by Alicia Carrasco
CEO olivoENERGY
Two forces driving the energy shift: local action and big vision
European energy system is undergoing a profound transformation. A widely shared vision is guiding the way forward: the transition will be decentralized, digital, and citizen-led. But there is a less visible truth we must not overloo; this shift also needs large-scale structural projects to serve as levers for systemic change.
On the local level, energy decentralization activates the power of households, communities, and territories. Thanks to digital tools, we can now aggregate millions of small assets, from batteries and electric vehicles to demand management systems, and transform them into essential tools for system stability and efficiency. At olivoENERGY, this is what we do: enable flexibility to support a smarter and more sustainable grid.
However, this revolution also requires investment, infrastructure, and long-term strategic decisions. Local and distributed initiatives are essential, but they cannot carry the entire transition alone.
Barcelona: a strategic Hub for green fuels
The Spanish government’s recent approval of new infrastructure at the Port of Barcelona reflects this structural dimension. A €124 million investment will create new terminals for loading and unloading sustainable fuels such as hydrogen and renewable methanol.
At first glance, this may seem like a local initiative but its systemic impact is undeniable. Without facilities capable of managing these new energy carriers, technological and policy progress will fall short. Projects like these connect innovation to industry and strengthen national competitiveness in the green economy.
The ocean: energy, climate and global governance
At the recent United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, a clear message emerged: the ocean is essential in our response to the climate crisis. Not only as an ecosystem to protect, but as a climate regulator, carbon sink, and potential energy source.
We welcome progress toward ratifying the High Seas Treaty, a vital tool for governing the ocean beyond national borders. Spain plays a key role here: the blue economy contributes nearly €100 billion annually and supports 900,000 jobs. Caring for and governing the ocean is part of our long-term climate and energy strategy.
Energy transition needs local innovation and big ambition working side by side
Interconnections: Europe’s energy backbone
On June 9, the European Investment Bank (EIB) announced support for advancing the electrical interconnection between Spain and France — a critical step forward. These connections are not just physical infrastructure; they’re bridges for sharing renewable energy, balancing supply and demand, and enabling an integrated European market.
The EIB also plans to mobilize €250 billion in investments for clean technologies, AI, supercomputing, defense, and critical raw materials. These strategic moves are essential to building a modern, sovereign and climate-aligned European economy.
Flexibility, cooperation and shared purpose
From Barcelona’s green terminals to Europe’s interconnections, the energy transition is deeply interdependent. It’s not a matter of choosing between local or large-scale, territory or infrastructure. We need both. At olivoENERGY, we believe flexibility is the connective tissue that makes this hybrid system work. But it takes more than just technology: we also need leadership, investment, and strong, collective voices advocating for justice, sustainability, and cooperation.
We’re committed to building an energy system that’s more equitable, resilient, and inclusive. To get there, we must combine innovation with vision, and act together.
