while complying with European fluorinated gas regulations and climate neutrality goals.

With these innovations, we bring to the market products that enable the sustainable transition of electrical network, facilitating the integration of renewable energy and the electrification of society, reinforcing our commitment to leading the transformation of networks toward an SF6-free future.

Conclusions

The increasing power demand from Data Centres and the need to prioritize sustainability suggest the necessity of raising the voltage level in substations to around 24 kV.

Increasing the voltage level from 11 kV to 24 kV can result in up to an 80% reduction in losses.

Until now, high voltage levels required SF6-insulated GIS switchgear, as air-insulated (vacuum switching) switchgear was bulky, complex to maintain, and posed operational risks.

Raising the voltage level also allows for optimizing conductor size, leading to cost savings.

From 2026, Ormazabal will be delivering its SF6 free product, up to 24kV for both secondary and primary distribution, with a GWP<1 to the market combining the best of both worlds: reducing losses by raising the voltage level without the disadvantages of SF6 insulated switchgear.

The connection of this upgraded wind farm, which will add 25 MW of green energy to Portugal’s grid, marks another milestone in our extensive experience in the renewable energy sector

At Ormazabal, we continue to take firm steps on our route to zero, leading innovative solutions to drive the growth of renewable energy and support the decarbonization of our society. Recently, we had the opportunity to participate in the RePower project at the Gardunha II wind farm, located in Portugal, where we supplied various configurations of our cpg.0 1250 A primary distribution switchgear. These will enable the connection and secure operation of the new 4.2 MW wind turbines to Portugal’s electrical grid.

For this project we focused on integrating our compact and efficient solutions from the cpg.0 range, combining protective switchgear with circuit breakers and protective switchgear with fuses, designed to operate in the most demanding environments. This technology allows the expansion and upgrade of wind farms with more powerful and efficient turbines, delivering effective results at attractive costs.

Ormazabal and the Wind Energy Sector

Ormazabal’s experience in the wind energy sector, with more than 100 GW of wind farms protected and connected thanks to our solutions, spans over 30 years, making us a trusted supplier to the world’s top five turbine manufacturers.

As a result, Ormazabal connects one in every four offshore turbines installed in Europe to the grid, and we are present in wind projects of all types across more than 50 countries worldwide.

Want to learn more about our cpg.0 range? Click here.

This progress marks a new firm step within our strategy to decarbonize 68% of our activity by 2030

As part of our commitment to combat climate change, an inherent challenge in our activity as a prominent agent in the electrification and decarbonization of society, at Ormazabal we mitigate the climate impact of our activity by achieving a 37% reduction in CO2 emissions from industrial production. This new milestone is based on various energy efficiency initiatives carried out in several of our centers. This marks a new achievement in our path to achieving the intermediate decarbonization target of 68% of our activity by 2030 and the more ambitious goal of climate neutrality by 2050.

Additionally, in 2023 we promoted various initiatives in Bizkaia with the Lurgaia Foundation. Specifically, Ormazabal colleagues participated in the planting of 900 native trees and shrubs on a 90,847 m2 plot, within the Undabaso project, which covers 197 hectares. This volunteer action involves a compensation of 260 tons of CO2 over forty years, according to the certificate issued by the Lurgaia Foundation. In addition to compensation, these projects aim to restore and promote biodiversity and are carried out with a “corporate volunteering” approach, with the participation of around seventy people in 2023.

Commitment to the environment as part of our DNA

Ormazabal, in its commitment to combat climate change and as a necessary step to reduce its CO2 emissions, calculates the carbon footprint of its activities, quantifying both direct and indirect emissions of its activities. In 2023, in association with the Empresa y Clima foundation, it continued the pilot project launched in 2022 to calculate Scope 3 emissions of three organizations within the company.

In addition, in recent years we have worked to ensure that all Ormazabal facilities in Spain and France are powered solely by certified 100% renewable electricity. A milestone that we will work to extend to the rest of the countries where we have a presence.

Want to learn more about our sustainability strategy? Check out our 2023 Sustainability Report:

Open Innovation has emerged as a key strategic approach for integrating external knowledge into an organization, but why?

It’s no secret that companies, much like animal species in their respective ecosystems, require constant adaptation and evolution to meet the needs of the market and society at large. In this Darwinian scenario of business evolution, as with all economic environments, the resources allocated to constant adaptation are limited and must be distributed across several critical areas essential to a company’s survival. While investment in innovation is non-negotiable for a company with a long-term vision, companies must adopt new formulas that go beyond the traditional internal innovation to which they already allocate resources in the usual manner.

