We join the leading representatives of the European electricity industry in the Bilbao Manifesto

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?