Pradales focused on the opportunities offered by industrial decarbonization and highlighted Euskadi's work to become a European benchmark for clean industry and lead green reindustrialization. He advocated for deep reforms and strengthening Europe's productive and innovative capacities, as well as adapting Euskadi's industrial fabric to market and technological demands to ensure the country's growth.
For two days, the Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC) will gather key industry players starting November 3rd. This event will position Bizkaia and Euskadi as leaders in addressing one of the sector's major challenges: achieving more competitive, efficient, and sustainable models. The inauguration ceremony was also attended by the Minister of Industry, Energy Transition, and Sustainability, Mikel Jauregi, and the mayor of Barakaldo, Amaia del Campo.
The congress combines exhibition, conference, and networking, bringing together over 140 speakers (national and international), more than 100 exhibiting companies, and 190 scheduled B2B meetings. Euskadi's industrial sector has reduced its energy consumption by 40% in the last 20 years, with electricity use now surpassing natural gas. Renewable energy use has also increased from 7.3% to 12%.
The Basque Government will generate an additional 450 MW from wind and photovoltaic energy by 2030, with a projected 300 MW of self-consumption. Through the "Priority Action Areas of EVE until 2030" plan, renewable energy projects are being promoted, such as the Labraza Wind Farm (40 MW) and the Ekienea photovoltaic plant (108 MW), which will be the largest in Euskadi.
The strategy aims for Basque industry to consume less, rely less on fossil fuels, and have the necessary energy and infrastructure for continued growth. Decarbonization is envisioned as a comprehensive strategy encompassing efficiency, electrification, renewables, grids, and new energy solutions like green hydrogen or renewable fuels.