It’s within this demanding and ever-changing context that the term we are analyzing today—Open Innovation—emerged. Today, we will take the time to understand what this type of innovation means for a company and how it affects its future. Let’s start from the beginning.

What is Open Innovation?

Before delving into its implications, we must first explain what Open Innovation is. The concept of Open Innovation was introduced just two decades ago by Henry Chesbrough, an American academic from the University of Berkeley. He proposed that companies don’t have to rely solely on internal processes based on internal knowledge to meet their innovation needs. Instead, Chesbrough coined a new model—Open Innovation—where companies go beyond their natural boundaries by incorporating external knowledge to solve challenges within their own organizational structure.

In this way, the Open Innovation model encourages collaboration with different companies, startups, organizations, or external professionals to advance in the major R&D challenges through the expertise of these third parties in areas where the company may lack key knowledge. Open Innovation is thus a combination of internal talent with external knowledge—a disruptive concept that has revolutionized how companies invest in innovation, enhancing their competitiveness.

How does it apply to a company and what does it result in?

These processes are incorporated into a company through various methodologies and tools that must be applied and developed to ensure that the company’s needs align with the opportunities offered by these external agents. It is essential for this to be supported by a strategic innovation plan with clear objectives. This plan should identify the main challenges or development areas for the company over the coming years, led by a dedicated Open Innovation team. This team will be responsible for driving future challenges, acting as a bridge between internal talent and external knowledge—a crucial role that requires the right legal and financial mechanisms to ensure the success of future projects.

There are three main methodologies of Open Innovation that can be applied within a company’s structure:

1. Inbound Open Innovation: This model involves the company adopting an innovative solution already developed by a third party. The company identifies an internal challenge or need and selects potential collaborative partners based on the project’s requirements and their compatibility with the company. This is what Professor Chesbrough refers to as “outside-in.” One well-known tool in this methodology is the Venture Client model.
2. Outbound Open Innovation: In this case, the company has developed an innovative solution but makes it available to third-party companies for commercialization. Companies with a strong focus on innovation may have limited options for bringing their solutions to market, so they ensure their continuity through third parties who need these innovations for their own survival. This is what Professor Chesbrough calls “inside-out.”
3. Coupled Open Innovation: This hybrid model involves several agents signing a collaborative innovation agreement, allowing each party to benefit from the results based on the needs of their respective markets. These companies are often from different sectors, and through this methodology, they generate synergies and solutions that would otherwise be impossible due to economic and structural barriers.

Open Innovation: Main advantages for a company

These are some of the main improvements that Open Innovation can bring to companies:

1. Access to new concepts and ideas: This is perhaps the most obvious advantage. Opening the door to collaboration introduces new, often disruptive, concepts into organizations unfamiliar with them, allowing for organizational evolution in many areas.
2. Cost reduction: Since projects are shared in terms of responsibility and tasks, companies don’t face the high costs associated with going it alone in these fields. Additionally, internally implemented technology improves efficiency.
3. Greater flexibility and speed in the market: Collaborating with external agents who have more expertise in the company’s needs allows the company to flexibly adapt to market demands.
4. Creation of new opportunities and businesses: Sometimes, collaborations lead to products or services that don’t fit into the company’s traditional commercialization model. However, this type of innovation creates pathways to bring them to life through external collaborators.
5. Continuous improvement of internal talent: When internal talent works alongside external knowledge on projects, it enhances the company’s know-how, creating a breeding ground for future developments through internal channels and fostering professional growth.
6. Creation of new value nodes: Integrating third parties into the innovation strategy improves long-term relationships with other companies.
7. Access to talent: It enables the company to work with external talent that possesses skills the company may not have internally.

Ormazabal Startup Switch: Do you know our Venture Client vehicle?

Ormazabal Startup Switch is Ormazabal’s new open innovation vehicle. Its goal is to strengthen the company’s innovation path by identifying new startups and technology providers that can support competitiveness through the integration of new technologies, the attraction of diverse talent, and the enhancement of the company’s internal innovation ecosystem.

This new tool, based on the Venture Client model, will enable the creation of collaborative environments with external agents to help solve horizontal challenges within the organization. To achieve this, Ormazabal Startup Switch has a dedicated website where various challenges for which we seek collaboration are posted. This publicly accessible site allows international startups to submit their solutions and proposals with the goal of achieving a proof of concept with Ormazabal for each of these challenges.

