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2021-03-18 00:00:00.0

Iberdrola and the Ministry of Defence extend their collaboration in research and training programmes

El presidente de Iberdrola, Ignacio Galán, y el Jefe del Estado Mayor de la Defensa (JEMAD), almirante general Teodoro E. López Calderón

A new agreement has been signed on information exchanges between the company and the Armed Forces

The partnership is an extension of the framework agreement signed by both organisations in 2015 to develop dissemination initiatives on climate change, the SDGs and equality

Iberdrola Chairman, Ignacio Galán, and Defence Chief of Staff (JEMAD), admiral general Teodoro E. López Calderón, representing the Ministry of Defence, have today signed a collaboration agreement with the aim of developing research and training programmes covering a number of areas of interest for both parties.

The agreement ratifies the commitment on both sides to consolidate public/private R&D&i schemes to facilitate information exchanges, enable institutions to equip themselves with new tools to improve the fulfilment of their function, and enhance the competitiveness of businesses. This new accord includes the financing of educational activities, such as doctorates and masters, as well as the implementation of new technologies to develop virtual teaching in the Armed Forces.

The partnership is an extension of the framework agreement signed by both organisations in 2015 through which various activities have been undertaken such as seminars on the challenges of climate change for defence, and workshops analysing the role of the Armed Forces and their collaboration with businesses in meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals as well as the role of professional women in the Armed Forces and in civil society. In addition, a host of best practice exchange projects have been initiated with the Military Emergencies Unit, providing mutual technical and logistical support, and emergency simulations.

During the signing ceremony at the headquarters of the Higher Centre for National Defence Studies (CESEDEN) - the main joint military teaching facility for the Armed Forces - Ignacio Galán declared:“it is very satisfying to be here today to renew this agreement reaffirming the dedication of the Armed Forces and Iberdrola to promote training and the updating of knowledge and to provide us with professionals and specialists capable of successfully tackling the new challenges of a world in a permanent state of transformation.”

For his part, Admiral López Calderón said: “Iberdrola's ongoing support for the Armed Forces in different fields related to knowledge is a powerful tool for generating innovation in Spain. The permanent cooperation of Iberdrola with the Ministry of Defence has contributed to the enhancement of CESEDEN’s training work and, as a consequence, to innovation at the heart of the Armed Forces.”

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About Iberdrola

Iberdrola is one of the world’s principal energy companies, a leader in renewables, and is spearheading the energy transition towards a low-emission economy. The group supplies energy to around 100 million people in dozens of countries and has renewable, network and retail activities in Europe (Spain, the UK, Portugal, France, Germany, Italy and Greece), the US, Brazil, Mexico and Australia, and growth platforms in markets including Japan, Ireland, Sweden and Poland.

With a workforce of more than 37,000 and assets of over €122.518 billion, it recorded turnover in excess of €33 billion and a net profit of €3.611 billion in 2020. The company supports 400,000 jobs in its supply chain, with an annual procurement budget of €14 billion. A leader in the fight against climate change, Iberdrola has committed more than €120 billion over the last two decades to building a sustainable energy model based on sound environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles.

About CESEDEN

The Higher Centre for National Defence Studies (CESEDEN) is the main joint military teaching facility for the Spanish Armed Forces. The CESEDEN provides higher studies in national defence as well as carrying out research and encouraging and disseminating the culture of defence. Among the most significant courses taught at the centre are the National Defence Course, the training course for promotion to the rank of General Officer and the Armed Forces Chief of Staff course.

To comply with its remit, particularly with regard to post-graduate qualifications, the CESEDEN establishes collaborations and agreements with public and private universities, defence universities (CUD) and other public and private corporations and institutions.

These courses and research projects are carried out with support from the Higher School of the Armed Forces (ESFAS), the Spanish Institute of Strategic Studies (IEEE), the Joint Concept Development Centre (CCDC) and the Spanish Military History Commission (CEHISMI).