The gala also saw the presentation of the 2026 “European Star” awards, which went to projects developed by Enagás (“Green Transition” category); AMB Green Power (“Energy Digitalization” category); Endesa (“Territorial Cohesion” category); and Carreras Grupo Logístico (“European Innovation” category).
The fifth edition of Energy Night was sponsored by Atalaya Generación, Hitachi, Ibercaja and Siemens Energy, with support from Carreras Grupo Logístico, Chemik, Elecnor, Kalfrisa, Levitec, Repsol, RWE, Texla Renovables and Zoilo Ríos Energía. Speakers at the event included Jorge Azcón, president of the Government of Aragon; Natalia Chueca, mayor of Zaragoza; Nikos Isaris, deputy head of the Representation of the European Commission in Spain; and Pedro Machín, president of the Aragon Energy Cluster.
GRIDS, INDUSTRY AND COMPETITIVENESS IN ARAGON’S ENERGY POTENTIAL
During his speech, Pedro Machín identified electricity grid capacity as one of the decisive factors in enabling Aragon to take advantage of the current investment cycle linked to electrification, digitalization and data centers. The Clenar president warned that abundant renewable generation is not enough if companies cannot access the power they need, and called for electricity infrastructure to anticipate the needs of the economy. “Planning is essential, but it is not enough. Infrastructure must be built and delivered on time,” he said, recalling that delays in connections can influence investment decisions and undermine competitiveness compared with other regions.
Machín also called for legal certainty and regulatory stability to provide assurance to companies seeking to invest in Aragon. The Clenar president defended demanding standards on sustainability and efficiency, but said they must also be technically viable, proportionate and compatible with the realities of industrial investment. “To legislate well, you have to listen,” he stressed. In Machín’s view, Aragon’s energy strength must translate into greater economic activity, industry, investment and employment. “Aragon is not merely a region that produces the energy of the future, but a region that is building its future thanks to that energy,” he emphasized.
40TH ANNIVERSARY OF SPAIN IN EUROPE
The 5th Aragon Energy Night focused on Europe, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of Spain’s accession to the European Communities, an anniversary that highlighted the connection between Europe, Aragon and the energy sector. In this context, the gala featured Nikos Isaris, deputy head of the Representation of the European Commission in Spain, who delivered the speech “European energy policy: security; affordability; climate change,” addressing some of the main challenges facing European energy policy amid the sector’s current transition and transformation.