This collaboration format offers startups an opportunity to accelerate their growth by providing a test bay within an established company like Ormazabal, where they can test their solutions in real-world conditions.

Want to learn more? Click here:

In it, we include, in a standardized manner, our complete impact in the economic, social, and environmental spheres

At Ormazabal, we believe in sustainability as a way of doing things, which is why, once again, we present our Sustainability Report. This executive report outlines our impact on our surroundings from an ESG perspective (environmental, social, and governance). Within its pages, you will find detailed information on how the past year unfolded for the organization, the main challenges we faced, and the milestones we achieved.

Are you curious about how the more than 2,500 people who are part of Ormazabal contribute to achieving the decarbonization of society? Interested in learning about our commitment and our key sustainability projects? You’re just one click away from discovering it.

Download the Ormazabal 2023 Sustainability Report here:

This innovation vehicle has emerged in recent years as one of the most competitive Open Innovation solutions, but how does it help a company?

Not long ago, we discussed what open innovation is and how it helps companies evolve and adapt to the needs of the market and society in general. Today, we take a deep dive into one of the Open Innovation tools that has surged in popularity among companies in recent years: the Venture Client model. If you’ve heard of it but aren’t quite sure what it means, or if you’ve never encountered the term but are curious about innovation methodologies, you’re in luck. Let’s explore what it is.

A Venture Client is essentially a new model of collaboration between companies aimed at creating open innovation ecosystems. This methodology is based on a scenario where a company facing a problem or challenge in a specific area—where its own expertise or traditional supplier cannot offer a solution—hires a start-up or technology provider to develop a concrete solution. To achieve this, the hiring company (the corporate) conducts an introspective analysis of its main unsolved challenges and explores the market for agents with the necessary expertise to address them.
Sometimes, these start-ups have solutions or products still under development that haven’t yet been tested in a real-world environment, or that come from different sectors than the corporate’s. This presents a good opportunity for both parties to address their needs.

This collaborative format does not involve the corporate acquiring or taking a stake in the start-up, nor is it simply a case of contracting a service like with a traditional supplier. Instead, it’s a mutual collaboration, offering the start-up the chance to test its solutions in a real-world scenario through the corporate acting as a test bay. A classic win-win scenario.

Key Benefits

As previously mentioned, a Venture Client tool offers great advantages and opportunities to both of the main players involved in the agreement. We can identify the following:

• Benefits for start-ups:

• The opportunity to apply their solutions in the real market via an established company
• Improvement and customization of their prototypes
• Increased company value in the market following the proof of concept

• Benefits for corporates:

• Quick and flexible resolution of problems
• Cost reduction
• Reduced investment risk
• Rapid and agile testing of solutions

Ormazabal Startup Switch: Do you know our Venture Client vehicle?

Ormazabal Startup Switch is the first open innovation vehicle of Ormazabal. Its goal is to strengthen the company’s innovation path by identifying new start-ups and technology providers that can support competitiveness through the integration of new technologies, the attraction of diverse talent, and the enhancement of the company’s internal innovation ecosystem.

This new tool, based on the Venture Client model, will enable the creation of collaborative environments with external agents to help solve challenges and issues across the organization horizontally. To achieve this, Ormazabal Startup Switch includes a dedicated website where various challenges for which we seek collaboration are posted. This publicly accessible site allows international start-ups to submit their solutions and proposals with the goal of achieving a proof of concept with Ormazabal for each of these challenges.

This collaboration format offers a growth acceleration opportunity for start-ups, providing a test bay within an established company like Ormazabal, a leader in the electrical sector, where they can test their solutions in real-world conditions.

Want to learn more? Click here:

These types of mobile substations allow for the rapid resumption of electrical supply to consumers in the event of a technical incident or an unforeseen situation in the grid

IDE, a company belonging to the Iberdrola Group, has entrusted Ormazabal with the definition, construction, and delivery of a mobile substation project for electrical distribution. These sets of equipment, as unique as they are complex, require a high level of engineering knowledge as well as customization according to their use. Ormazabal has brought its extensive experience in the electrical grid and its expertise in these types of customized solutions, a market in which it is a consolidated reference for ad hoc solutions.

Thus, this particular solution features a set of Ormazabal cpg.0 primary distribution switchgears with a simple busbar of 24 kV / 1600 A / 25 kA, protection and control equipment, as well as a 12.5 MVA 45 / 20-15-13.2 kV ODAF transformer. All of this is mounted on a semi-trailer with three hydraulic directional axles that enable the maneuverability and operability of the substation, indispensable requirements given the necessary versatility of this type of installation. At the front of the semi-trailer is the medium voltage switchgear room along with the protection and automation equipment, with the transformer located at the rear.

This is another success story where we have met the most demanding quality requirements requested by our client, thanks to our continuous commitment to innovation and technology.

In this way, this portable installation will be available to the client for urgent action in emergency situations and/or the renewal of other substations; situations where timely availability is critical to ensure the correct electrical supply to consumers.

This instrument, a fundamental part of our Open Innovation strategy, will foster new collaborations with start-ups and external agents to the company

Throughout Ormazabal’s more than 55-year history, innovation has been a key pillar of our DNA, serving as a critical lever for our sustainable growth as a company. As part of this effort, we annually invest 4% of our revenue in R&D initiatives, promoting continuous change within our organization.

This journey opens up a new horizon with the launch of our Venture Client tool: Ormazabal Startup Switch. This new open innovation vehicle aims to strengthen Ormazabal’s innovation path by identifying new start-ups and technology providers to support the company’s competitiveness through the integration of new technologies, the attraction of diverse talent, and the enhancement of the company’s internal innovation ecosystem.

Thus, this new tool will enable the creation of collaborative environments with external agents to help solve challenges and issues across the organization at a horizontal level. To achieve this, Ormazabal Startup Switch includes a dedicated website where various challenges for which we seek collaboration are posted. This publicly accessible site allows international start-ups to submit their solutions and proposals with the goal of developing a proof of concept with Ormazabal for each of these challenges.

This collaboration format presents an opportunity for start-ups looking to accelerate their growth, as it offers a testbed within a well-established company like Ormazabal, where they can test their solutions in the real world.

The I-gile project is a project led by ORMAZABAL CORPORATE TECHNOLOGY within the framework of the “Plan 2i for the Promotion of Innovation and Advanced Investment” program of the Provincial Council of Bizkaia. It is being developed during the years 2022-2024.

The I-gile project is a project led by ORMAZABAL CORPORATE TECHNOLOGY, which is part of the “2i 2023 Program” of the Provincial Council of Bizkaia. It is carried out in the years 2020-2024.

 “This project has been financed by the Provincial Council of Bizkaia within the 2i 2023 Programme and is co-financed by the FEDER”

Electrical distribution is one of the main phases in the journey of energy from generation to consumption

Behind everyday actions like charging our mobile phones, electric vehicles, or powering our refrigerators to preserve our food lies a complex grid of elements forming what we know as the electrical grid. This grid ensures that all electrical appliances function properly. It comprises different phases that are easily recognizable and can be identified in three main blocks: energy generation, its transportation, and, finally, electrical power distribution. While the first two might be more familiar to us – many of us have seen a wind farm, a hydroelectric plant, or a high-voltage grud- the role of the distribution grid is less visible and known. Today, we are going to shed light on this phase of the electricity journey. Will you join us?

As we mentioned, electrical power must travel from the points of generation – commonly located far from consumption areas – in high voltage, to then be transformed at electrical substations to medium voltage for industrial or domestic use.

Once the electrical power is adapted to safe voltage values for transit around consumption points, it enters the distribution phase, which brings the energy closer to consumers through a vast interconnection of grid until it reaches the electrical meter before its use.

For this purpose, electricity distribution is carried out in what is known in the sector as the “ring grid.” These are large rings formed by circuits and transformation, connection, or sectionalizing centers (as prominent elements of switchgear) that surround major consumption centers. This setup ensures that if there is a service drop due to an exceptional situation in the grid, the service can be resumed by the switchgear located parallel to the affected one. This guarantees optimal service for consumers.

Overall, we can divide electrical power distribution into two main phases to differentiate their types:

• Primary distribution grid: This is the stage of electricity distribution where energy reaches substations to be transformed and distributed at medium voltage to the next phase of the grid or for direct consumption by electro-intensive consumers like industries.
• Secondary distribution grid: This is the stage of the electrical power distribution system where the voltage values of the energy are adapted for safe and efficient proximity to consumption points such as our homes, offices, hospitals, etc. It relies on the work of medium voltage transformation centers, which adapt the voltage for its passage to low voltage and subsequent consumption by the final user.

This method achieves a safe and sustainable electrical distribution, the foundation for meeting various energy demands, helping to make our lives easier.

Main components of electrical switchgear for distribution

Now that we understand what the distribution grid is and how it works, it’s time to learn more about the main components that ensure the grid operates correctly.

• Power Cables: These are the main arteries for transporting electrical energy within the primary distribution grid. Despite appearing to be simple cables, they are designed to withstand significant electrical currents and transmit power to other equipment safely under conditions of humidity and high temperatures.

• Transformer substations: These centers act as large controllers and distributors of energy in the vast labyrinth of the grid. Located at the outputs of substations towards our electrical grids, CTs (their abbreviation) distribute and allocate electrical energy across consumption zones thanks to sophisticated grid protection and automation systems. They incorporate key elements in the secondary distribution grid, such as:
• Transformers: The main component of the CT, it is an electrical device that increases or decreases the voltage of an electrical circuit for subsequent distribution.
• Primary and secondary distribution switchgears: The switchgear, which represents the complexity and technological development of the center, is used for various functions depending on its type, essentially acting as a large switch that cuts or lets electrical energy flow. Technological advancements have provided a solution that allows the grid to operate at medium voltage values with complete safety for the operator and the grid under the most adverse conditions.
• Protection, control, and automation units: These elements are among the main revolutions in the medium voltage grid in recent years. Their functions, from remote control of switchgear and medium voltage transformers to reporting and diagnostics, and their automation, have endowed the grid with intelligence, making these a key ally in the smartification of the grid.
• Low Voltage switchgears: Although technically a low voltage component, it is responsible for dividing the current to be safely transported directly to consumption points. Thus, the low voltage switchgear distributes and protects the energy towards our homes.

Ormazabal: Experts in medium voltage distribution solutions

At Ormazabal, we work to transform the electrical grid into a future-proof infrastructure: more reliable, resilient, and sustainable. With over 55 years of experience in designing and manufacturing electrical distribution solutions, we aim to digitize the electrical grid to integrate more renewable energy generation, enable more sustainable mobility, and ensure power supply to buildings and infrastructures with critical energy needs.

As part of our route to zero, we have launched our innovative ranges of fluorinated gas-free products, based on industrial natural air insulation, for the primary and secondary distribution market up to 24 kV: cgm.zero24 and sbp.zero24. This is the most comprehensive alternative solution to SF6 insulation on the market, guaranteeing zero changes, zero uncertainties, and a more sustainable electrical grid.

Want to know more? Contact us for details:

On May 27th, the Urbegi Foundation held its third edition of the “Impossible Awards”; an initiative aimed at recognizing, socially disseminating, and valuing the life trajectories of three individuals from vulnerable groups who have achieved labor integration through their spirit of perseverance.

During the gala, Ormazabal’s social work in general, and its solid insulation solutions area in particular, was recognized with the “José Javier Arteche Memorial Saria” award. This award encourages us to continue working for greater inclusion of the most vulnerable groups in our society.

We deeply thank the Urbegi Foundation for this recognition, as well as give voice to their commendable social work.

Thank you very much! / Eskerrik asko!

Sustainable electrical solutions are emerging to ensure stable, efficient, and lower carbon footprint energy supply for data centers

We live in a hyper-connected society where instant data exchange has become as fundamental and unconscious as part of our daily lives. Instant messaging, online transactions and shopping, emails, work, secure internet browsing, or audiovisual consumption have become commonplace for 6 out of 10 people on this planet. However, all our daily activities leave a data footprint that, without adequate security and management, can be as dangerous as it is unstable. This is where data centers come in, whose function is to store and protect all our data (and that of many more individuals and entities), as well as ensure the availability of access to third-party data (websites, applications, etc.). This happens in facilities equipped with all the necessary technological support to ensure their availability for use 99.9999% of the time. These data centers naturally rely on a complex electrical grid to ensure that electrical supply is guaranteed at all times, regardless of any external problems to the installation. The proper functioning of this grid determines the availability of such a vast amount of data for end users.

The large amount of data we handle every day – it is estimated that in 2023 a total of 59 exabytes were exchanged, compared to 48 the previous year or 32 in 2020 during the pandemic – and the requirement for total availability of this data has made the data center sector a significant consumer of electrical energy and, therefore, an important generator of carbon footprint, with all that entails at all levels. Figures show that data centers consume nearly 200 TWh of energy per year, a figure expected to increase fifteenfold by 2030, making them responsible for 8% of global electricity consumption. Impressive, isn’t it?

Therefore, data centers are undergoing a complete transformation both in terms of service structure and electrical infrastructure. Whether existing facilities or future projects, major operators are increasingly considering the incorporation of sustainable electrical solutions to reduce the significant environmental footprint of this human activity and ensure its long-term sustainability. But what do we mean by sustainable electrical solutions for data centers? Let’s find out.

As you know, the electrical energy we consume is obtained from different sources – whether renewable or not – to be transported, transformed, and distributed through different phases until it reaches the points of consumption. In this great journey, which is far from linear and more like a giant spider web, energy flows through different grids and technological devices known as electrical switchgear, high-value technological elements that are also present in private electrical grids such as those of data centers and whose efficiency and operation guarantee that of the energy-demanding equipment they connect to.

As such, and as seen in the infographic above, the configuration of a data center’s electrical system requires a series of electrical switchgear equipment such as secondary distribution switchgears, electrical transformers, low-voltage switchboards, protection and automation systems, uninterruptible power supplies, energy storage systems, or generators. The combination of all these elements in a complex electrical grid – to ensure energy supply even if the public distribution grid experiences an outage – makes it a very sensitive part of these facilities.

In addition to power generation itself, the type of technology used by this switchgear can help reduce the carbon footprint of a data center’s activity. This brings us to our protagonists today: sustainable electrical solutions for data centers.

Sustainable Electrical Solutions for the Data Center Market, What Are They?

The constructive and operational footprint of electrical solutions depends on the type of materials (both in terms of typology and lifecycle, recyclability…), technology (cutting through natural industrial air and/or fluorinated gases), operational capacity in overvoltages (allowing peaks above their nominal characteristics), and size (amount of surface and materials needed). Thus, electrical switchgear has developed two great allies to reduce the operational carbon footprint of data centers:

Fluorinated Gas-Free Distribution Switchgear

Electrical distribution switchgears- whose complexity and technological development make them a key element – could be defined as large current interrupters that cut off or allow the flow of electrical energy; protecting both the electrical equipment and the installation itself, in this case, the data center.

These switchgearsmostly use a cutting-edge technology based on fluorinated gases, widely used throughout the electrical industry as a dielectric solution to ensure safe use and handling of this equipment. This Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) technology has been fundamental for the industry for decades, guaranteeing both the safety of the electrical supply and grid operators, as well as the gas tightness and its recovery after the end of the product’s life cycle, and is now evolving towards a scenario where alternatives to SF6 must take over. The reason? To reduce the environmental impact of these solutions.

This is where insulation through the use of natural industrial air comes into play, a technology developed by Ormazabal, among other manufacturers, and which uses gases existing in the atmosphere to serve as insulation for distribution switchgears, eliminating the presence of moisture in the environment and ensuring proper insulation to avoid overvoltages or electric arcs.

What are its main advantages?

• Natural Industrial Air: Naturally occurring gas with zero carbon footprint. Manufactured industrially with fully accessible components.
• Minimum filling pressure: Both the tightness and behavior throughout the entire life cycle are fully known and tested.
• Digital-native: Designed from the start with integrated sensing and automation.
• Operation and exploitation: The innovative design of the switch-disconnector together with the proven vacuum interrupter technology makes equipment operation very straightforward.
• Dimensions: Optimized dimensions to have a similar footprint.

Smart Liquid Dielectric Transformers:

The role of electrical transformers is to decrease the voltage coming from the medium to low voltage electrical grid, allowing it to be distributed by low-voltage switchboards for consumption in the data center. Thus, the advent of new smart transformers such as the transforma.smart from Ormazabal has been a game-changer for the sector.

Let’s see here the main advantages of liquid dielectric transformers:

• They ensure greater installation safety thanks to:

  • Better performance under high loads
  • Greater resistance to heating
  • Greater durability and support for overloads and voltage transients

• They reduce installation and maintenance costs:

  • They do not require protective enclosure
  • They achieve greater cooling without the need for accessories
  • They produce lower losses in service
  • Longer lifespan thanks to the replacement of liquid dielectric
  • Lower TCO (total cost of ownership)

• They are unequivocally more sustainable:

  • Lower acoustic impact during use (lower induction level and insulation of the dielectric liquid)
  • Less possibility of being affected by adverse weather phenomena (floods, storms, etc.) thanks to lower environmental sensitivity
  • LCA (life cycle analysis) with less impact on the global warming potential category (carbon footprint)
  • Greater efficiency during the use phase, representing the main impact of LCA (90% of the total)
  • With load indexes higher than those considered in LCA, even better performance is shown thanks to their higher energy efficiency (lower losses)

Were you aware of this genuine revolution in electrical solutions for data centers?

Contact us to learn more about our customizable technological solutions: