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Iberdrola S.A.

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FY2021 Annual Report · Iberdrola S.A.
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Integrated 
report

March 2022

3

Iberdrola’s public information

Iberdrola  provides  its  Stakeholders  with  all  relevant  information  regarding  the  performance  of  the 
company in a systematic and accessible manner.

Annual information

•  Annual Financial Report

Prepared according to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and audited.

•  Statement of Non-Financial Information

Prepared  according  to  the  Global  Reporting  Initiative  (GRI)  guidelines  and  SASB  standards,  and 
externally assured.

•  Integrated Report 

Prepared following the recommendations of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC).

•  Online ESG Report

Prepared to facilitate consultation of Iberdrola’s ESG performance by its stakeholders. 

•  Annual Corporate Governance Report 

Prepared according to the form provided by the National Securities Market Commission of Spain.

•  Annual Directors Remuneration Report

Prepared according to the form provided by the National Securities Market Commission of Spain.

•  Annual Activities Report of the Board of Directors and of the Committees thereof 

Prepared following the recommendations of the Good Governance Code of Listed Companies and 
best international practices.

Additional information

Economic / financial
•  Quarterly Results Report 
•  Presentation of results 
•  IBE Watch Fact Sheet
•  Quarterly Shareholder Bulletin

Social
•  Diversity and Inclusion Report
•  Sustainability 
•  Innovation 
•  Talent 
•  Culture 
•  Social Commitment 
•  SHAPES

Environmental
•  Corporate Environmental Footprint Report
•  Biodiversity Report 
•  Greenhouse Gas Report 

Corporate Governance
•  About Us 
•  Report  on  Tax  Transparency  of  the  Iberdrola 

group 

•  Innovation Report 
•  Shareholders and investors
•  Corporate Governance

Access the annual reports for financial year 2021 and supplementary documentation regarding the 
Iberdrola group by scanning the corresponding QR code using your smart phone or tablet..

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com4

Letter from the chairman & CEO

in 

Iberdrola’s  strong  performance 
financial 
year  2021,  still  marked  by  the  pandemic  and 
its  economic  and  social  consequences,  has 
confirmed the success of our sustainable growth 
strategy, built around promoting the electrification 
of the economy through investment in renewables, 
power grids and energy storage.

social 

strategy,  based  on 
and 

This 
the  highest 
governance 
environmental, 
standards,  actively  contributes  to  improving 
energy security and independence and reducing 
greenhouse  gas  emissions,  thus  allowing  us 
to  deliver  ever  expanding  economic  activity, 
wealth and employment.

In that spirit, in the coming years we will intensify 
our investments in smart grids and clean energy, 
while leading the way in the development of green 
hydrogen.  We have the people, the technological 
capabilities, the financial strength and the support 
of our stakeholders required to achieve this.  

Ignacio S. Galán 
Chairman of Iberdrola & CEO of Iberdrola

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com5

We  also  have  the  energy  policy  guidelines  set 
out in the European Green Pact and the Fit for 
55 package, through which the EU has marked 
out  the  path  towards  a  system  that  combines 
energy  independence  with  the  consolidation  of 
our continent’s leadership on environmental and 
climate issues. However, stable and incentivising 
regulatory frameworks will be crucial for attracting 
the substantial investment required to make this 
a reality. 

For more than two decades, Iberdrola has made 
it  clear  that  the  energy  transition  is  a  golden 
opportunity  to  promote  sustained  and  inclusive 
social progress. 

Year on year, our growth has been accompanied 
by  a  deeper  commitment  to  our  environment. 
Because  when  companies  are  based  on  solid 
values, their size is proportional to their potential 
for  contributing  to  the  progress  and  well-being 
of all.

This  Integrated  Report  describes  the  group’s 
activities  throughout  financial  year  2021  and  its 
future outlook, at all times linking the operating and 
financial parameters with Iberdrola’s contribution 
to sustainability. Based on this model, which we 
have called “ESG + F”, all of our businesses are 
focused  on  the  comprehensive  development  of 
the  regions  in  which  we  are  present,  creating 
industry,  employment  and  opportunities  for  all 
through our investments, our purchasing activities 
and our tax contributions.

Ignacio S. Galán 
Chairman of Iberdrola & CEO of Iberdrola

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com6

Contents
1 

Iberdrola today 

1.1  The utility of the future 
1.2  Purpose and values 
1.3  Value chain 
1.4  Company performance 
1.5  Key figures  
1.6  Presence by areas of activity 
1.7  Key milestones of 2021 
1.8  Iberdrola and the war in Ukraine 
1.9  Recognitions and comparative results 

2  Business model and strategy 

2.1  Climate Action 
2.2  A successful and consolidated business model 
2.3  Regulatory environment 
2.4  EU taxonomy 
2.5  Sustainable finance 
2.6  Networks Business 
2.7  Electricity Production and Customers Business 
2.8  Management of financial capital 

3  Environment 

4  Society 

3.1  Management of natural capital  
3.2  Emissions 
3.3  Sustainable use of resources and Circular economy 
3.4  Rational use of water and waste 
3.5  Biodiversity 

4.1  Management of social and relationship capital 
4.2  Summary of the Materiality study 
4.3  Iberdrola and the SDGs 
4.4  Leaders in ESG+F 
4.5  Management of human capital 
4.6  Community support and electricity access programmes 
4.7  Innovation, digitalisation and quality for our customers 

5  Governance and Sustainability 

5.1  Governance and sustainability system 
5.2  The Three Lines model 
5.3  Risks 
5.4  Ethics and integrity 
5.5  Cybersecurity and information privacy 
5.6  Promotion of socially responsible practices in the supply chain 
5.7  Fiscal responsibility 

6  About this report 

6.1  About this report 
6.2  Glossary of terms and abbreviations 

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•  The company Iberdrola, S.A., parent company of the Iberdrola group, is referred to as “Iberdrola”, the “Company” or the “company” in this report. Iberdrola 
(as parent company) and the group of subsidiaries over which Iberdrola, S.A. has the power of control or joint control are also referred to as the “Iberdrola 
group” or the “group”.

•  The  figures  included  in  this  translation  follow  the  customary  English  convention,  with  figures  in  thousands  separated  by  a  comma  (,)  and  decimals 

indicated by a full stop (.).

•  €M: millions of euros; $M: millions of dollars; £M: millions of pounds sterling; R$ Brazilian reais.
•  IFRS-11 is not being applied in the operational indicators (installed capacity, output, etc.).

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com7

1.  Iberdrola today

1.1. The utility of the future

1.2. Purpose and values

1.3. Value chain

1.4. Company performance

1.5. Key figures 

1.6. Presence by areas of activity

1.7. Key milestones of 2021

1.8. Iberdrola and the war in Ukraine

1.9. Recognitions and comparative results

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com8

Iberdrola today  |  The utility of the future

1.1. The utility of the future

With over 170 years of history behind us, the Iberdrola group is now a global energy leader and one of 
the world’s largest electricity utilities in terms of market capitalisation1. Iberdrola has anticipated to 
the energy transition by two decades to combat climate change and provide a sustainable and competitive 
business model that creates value in the places where the company operates.

The group supplies energy to almost 100 million people in dozens of countries, employs close to 40,000 
people and has assets in excess of €140,000 million1.

Key figures of the group 

38,138
MW 
Renewable 
installed 
capacity

58,320
MW 
Total installed 
capacity

36.12
Millions 
Consumers

International presence

164,266
GWh
Net 
production

1,240,137
Km 
Power lines

7,836
M€ 
Direct tax 
contribution

39,955
Employees –  
Direct  
employment

Approximately 
400,000

People5 – Direct, 
indirect and induced 
employment

12,1633
M€
Purchases

237,752
GWh 
Distributed 
energy

9,9404
M€ 
Gross 
investments

(1)  At year-end 2021.

(2)  Consumers: for electric power, total number of liberalised market customers is used for areas of distribution and liberalised supply in the liberalised 
market, while supply points are used for the other areas. For gas: total number of liberalised market gas customers is used, except for the United States, 
where total number of supply points is used.

(3)  Volume awarded during the year. Amount invoiced in 2021:€ 9,423.7 million.

(4)  Includes the purchase of Neoenergia Brasilia (CEB-D), in the amount of €409 million. 

(5)  Data from the Study of Iberdrola’s Impact, prepared by PwC using data for financial year 2020.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.comIberdrola today  |  Purpose and values

9

1.2. Purpose and values

Iberdrola’s  corporate  purpose,  which  is  in  line  with  the  Sustainable  Development  Goals  of  the  2030 
Agenda of the United Nations, reflects the main social trends and addresses major economic, social and 
environmental challenges, reflecting the expectations of stakeholders and defining Iberdrola’s role as an 
agent of social change and transformation in the energy sector. It is expressed as follows:

“To continue building together each day a healthier, more accessible 
energy model, based on electricity”

This purpose expresses:

•  The Iberdrola group’s commitment to the well-being of people and the preservation of the planet.

•  The  Iberdrola  group’s  commitment  to  a  real  and  comprehensive  energy  transition,  based  on  the 
decarbonisation  and  electrification  of  the  energy  sector  and  of  the  economy  as  a  whole,  which 
contributes  to  the  Sustainable  Development  Goals  (SDGs)  —  particularly  the  fight  against  climate 
change — and generates new opportunities for economic and social development.

•  The conviction that a more electricity-based energy model – which abandons the use of fossil fuels 
and  mainstreams  the  use  of  renewable  energy  sources,  efficient  energy  storage,  smart  grids  and 
the  digital  transformation  –  is  also  healthier  for  the  population,  whose  well-being  depends  on  the 
environmental quality of their surroundings.

•  The aspiration for the new energy model to also be more accessible to all, and to favour inclusiveness, 

equality, equity and social development. 

•  The  desire  to  promote  this  new  model  in  partnership  with  all  players  involved  and  with  society  as 

a whole.

To  attain  this  Purpose,  the  Iberdrola  group  has  condensed  its  corporate  values  into  the  following 
three concepts:

Sustainable energy: the group seeks to always be a model of inspiration, creating economic, social 
and environmental value in all of its surroundings, and with the future in mind.

Integrating force: the group works with strength and responsibility, combining talents, for a Purpose 
that is to be achieved by all and for all.

Driving  force:  the  group  brings  about  small  and  large  changes  in  order  to  make  people’s  lives 
easier, always seeking to improve, and to do so efficiently and with high self-imposed standards.

Sustainable 
energy

Integrating 
force

Driving  
force

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com10

Iberdrola today  |  Value chain

1.3. Value chain

Generation of electricity  
and green hydrogen

Construction, operation and maintenance 
of generating plants; and purchase/
sale of energy on wholesale markets.

Transmission and distribution 

Construction, operation and  
maintenance of electrical fines, 
substations, transformer centres  
and other infrastructure, to bring 
electrical power from production 
centres to the end user 
and to integrate distributed 
generation within the grid.

Electricity production1 

Electric networks2

Electricity  
production

164,266  
GWh

4,571  
High- to medium-voltage 
transformer substations.

Overhead lines

19,489 km  
of transmission lines

1,342 km  
of distribution lines

(1)  Percentages are over owned production, which amounts 129,331 GWh.

(2)  At 31 December 2021.

Integrated report. March 2022

57%Renewable18%Nuclear19%Combined cycle6%Cogenerationwww.iberdrola.comIberdrola today  |  Value chain

11

Sale of electricity and gas, innovative 
products and services (Smart)

End user supply of electricity, gas, “smart” and 
innovative energy products and services.  

Electric networks2

Consumers

1.6 million  
Medium- to low-voltage 
distribution transformers.

Underground lines

1,022,113 km  
of transmission lines

197,193 km  
of distribution lines

36.1  
million

Integrated report. March 2022

(2)  At 31 December 2021.

44%31%13%9%3%IEIBrazilSpainUnited KingdomUnited Stateswww.iberdrola.com12

Iberdrola today  |  Company performance

1.4. Company performance

Integrated report. March 2022

Sales (€M)31,26335,07636,43833,14539,11420172018201920202021EBITDA (€M)7,3199,34910,10410,03812,00620172018201920202021Net profit (€M)2,8043,0143,4663,6113,88520172018201920202021Total installed capacity (MW)48,44746,69452,08255,11158,32020172018201920202021Net production (GWh)137,549145,605151,758162,842164,26620172018201920202021Distributed electricity(GWh)230,151233,409233,541224,971237,75220172018201920202021Assets (€M)110,689113,038123,025122,518141,75220172018201920202021Employees34,25534,07835,37437,12739,95520172018201920202021Consumers(millions)33,033,633,934,436,120172018201920202021www.iberdrola.comIberdrola today  |  Company performance

13

(1)  Frequency rate = (number of accidents with leave*1,000,000) / hours worked. 

Integrated report. March 2022

747777798120172018201920202021Own emission-free installed capacity (%)136112110989620172018201920202021Own specific CO2 emissions (t / GWh)Water use / overall production (m3/GWh)59760458343430720172018201920202021Gender diversity (% women on workforce)232323232320172018201920202021Accident frequency rate11.751.371.331.201.0620172018201920202021Hours of training per employee trained41.845.254.953.42017201820192020202158.6www.iberdrola.com14

Iberdrola today  |  Key figures

1.5. Key figures 

Financial performance (€M)

Financial ratios

 Δ 
Annual 
average 
2017-
2021 (%)

5.8

6.3

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Revenues

31,263

35,076

36,438

33,145

39,114

Consolidated gross 
margin

Consolidated 
EBITDA

Amortisation, 
depreciation. 
provisions and other

Operating profit 
(EBIT)

13,364

15,435

16,263

16,145

17,062

7,319

9,349

10,104

10,038

12,006

13.2

(4,606)

(3,910)

(4,227)

(4,474)

(4,663)

(0.3)

2,713

5,439

5,877

5,564

7,343

28.3

Financial results

(937)

(1,156)

(1,300)

(991)

(1,003)

(1.7)

Results from 
companies 
consolidated by the 
equity method

(29)

56

(51)

461

(74)

(26.4)

Pre-tax profit  (EBT)

2,026

4,348

4,729

5,034

6,226

32.6

Corporate income 
tax

1,397

(959)

(914)

(1,083)

(1,914)

--

Minority interests

(366)

(323)

(348)

(341)

(467)

(6.3)

Net profit

2,804

3,014

3,466

3,611

3,885

Total assets

110,689 113,038 123,025 122,518 141,752

Shareholders’ equity

42,733

43,977

47,195

47,219

56,126

8.5

6.4

7.1

Gross investments

6,632

6,173

8,158

9,246

9,940 

10.6

Funds from 
Operations (FFO) 
adjusted

Adjusted net Bank 
borrowings

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Δ 
Annual 
average 
2017-
2021 (%)

23.4

26.7

27.7

30.3

30.7

7.0

9.0

8.6

9.4

10.9

9.9

2.4

31.2

26.9

26.6

26.5

24.8

(5.6)

4.49

3.65

3.74

3.5

3.2

(8.1)

43.5

43.7

44.7

42.3

41.0

(1.5)

19.7

21.5

21.5

23.6

23.0

3.9

17.2

20.2

20.0

21.4

20.6

7.8

8.4

9.2

9.7

8.6

4.6

2.5

EBITDA margin  
(EBITDA  / revenues) 
(%)

Net profit margin 
(Net profit / 
Revenues) (%)

NOE / Gross margin 
(%)

Adjusted Net 
financial debt / 
EBITDA (multiple)

Adjusted financial 
leveraging (%)

Funds from 
Operations (FFO) 
/ Adjusted net 
financial debt (NFD) 
(%)

Retained cash flow 
(RCF / NFD) (%)

Return on equity 
(ROE) (%)

Stock market performance

Δ 
Annual 
average 
2017-
2021 (%)

6,479

7,328

8,060

8,292

8,993

8.5

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

32,856

34,149

37,769

35,142

39,119

4.5

Stock market 
capitalisation at 
year-end (€M)

Number of shares at 
year-end  
(millions)

Share price at year-
end (€)

Earnings per share 
(EPS)

Dividend per share 
(DPS)

40,811

44,898

58,404

74,296

66,271

12.9

6,318

6,398

6,362

6,350

6,366

0.2

6.46

7.02

9.18

11.70

10.41

12.7

0.44

0.47

0.53

0.55

0.58

0.312

0.326

0.351

0.405

0.422

7.2

7.8

Dividend yield (%)

4.83

4.64

3.82

3.46

4.05

(4.3)

Total dividend 
(including cash 
payments) (€M)

1,996

2,077

2,247

2,517

2,664

Payout ratio (%)

71.2

68.9

66.0

73.9

75.3

Share price / net 
earnings per share 
(PER)

14.68

14.94

17.32

21.18

17.81

7.5

1.4

5.0

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com 
 
Iberdrola today  |  Key figures

Operating performance

Social performance

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Δ Annual 
average 
2017-2021 
(%)

48,447

46,694

52,082

55,111

58,320

4.7

43,811

42,058

45,702

47,965

51,174

4.0

4,636

4,636

6,380

7,146

7,146

11.4

137,549

145,605

151,758

162,842

164,266

105,239

115,134

114,250

123,463

129,331

32,310

30,471

37,508

39,378

34,935

230,151

233,409

233,541

224,998

237,752

4.5

5.3

2.0

0.8

1.8

Total 
Installed 
capacity 
(MW)1

Net Own 
Capacity

Third-party 
Capacity

Net 
production 
(GWh)1

Net Own 
Output

Net 
Third-party 
Output

Electric 
power 
distributed 
(GWh)

Km of lines

1,156,611 1,173,672 1,191,288 1,206,783 1,240,137

Environmental performance

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

74

70

77

75

77

72

136

112

110

79

75

98

 Δ 
Annual 
average 
2017-
2021 (%)   

81

75

2.3

1.7

96

(8.3)

189

174

173

169

216

3.4

50,925,130 43,742,176 49,048,936 222,249,154 266,134,260

51.2

80

80

83

78

80

(0.0)

15

Δ Annual 
average 
2017-
2021 (%)

2.3

2.3

(0.5)

(1.7)

1.1

3.7

--

2.4

4.7

(1.3)

0.0

--

3.9

0.0

Consumers 
(millions)5

 Electric power

Spain

United Kingdom

United States

Brazil 

IEI

Gas

Spain

United Kingdom

United States

IEI

Number of 
employees

Permanent 
contracts (%)

Workers with 
collective 
bargaining 
agreement (%)

Employee turnover 
(%)

Diversity (men/
women)

Accident frequency 
rate6

Hours of training 
(millions of hours)

Training hours per 
worker trained (h)

Funds for social 
development (€M)7

Contributions to 
society (€M)

Rural electrification 
programmes (€M)

Investments in R&D 
(€M)

General 
procurement (€M 
billed)8

Procurement from 
local suppliers (%)

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

33.0

33.6

33.9

34.5

36.1

29.0

10.2

3.0

2.2

29.5

10.1

3.0

2.3

29.8

10.1

2.8

2.3

30.1

10.0

2.8

2.3

31.7

10.0

2.8

2.3

13.6

13.8

14.0

14.3

15.7

-

4.0

1.0

2.0

1.0

0.0

0.3

4.1

1.0

2.0

1.0

0.1

0.6

4.1

1.0

1.9

1.0

0.2

0.7

4.3

1.1

1.9

1.0

0.3

0.8

4.4

1.2

1.9

1.0

0.3

34,255

34,078

35,374

37,127

39,955

99.4

99.0

99.1

99.6

99.5

77.2

78.9

78.7

77.9

78.5

0.4

7.8

10.7

6.6

6.1

7.4

(1.3)

77/23

77/23

77/23

77/23

77/23

--

1.75

1.37

1.33

1.20

1.06

(11.8)

1.5

1.6

1.8

2.0

2.4

12.5

41.8

45.2

54.9

53.4

58.6

8.8

341.2

243.1

53.5

125.8

109.2

(24.8)

63.0

53.5

53.5

83.8

58.1

(2.0)

278.2

189.6

40.0

42.0

51.1

(34.5)

246.0

266.5

280.0

292.5

337.5

8,648

7,753

8,717

8,494

9,424

88

85

89

89

88

8.2

2.2

0.0

597

604

583

434

307

(15.3)

(1) Data for Production and Installed Capacity include the power stations in 
which Iberdrola has a stake, based on its percentage interest.

15,020

13,328

13,584

13,136

13,207

(3.2)

3,415

2,544

2,082

1,883

2,162

(10.8)

56,212

51,969

54,278

57,852

53,898

(1.0)

23,460

24,334

18,543

31,300

27,720

4.3

0.038

0.023

0.011

0.008

0.007

(34.5)

0.113

0.082

0.363

0.375

0.365

34.1

(2) Calculated on own production.

(3) Conversion factor used: 1GJ= 0.023888889 Tep.

(4) Change in method for calculating NOx emissions in Mexico in 2019.

(5)  Consumers:  for  electric  power,  total  number  of  customers  is  used 
where there are areas of electricity distribution and retailing, supply points 
are used for the other areas. For gas: total number of gas customers is 
used,  except  for  the  United  States,  where  total  number  of  supply  points 
is used.

(6)  Accident frequency rate  = (number of accidents with leave*1,000,000) 
/ hours worked.

(7)  Increase in contribution to society in 2020 due to the company’s effort in 
the fight against COVID-19.

(8) Amount awarded in  2021: €12,163 milion.

Integrated report. March 2022

Emission-
free installed 
capacity (%)2

Emission-free 
output (%)2

Specific CO2 
emissions  
(t/GWh)

Fossil fuel (tep/
GWh)3

Energy 
savings 
of green 
products and 
services (GJ)

Energy 
produced 
under certified 
environmental 
management 
systems (%)

Water use/
overall 
production 
(m3/GWh)

Direct 
emissions of 
CO2. Scope 
1 (kt)

Direct 
emissions of 
CO2. Scope 
2 (kt)

Other indirect 
emissions. 
Scope 3 (kt)

CO2 avoided 
due to 
efficiency 
initiatives

SO2 emissions 
(t/GWh)

NOx 
emissions  
(kg/MWh)4

www.iberdrola.com 
 
16

Iberdrola today  |  Presence by areas of activity

1.6. Presence by areas of activity

Iberdrola in Spain

Primary brands

Local brand

Operating 
brand

Key figures 2021

28,427

MW 

Installed capacity

269,595

Km / Power lines

El Sedregal wind farm - Asturias, Spain

19,210

MW

Renewable installed capacity

90,962

GWh 
Distributed energy

60,968

GWh 

Net production

11.2

Millions of consumers1 

9,727

Employees

2,272

€M Gross investments

3,469 

€M Direct tax contribution

(1)  Total number of liberalised market electricity and gas customers.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.comIberdrola today  |  Presence by areas of activity

17

Iberdrola en España

3
Batteries

14 MW

19
Cogeneration plants

347 MW

212
Wind farms

6,125 MW

5
Nuclear plants

3,177 MW

21

20

6

2

2

25

3

5

57

4

3

3

5

10

13

20

13

2

2

2

12

12

5

2

56

6

8

2

2

2

13

9

8

8

9

8

3

29

2

18
Photovoltaic 
plants

2,086 MW

10
Combined cycle  
gas plants

5,695 MW

153
Hydroelectric plants1 +  
mini-hydroelectric plants

10,985 MW

Main offices

Electricity distribution

Area of influence

Projects under construction

14

4

1

2

(1)  The  data  on  hydroelectric  plants  include  the  Daivoes  and  Gouvaes  power  plants  in  Portugal,  although  they  appear  on  the  Iberdrola  Energía 
International map.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com18

Iberdrola today  |  Presence by areas of activity

Iberdrola in the United Kingdom

Primary brands

Local brand

Operating 
brand

Key figures 2021

3,008

MW 

Installed capacity

110,681

Km / Power lines

East Anglia ONE offshore wind farm - North Sea, United Kingdom

3,008

MW

Renewable installed capacity

32,221

GWh

Distributed energy

6,717

GWh 

Net production

4.8

Millions of consumers1 

5,708

Employees

1,081 

€M Gross investments

720

€M Direct tax contribution

(1)  Total number of liberalised market electricity and gas customers.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.comIberdrola today  |  Presence by areas of activity

19

Iberdrola en el Reino Unido

41
Wind farms

1.986 MW

1
Underwater 
power line

425 Km

30

2

2

5

2

1
Photovoltaic plants

10 MW

3

2

4

2

4
Batteries

104 MW

2
Offshore wind  
farms

908 MW

Main offices

Electricity distribution

Area of influence

Projects under construction

3

2

1

3

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com20

Iberdrola today  |  Presence by areas of activity

Iberdrola in the United States

Amazon wind farm - North Carolina, United States.

Primary brands

Local brand

Operating 
brand

Key figures 2021

9,149

MW 

Installed capacity

168,044

Km / Power lines

7,349

Employees

(1)  Total number of electricity and gas supply points.

Integrated report. March 2022

8,309

MW

Renewable installed capacity

22,591

GWh 

Net production

38,756

GWh Distributed energy

3.3

Millions of consumers1 

2,732

€M Gross investments

1,037

€M Direct tax contribution

www.iberdrola.comIberdrola today  |  Presence by areas of activity

21

69
Iberdrola en los Estados Unidos
Wind farms

7.945 MW

1
Cogeneration  
plants

636 MW

9
Hydroelectric 
plants

118 MW

5
Other renewables

13 MW

3

2

2

11

2

9

4

5

2

5

6

5

6

3

4

3

2

2

6

5
Photovoltaic plants

232 MW

3
Combined cycle 
gas plants

204 MW

Main offices

Electricity distribution

Area of influence

Projects under construction

4

4

2

1  transmission line

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com22

Iberdrola today  |  Presence by areas of activity

Iberdrola in Brazil

Primary brands1

Itapebi hydroelectric plant - Bahia and Minas Gerais, Brazil

Local brand

Operating 
brand 1

BRASÍLIA

PERNAMBUCO

COELBA

COSERN

ELEKTRO

Key figures 2021

4,547

MW 

Installed capacity

691,817

Km / Power lines

15,058

Employees

4,014

MW

Renewable installed capacity

15,129

GWh 

Net production

75,813

GWh Distributed energy

15.7

Millions of consumers2 

1,882

€M Gross investments3 

2,058

 €M Direct tax contribution

(1)  The brands of the distributors operating in Brazil have been unified under the Neoenergia brand.

(2)  Total number of electricity supply points.

(3)  Includes the purchase of Neoenergia Brasilia (CEB-D), in the amount of €409 million.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.comIberdrola today  |  Presence by areas of activity

23

Iberdrola en Brasil

8
Hydroelectric 
plants

3.031 MW

1
Combined cycle 
gas plants

533 MW

2

11

15

18

12

3

32
Wind farms

984 MW

Main offices

Electricity distribution

Area of influence

Projects under construction

1

27

6 Transmission lines 

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com24

Iberdrola today  |  Presence by areas of activity

Iberdrola in Mexico

Primary brands

Cuyoaco solar photovoltaic power plant - Puebla, Mexico

Key figures 2021

3,537

MW 

1,232

MW

Own installed capacity

Own renewable installed capacity

19,361

GWh 

Net own production

7,146

MW Third-party installed capacity

103

MW Third-party

 installed renewable capacity

34,935 

GWh Net third-party production

1,296

Employees

244

€M Gross investments

266

€M Direct tax contribution

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.comIberdrola today  |  Presence by areas of activity

25

3
Iberdrola en México
Photovoltaic plants

642 MW

5
Cogeneration plants

202 MW

9
Wind farms

693 MW

2

2

4

4

2

3

3

12
Combined cycle gas plants

2.103 MW own

7.043 MW for third parties

2

2

6

Main offices

Area of influence

Area with projects under construction

Projects under construction

2

1

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com26

Iberdrola today  |  Presence by areas of activity

Iberdrola Energía Internacional (IEI)

Port Augusta hybrid wind-solar power plant - South Australia-

Primary brands

Local brand

Operating 
brand

Key figures 2021

2,505

MW 

Installed capacity

2,262

MW

Renewable installed capacity

1.1

Millions of consumers1 

4,565

GWh Net production

4,531

GWh Net renewable production

817

Employees

1,566 

€M Gross investments

286

€M Direct tax contribution

(1)  Total number of electricity and gas customers.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.comIberdrola Energía Internacional

Iberdrola today  |  Presence by areas of activity

27

1
Offshore wind farm 

350 MW

Qatar

2
Batteries

75 MW

Main offices

Area of influence

Retail business areas

51
Wind farms

1.749 MW

7
Photovoltaic plants

89 MW

2

5

11

2

3

7

Europe

4

4

20

South
Korea

Japan

 Taiwan

Philippines

Vietnam

2

8

2

Australia

2
Cogeneration plants

243 MW

Projects under construction

9

5

2

1

(1)  The data on the Daivoes and Gouvaes power plants in Portugal are included in Iberdrola España, although they appear on this map.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com28

Iberdrola today  |  Presence by areas of activity

Installed capacity and production by country and technology

Installed capacity (MW)1,2 

Spain

United 
Kingdom

United 
States

Brazil

Mexico

IEI

Own

Third-party

Total 
Iberdrola

2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020

2021 2020 2021 2020

2021 2020

2021

2020

Renewables

19,210 17,411

3,008

2,864

8,309

7,982

4,014

3,546

1,232

1,222

 Onshore wind

6,124

6,292

1,986

1,950

7,945

7,721

984

516

590

579

 Offshore wind

0

0

908

908

0

0

0

0

118

118

3,031

3,031

0

0

246

143

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

642

642

0

0

103

103

0

0

0

0

0

103

2,262

1,795 38,138 34,923

103

1,749

1,414 19,479 18,574

0

0

0

0

0

350

350

1,258

1,258

0

0

164

0

0 13,849 12,864

0

31

0

285

303

3,266

1,923

3,177

3,177

204

204

533

533

2,103

2,103

7,043

7,043

243

242 15,820 15,820

636

636

0

0

0

0

0

0

202

202

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1,185

1,191

0

0

 Hydroelectric

10,700

9,715

 Mini-hydro

285

303

0

0

 Solar and others

2,100

1,100

114

Nuclear

3,177

3,177

Gas combined 
cycle

5,695

5,695

Cogeneration

347

353

0

0

0

0

0

0

Coal

Total

0

0

6

0

0

0

0

28,427 26,635

3,008

2,864

9,149

8,822

4,547

4,079

3,537

3,527

7,146

7,146

2,505

2,038 58,320

55,111

Net electricity production (GWh)
United 
States

United 
Kingdom

Spain

Brazil

Mexico

IEI

Own

Third-party

Total 
Iberdrola

2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020

2021 2020 2021 2020

2021 2020

2021

2020

Renewables

28,420 25,919

6,717

6,677 19,400 19,371 11,935 10,681

2,716

1,658

Onshore wind

11,937 11,617

3,284

3,581 18,943 18,930

2,313

1,878

1,528

929

Offshore wind

0

0

3,433

3,097

0

0

0

0

132

120

9,622

8,803

0

0

0

0

0

0

1,188

729

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

325

321

0

7

0

6

231

231

0

0

0

0

0

218

4,531

3,540 73,950 68,064

218

3,339

2,249 41,574 39,401

0

0

0

0

0

1,184

1,283

4,617

4,380

0

0

8

0

0 24,374 22,034

0

8

630

682

2,754

1,568

0 23,193 24,316

3,194

2,440 15,001 14,841 34,704 39,160

34

10 59,963 63,673

3,184

2,745

0

0

0

0

0

0

1,644

1,640

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

7,159

6,550

0

237

60,968 59,854

6,717

6,677 22,591 22,122 15,129 13,122 19,361 18,138 34,935 39,378

4,565

3,550 164,266 162,842

Hydroelectric

14,620 13,111

Mini-hydro

630

Solar and others

1,233

682

509

Nuclear

23,193 24,316

Combined cycle3 

7,023

7,216

Cogeneration

2,331

2,166

0

237

Coal4 

Total

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

(1)  Data for Production and Installed Capacity include the power stations in which Iberdrola has a stake, based on its percentage interest.

(2)  Totals may vary due to rounding of decimals.

(3)  Includes capacity of Peaking United States and IEI.

(4)  Coal-fired electricity production prior to the final closure of coal-fired power plants in Spain.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.comIberdrola today  |  Key milestones of 2021

29

1.7. Key milestones of 2021

Iberdrola Mexico completes the Cuyoaco 
photovoltaic plant project with 200 MW of installed 
capacity.

Iberdrola joins the launch of the “Race to Zero 
Breakthrough” initiative to achieve a zero-emission 
economy by 2050.

Iberdrola Mexico commissions the 105 MW Santiago 
wind farm, the seventh in the country.

Presentation of 2020 results: Record net profit: 
€3,611 million, and record investments in one year: 
€9,246 million.

Neoenergia finalises the acquisition of Brazilian 
distributor CEB-D.

January

AVANGRID commissions the 155 MW Tatanka Ridge 
wind farm.

Publication of the agreement with DP Energy to 
acquire a majority stake in offshore wind projects on 
the east, west and south coasts of Ireland.

The Iberdrola Stakeholders’ Hub holds its eighth 
meeting to further promote company-wide 
Stakeholder engagement.

Iberdrola endorses the EV100 international initiative 
to boost electric mobility.

February

March

Acquisition of three wind farms in Poland for a total 
of 163 MW.

Iberdrola launches its new renewables subsidiary in 
Japan.

Largest sustainable commercial paper programme 
launched for a Spanish company in the total amount 
of €5,000 million.

Iberdrola heads the new Reskilling 4 Employment 
programme developed by the European Round Table 
(ERT).

Construction begins on Europe’s first and largest 
green hydrogen plant in Puertollano (Spain).

ScottishPower and Shell team up to develop floating 
offshore wind farms in Scotland1.

April

May

June

July

Commissioning of the first wind turbines at the 
Chafariz complex, Neoenergia’s largest wind project.

August

Iberdrola and AVANGRID, recognised for their 
best corporate governance practices for the third 
consecutive year.

Opening of a new growth platform in Taiwan, to 
develop a 6,000 MW portfolio of offshore wind 
projects.

Iberdrola closes a deal to take on 2,000 MW of 
offshore wind in the United States.

Launch of UK’s largest electrolyser project at the 
Whitelee complex..

First wind turbine installed at the Port Augusta wind-
solar facility in Australia.

The Fitch rating agency ranks Iberdrola as one of 
the best positioned companies for the transition to a 
zero-emission economy.

Agreement signed with GS Energy for joint 
development of projects in South Korea and other 
Asian regions.

Iberdrola acquires Sowitec in Vietnam, with a 
renewables portfolio of more than 500 MW.

Signing of Europe’s first energy loan linked to 
reduced water consumption.

Iberdrola ranked as sustainability leader in the utilities 
sector, according to Sustainalytics ESG Risk Rating.

Commissioning of Arañuelo III, the first photovoltaic 
project in Spain to implement a storage battery.

September

Iberdrola, founding partner of the Global Alliance for 
Sustainable Energy.

Iberdrola, the only Spanish company recognised as a 
“leading company” by the United Nations Global Compact.

Launch of the Global Smart Grids Innovation Hub, to 
define the networks of the future.

October

Iberdrola once again ranks as a world leader in the fight 
against climate change according to Influence Map.

ScottishPower is the main sponsor of COP26 in 
Glasgow.

Iberdrola, the only European utility included in all 22 
issues of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index.

Iberdrola named by Standard & Poor’s as the world’s 
best energy company in terms of environmental, 
social and governance criteria.

Iberdrola and H2 Green Steel agree to invest €2,300 
million to build a 1,000 MW green hydrogen plant.

November

December

Iberdrola, TotalEnergies and Norsk Havvind join 
forces to develop offshore wind in Norway.

Construction begins on Vineyard Wind 1, the first 
commercial-scale offshore wind farm in the United 
States with 800 MW of capacity.

Iberdrola awarded a contract in the United States 
to supply electricity from the future Commonwealth 
Wind offshore wind farm in Massachusetts, with a 
capacity of 1,232 MW.

For the first time, Iberdrola becomes the leading 
electricity company in Spain in terms of number of 
customers, with close to 10 million subscribers.

(1)  On 17 January 2022, the companies won the United Kingdom’s largest offshore wind auction to develop three large-scale projects totalling 7,000 MW, 
with an estimated investment of €22,500 million.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com30

Iberdrola today  |  Iberdrola and the war in Ukraine

1.8. Iberdrola and the war in Ukraine

In 2022, the war in Ukraine has had socio-economic impacts that are still difficult to quantify, triggering a 
migration crisis unparalleled in Europe since World War II and jeopardising commodity supplies for many 
countries inside and outside Europe.

This situation is also affecting energy prices, driven by the increase in gas prices, around 40% of which 
comes from Russia in the case of Europe.

More  than  ever,  the  invasion  of  Ukraine  accentuates  the  importance  of  Europe’s  energy  security  and 
self-sufficiency, a goal that is fully compatible with decarbonisation. As noted in the European Commission’s 
March 2022 communication, both targets can be met by accelerating the deployment of new renewable 
capacity; increasing electricity interconnections and grids to facilitate electrification; and maximising energy 
storage capacity.

Iberdrola supports regulatory developments that strengthen the independency of the European Union in the 
short, medium and long term, with a safe and efficient supply from a cost perspective. Iberdrola is poised to 
take a leading role in this process, as the company’s chairman has stated in various international forums.

Iberdrola’s support for society 
Iberdrola is actively supporting the people impacted through various measures and initiatives.

As an example, the company has made a network of accommodations and residences available to the 
authorities, to be used by refugees coming to Spain. Iberdrola will also make its Innovation and Training 
Campus in San Agustín de Guadalix available to the central government to teach Spanish to refugees, 
as well as skills to facilitate their adaptation and integration into the labour market, with special focus on 
women and children.

The company has also offered the use of its logistical infrastructure to transport medical supplies, food, 
clothing and other provisions. In this regard, Iberdrola has expressed its intention to work with the Official 
Associations of Spanish Pharmacists for the purchase and shipment of health products. It would also be 
able to send electric generators for use in possible refugee camps.

Finally, the company has mobilised its 12,000 volunteers (8,000 in Spain) so that they can help in the 
different lines of activity that have been implemented, including for example fundraising efforts in favour of 
the UNHCR to provide shelter, warm clothes, mattresses, blankets, water and immediate food aid to those 
fleeing Ukraine and arriving at EU borders.

Iberdrola will continue to monitor the humanitarian and economic crisis so as to continue acting proactively 
and anticipating the possible negative impacts thereof, both on the company and on its main stakeholders.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.comIberdrola today  |  Recognitions and comparative results

31

1.9. Recognitions and comparative results

External recognitions

The only European utility 
included for the past 22 years, 
it is considered one of the most 
sustainable electric utilities in 
the world. DJSI World & DJSI 
Europe.

The only European electric utility 
selected in all years. Selected 
in recognition of its equal 
opportunity and gender policies.

Selected in 2021

Global 100

First place in the 2021 ranking.

Selected for the index since 
2009

A score of ‘A’ in the CDP 
Climate Change Index 2021

Chosen as CDP Supplier 
Engagement Leader

Selected AAA

Selected in several Euronext 
Vigeo Eiris indices

Classified as “Silver Class” in 
the electricity sector

mercoEMPRESAS 2021: 
Iberdrola among the 10 best-
positioned companies

Only Spanish company 
included. Selected for the 
eighth consecutive year as one 
of the most ethical companies 
in the world

Fortune Global 500: Selected

Included in the STOXX Global 
ESG Leaders index and in the 
most important indices

Ranked first in the Climate 
Policy Engagement Ranking

Classified as Prime

Selected in Forbes 2021 
GLOBAL 2000: WORLD’S 
LARGEST PUBLIC 
COMPANIES

Included in the leading indices

Forbes 2021 
Global 2000 World Largest 
Public companies

Second-place utility worldwide 
in the EI Green Utilities Report 
2021

Gold EcoVadis Medal, Iberdrola 
as one of the best performing 
companies

Among the 500 most valuable 
brands globally

Among the highest-rated utilities

Among the top 5 of the world’s 
50 most influential electric 
utilities

WBA Electric Utilities 
Benchmark

Included in the index

2020 disclosure score above the 
average

Ranked first in 2021

Included in the top 10

Standard & Poor’s  (S&P) 
Global Clean Energy Index

Included in the top 10

World’s Top Female 
Friendly Companies 2021 
de Forbes

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com32

Iberdrola today  |  Recognitions and comparative results

Ignacio Galán and Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at COP26 Glasgow, Scotland.

For the company:

To the chairman:

•  Best  Corporate  Governance  in  Spain  and  United  States 

•  FEMUR Men for Equality Award (Federation of Rural Women): 

(World Finance): 2021.

2021.

•  World’s Most Ethical Company (Ethisphere Institute): 2021.
•  World’s  best  energy  company  for  ESG  (Standard  &  Poor’s): 

2021.

•  Best  European  utility  for  analysts  and  investors  (Institutional 

•  Award  for  the  promotion  of  Galician  industry  (A  Coruña 

Business Confederation): 2021.

•  One  of  the  100  CEOs  included  in  the  Brand  Finance  Brand 

Guardianship Index 2021 (2021).

Investors Research Group): 2021.

•  Management Leadership Award (Spanish Quality Association): 

•  Forbes World’s Top Female Friendly Companies 2021.
•  Europe’s leading private electricity company in terms of R&D 
investment, according to the report “The 2020 Industrial R&D 
Investment Scoreboard”: 2021.

•  Royal  Terra  Carta  Seal  (HRH  Prince  Charles,  Prince  of 

Wales): 2021.

•  Spanish  Company  of  the Year  (Official  Spanish  Chamber  of 

Commerce in France): 2021.

•  Emergency  Response  Award  to  AVANGRID  distributors 

(Edison Electric Institute): 2021.

2020.

•  Alfonso de Salas Award for Economic Personality of the Year 

(El Economista): 2020.

•  Honour  Award  at  the  7th  Castilla  y  León  Awards  for  Best 

Manager (Castilla y León Económica magazine): 2020.

•  Award for professional career (Forinvest): 2020.
•  One  of  the  30  most  influential  leaders  in  the  fight  against 

climate change (Bloomberg): 2019.

•  One  of  the  five  best-performing  CEOs  in  the  world  and  top 
CEO in the utilities sector (Harvard Business Review): 2019.

•  Best issuer of green corporate bonds and hybrid bonds at the 

•  Best  European  Utility  CEO  (Institutional  Investor  Research): 

latest “Global Capital Awards”: 2021.

2017, for the eleventh time.

•  Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire: 

2014.

•  Honorary  Doctorate  from  the  Universities  of  Salamanca 

(2011), Strathclyde (2013) and Edinburgh (2011).

•  Gold Star 2021 to ScottishPower for its actions in favour of the 
most  vulnerable  groups  in  the  United  Kingdom,  awarded  by 
the Energy UK industry association.

•  ABRADEE award to Neoenergia’s distributors, in recognition 
of  their  management  quality,  social  and  environmental 
responsibility and operational management: 2021.

•  Ibero-American  Quality  Award  to  Iberdrola  Mexico  (Ibero-

American General Secretariat and Fundibeq): 2021.

•  Ethics and Values in Industry 2021 Award to Iberdrola Mexico, 
from the Confederation of Industrial Chambers of the United 
Mexican  States  (Confederación  de  Cámaras  Industriales  de 
los Estados Unidos Mexicanos) (CONCAMIN): 2021.

•  Global  Performance  Excellence  Award  for  Iberdrola  Mexico 
(Asia-Pacific Organization for Excellence in Mexico): 2021.

•  Pro-Ethics  Company  Award  to  Neoenergia  (Comptroller 

General of the Federation): 2021.

•  Best utility in the area of Investor Relations (IR Magazine): 2021.
•  National  Marketing-Sponsorship  Award  (Spanish  Marketing 

Association): 2021.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.comIberdrola today  |  Recognitions and comparative results

33

Comparative results

Growth in market capitalisation

Growth in market capitalisation 2011-2021

10 years ago, Iberdrola, S.A. held sixth place among comparable companies in terms of capitalisation1. 
30 It now is the leader among those in which the government does not hold an interest.

Share price

Iberdrola’s performance

Share price 2011-2021

Comparative performance of total 
shareholder return 2011-2021

Iberdrola  has  increased  its  assets  by  more  than  46%  and 
its revenues by approximately 24% over the last 10 years. It 
has also improved its EBITDA by more than 57% and its Net 
Profit by more than 39%, and shareholder remuneration has 
increased by more than 26%, improving its financial strength.

Iberdrola

Assets (€M)

Revenues (€M)

EBITDA (€M)

Net Profit (€M)

Dividends (€/share)

Net Debt / EBITDA

31-dec.-11

31-dec.-21

96,905

31,648

7,650

2,805

0.336

4.145

141,752

39,114

12,006

3,885

0.422

3.200

(1)  Comparable companies analysed: Engie, EDF, E.On, Enel, RWE.

Integrated report. March 2022

11.9%115.0%Average comparablesIberdrola56.6%114.2%182.7%AveragecomparablesEuroStoxxUtilitiesIberdrola29.4 %68.0 %132.8 %AveragecomparablesEuroStoxxUtilitiesIberdrolawww.iberdrola.com35

2.  Business model 
and strategy

2.1. Climate Action

2.2. A successful and consolidated business model

2.3. Regulatory environment

2.4. EU taxonomy

2.5. Sustainable finance

2.6. Networks Business

2.7. Electricity Production and Customers Business

2.8. Management of financial capital

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com36

Business model and strategy  |  Climate Action

2.1. Climate Action

As a world leader in the fight against climate change, Iberdrola firmly believes that the transition to a 
carbon neutral economy by 2050 is technologically possible, economically viable and socially necessary.

To this end, over the last two decades, the company has led the energy transition through a sustainable 
business model, implemented with innovation, flexibility and efficiency in all its business lines.

Iberdrola’s Climate Action Policy establishes the framework for the company’s strategy and business 
model, aligned with the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda, in the fight against climate change. 
Through  this  policy  Iberdrola  commits  to  continue  assuming  a  leadership  position  and  contributing 
to  a  carbon  neutral  and  sustainable  future. The  Policy  includes  among  its  principles  of  conduct  the 
implementation of the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures 
(TCFD), whereby Iberdrola was one of the first companies to commit to implementing them, as well as 
those of other standard-setting organisations.

Climate Governance

With a view to ensuring the highest level of compliance and implementation of its policies, the Company 
has various corporate bodies and internal committees tasked with overseeing the implementation 
thereof. The  bylaws  approved  by  the  shareholders  at  the  General  Shareholders’  Meeting  in  June 
2021  formalise  the  Board  of  Directors’  obligation  to  approve,  monitor  and  regularly  report  on  the 
Climate Action Plan. 

In  response  to  the  need  for  professionalisation,  diversification  and  qualification  on  major  issues, 
the  Board  runs  a  training  and  refresher  programme  for  its  members,  including  topics  such  as 
decarbonisation and the fight against climate change. The Annual Activities Report of the Board of 
Directors and of the Committees thereof describes and lists the matters dealt with by the Board and 
its  Committees,  and  includes  all  content  relating  to  climate  change  risk  and  opportunities.  For  its 
part, the structure of remuneration of executive.

In  turn,  the  remuneration  structure  for  executive  directors  and  the  management  team  takes  into 
account economic/financial, operational and sustainability aspects. A long-term remuneration plan 
(2020-2022 Strategic Bonus) was approved in April 2020 covering parameters related to Sustainable 
Development Goals, such as reducing the average intensity of CO2 emissions and increasing the 
number of suppliers subject to sustainable development standards, among others.

More detailed information can be found in the Governance and Sustainability System section of the 
Corporate website.

At the operational and management level, an internal multidisciplinary working group was set up in 
2017 to coordinate the work carried out in the framework of implementing the TCFD recommendations. 
Alongside this working group, there are other internal groups, such as the Global Working Group on 
Climate Change, which brings together different perspectives and organisations in this field..

Climate action objectives and elements

In  2021,  Iberdrola  has  pursued  its  target  of  reducing  direct  emissions  intensity  to  60  gCO2/kWh  in 
Europe and 96 gCO2/kWh globally by 2021, making progress towards the announced targets, which are 
set out below:

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.comBusiness model and strategy  |  Climate Action

37

CLIMATE GOALS OF THE IBERDROLA GROUP

Reduce intensity of CO2 emissions 
to 50g CO2/kWh by 2030

Scope 1, 2 and 3 goals approved by 
Science Based Target Initiative in 
December, aligned with 1.5oC

Iberdrola will be net zero in 
scopes 1, 2 and 3 by 2050.

So  as  to  achieve  its  commitment  to  reduce  emissions,  Iberdrola  will  continue  to  promote  a  business 
model and its investment plan.

The Company is working towards fast-tracking its decarbonisation targets. Its climate objectives are linked 
to the growth and investment strategy which, in turn, is fully geared towards driving a rapid, equitable and 
inclusive energy transition.

Iberdrola’s  Climate Action  Plan  is  also  based  on  core  elements  such  as  technological  and  business 
innovation, forming alliances and active participation in the main milestones of the climate agenda as well 
as support for key initiatives that pursue more ambitious climate goals, raising awareness through both 
external and internal actions and through collaboration with leading institutions.

Climate risks and opportunities. Evaluation and management

Iberdrola’s investment plan is committed to developing renewable energy, smart grids, digitalisation and 
the geographical and technological diversification of its business. Its design is based on analysing future 
scenarios to test their resilience to the risks and opportunities of climate change.

The identification, analysis and management of climate change risks has been integrated, with a global 
focus, into the corporate ERM philosophy that has guided Iberdrola’s risk management since the second 
half of the last decade.

A review of the climate change risks in 2021 has yielded similar results to previous years, putting the group 
in a position where the opportunities arising from the decarbonisation of the global economy (growth in 
renewables, investment in smart grids, electrification of transport, green hydrogen, etc.) clearly outweigh the 
risks. Furthermore, factors such as advancing the transformation of the business model, asset diversification, 
past experience, and the integration of climate change science into its decision-making process suggest 
that, overall, Iberdrola’s business model can be classified as resilient to climate change.

Nevertheless,  it  is  necessary  to  make  further  progress  and  analyse  the  possible  risks—both  physical, 
associated with specific facilities, as well as transition risks—and to continue to strengthen the inclusion of 
the climate change variable within the Company. For more information, see the chapter on Climate Risk 
and Opportunity Management in the Statement of Non-Financial Information. Sustainability Report 2021, 
published on the corporate website.

Indicators and metrics 

Iberdrola  monitors  a  number  of  indicators  relating  to  the  climate  and  to  the  strategy  for  combatting 
climate  change,  which  are  key  for  the  constant  monitoring  of  the  strategy’s  resilience  in  view  of  the 
scenarios analysed. These indicators include the inventory of greenhouse gas emissions, emissions 
intensity, reduction targets, use of energy, energy intensity, the energy mix, renewable installed capacity, 
water use, source of water, R&D and Capex in the development of low-emission products, services and/
or technology.

For more information on the company’s actions to mitigate and adapt to the consequences of climate 
change, see the specific “Climate Change” section of the website.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com38

Business model and strategy  |  A successful and well-established business model

2.2. A successful and consolidated business model

Iberdrola  firmly  believes  that  the  transition  to  a  carbon-neutral  economy  by  2050  is  technologically 
possible,  economically  feasible  and  socially  necessary.  The  decarbonisation  of  the  economy  is  a 
tremendous opportunity to create wealth, generate employment and improve both the condition of the 
planet and people’s health. The group is therefore committed to leading the energy transition, a path it 
embarked on 20 years ago and that has led it to invest €120,000 million since then.

This commitment will be fulfilled by promoting:

Decarbonization of electricity

Grid-based integration 
of system

Electrification of demand

Offshore 
wind

Pumped 
Hydro

Solar FV

Batteries

Onshore 
wind

Automation

Smart 
Grids

HVDC

DSO 
Model

Transport

Buildings

Industry

Heat 
Pumps

Electric 
Vehicles

Green 
Hydrogen

MORE  
RENEWABLES

MORE 
NETWORKS

MORE 
STORAGE

MORE ENERGY 
SOLUTIONS FOR 
OUR CUSTOMERS

Two decades of growth based on strong strategic foundations 
that drive future growth

Geographical 
diversification

Energy 
transition

Efficiency

Portfolio 
optimisation

Innovation

A business model that enables us to accelerate the creation of value for all

1.  Satisfy the expectations of Its Stakeholders.

2. 

Investment is concentrated in the regulated businesses 
or businesses with long-term contracts, which provide 
known and recurring cash flows.

3.  Accelerate  the  growth  of  its  renewable  activities, 
mainly offshore wind, photovoltaic and the production of 
green hydrogen, to meet its decarbonisation goal.

4.  Geographic  diversification,  with  a  presence  in  a 

growing number of countries.

5.  Dividend  policy  is  focused  on  a  strong  and  growing 
dividend in line with the increase in the company’s results.

6.  Maintain  a  strong  financial  position,  allowing  for  the 

achievement of investment goals.

7.  The  main  funding  instrument  is  Green  Finance,  which 
ensures  transparency  on  impact  and  use,  aligned  with 
the  EU  Taxonomy,  thus  enabling  adequate  liquidity  to 
be maintained.

Integrated report. March 2022

Countries with sound credit ratings and ambitious climate policies.Enabling decarbonisation and electrification.Continuous drive for operational excellence.Contributing to environmental and financial sustainability of our business model.Laying foundation for the future.www.iberdrola.com40

Business model and strategy  |  Regulatory environment

2.3. Regulatory environment

United Kingdom

European Union

The  regulation  establishing  the  allocation  rules  of  the 
Recovery and Resilience Fund will be completed in 2021, 
thus facilitating the allocation of a total of €672.5 thousand 
million,  of  which  €140  thousand  million  correspond  to 
Spain  (€69,500  million  in  grants,  10.3%  of  the  EU  total). 
Spain will earmark 40% of the allocation for climate objectives 
and  28%  for  digitalisation.  Projects  will  have  to  be  aligned 
with the objectives of the European Green Deal, as well as 
promote the substitution of fossil fuels.

The  Climate  Law  was  enacted,  which  sets  the  goal  of 
climate neutrality by 2050 at European level. This law sets 
a greenhouse gas emission reduction target for 2030 of 55% 
vs  1990  and  requires  the  European  Commission  (EC)  to 
propose, by 2024, a target for 2040 and an indicative carbon 
budget  for  the  period  2030-2050,  consistent  with  a  global 
temperature increase projections of +1.5°Cº.

In  line  with  the  Climate  Law,  the  European  Commission 
published  two  “Fit  for  55”  legislative  packages  to  be 
proposed  in  the  coming  years  and  which  embody  the 
European Green Deal on energy. The objectives include: 

•  Emission  reductions  of  61%  vs  2005  in  the  sectors 
participating in the European Emissions Trading Scheme 
“EU-ETS”;  and  inclusion  of  maritime,  road  transport  and 
building sectors.

•  Increase of the renewables target to 40% by 2030.
•  Increased energy efficiency with primary and final energy 
savings  targets  of  39%  and  36%  in  2030  respectively, 
compared to the baseline scenario.

•  Decarbonisation of buildings by 2050; ban on financial 

incentives for gas boiler installations from 2027.

•  Energy taxes consistent with the “polluter pays” principle.
•  Promoting clean vehicle charging infrastructure in cities, 

main road networks, ports and airports.

•  100% new passenger cars and vans with zero emissions 

by 2035.

•  Gradual decarbonisation of ships and aircraft.
•  Development of hydrogen and low carbon gas markets.
Finally,  the  European  Commission  presented  the  first 
Delegated  Act  specifying  the  Taxonomy  for  classifying 
activities  as  sustainable,  as  part  of  the  climate  change 
mitigation  and  adaptation  objectives.  For 
the  energy 
sector,  the  Act  considers  renewable  electricity  generation, 
electricity distribution and transmission, renewable hydrogen 
production  and  the  deployment  of  charging  facilities  for 
electric vehicles as sustainable activities.

Following the Government’s announcement in late 2020 of an 
ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris 
Agreement that called for a cut in emissions of at least 68% by 
2030 compared to 1990 levels, in April 2021, the Government 
adopted  the  Sixth  Carbon  Budget  under  the  Climate 
Change Act that called for a 78% reduction in emissions 
by 2035 (compared to 1990 levels). This level of ambition for 
the 2033-2037 period was in line with the recommendations 
of the independent Climate Change Committee.

In November 2021, the Government published its Net Zero 
Emissions  strategy,  outlining  its  policies  and  proposals  to 
decarbonise all sectors of the economy on a path towards 
meeting  the  legally  binding  Net  Zero  target  by  2050.  This 
strategy  was  submitted  to  the  United  Nations  Framework 
Convention on Climate Change as the second longterm low 
greenhouse  gas  emission  development  strategy  under  the 
Paris Agreement.

Spain

2021  has  been  marked  by  volatility  and  high  gas  prices, 
resulting  in  higher  prices  in  the  daily  wholesale  electricity 
markets,  aggravated  by  the  existence  of  a  regulated  tariff 
for  households  linked  to  this  price.  The  Government  has 
adopted a number of measures to mitigate this effect:

•  Temporary tax reductions (VAT and excise tax), charges 
on access tariffs, suspension of the electricity generation 
tax, expansion of the subsidised bono social rate.

•  A charge on non-emitting electricity generation relating to 
gas prices was approved until the end of March 2022 (Royal 
Decree 17/2021), from which energy in bilateral contracts 
was ultimately excluded (Royal Decree 23/2021), notably 
reducing  the  impact  on  electric  utility  companies.  This 
charge has been extended until June 30th 2022, affecting 
new contracts which underlying energy price reference is 
above 67 €/MWh.

In  terms  of  legislation,  the  Climate  Change  and  Energy 
Transition  Act  (Ley  de  Cambio  Climático  y  Transición 
Energética) and the final version of the National Integrated 
Energy  and  Climate  Plan  (Plan  Integrado  de  Energía  y 
Clima) (PNIEC) 2021-2030 were adopted, as well as the draft 
Recovery,  Transformation  and  Resilience  Plan,  setting 
out  the  investment  plans  for  implementing  the  European 
aid funds allocated to Spain. Based on the PNIEC and the 
Recovery  Plan,  the  strategies  for  Energy  Storage,  Safe, 
Sustainable and Connected Mobility 2030, and the roadmaps 
for the development of Offshore Wind and Self-consumption 
have  been  approved.  In  addition,  a  number  of  different  aid 
programmes have been announced through which the funds 
of the Recovery Plan will be channelled.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.comBusiness model and strategy  |  Regulatory environment

41

United States and Canada

During his first year in office, President Biden has pushed forward his commitment to reducing emissions by signing several 
executive orders. Actions include a federal commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, a goal of 100% carbon-
free  electricity  by  2030,  a  commitment  to  deploy  30  GW  of  offshore  wind  by  2030,  and  a  number  of  electric  system 
security initiatives.

In March, Congress approved the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan to accelerate the pandemic recovery process.

In November, Congress passed the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It provides funding for a number of 
areas, including improving resilience of the grid and investment in smart grids, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, clean 
hydrogen pilot projects, and port upgrades.

The US administration has also launched a number of regulatory actions to advance its climate and Environmental, Social 
and Governance (ESG) agenda. These actions include: repeal of changes to the licensing rules of the National Environmental 
Policy Act, requirement for the Securities and Exchange Commission to require climate risk disclosure for listed companies, etc.

Mexico

Brazil

Significant  changes  to  energy  policy  and  regulation  were 
promoted during 2021 that are contrary to private investment 
and  the  development  of  renewable  energy,  which  are 
described below:

•  In  March  2021  an  amendment  to  the  Electricity  Industry 
Law  (Ley  de  la  Industria  Eléctrica)  (LIE)  was  published, 
but  was  suspended  due  to  legal  proceedings  filed  by 
individuals  against  the  law  and  injunctions  issued  by  the 
courts,  on  the  grounds  that  the  proposed  amendments 
distort free competition and hinder the growth of renewable 
energy. 

•  On  30  September  2021,  the  Executive  submitted  an 
initiative  to  Congress  to  reform  the  Political  Constitution 
on electricity matters, fundamentally aimed at making the 
Federal  Electricity  Commission  (Comisión  Federal  de 
Electricidad)  (CFE)  the  only  company  authorised  to  sell 
energy to end customers (sales monopoly), reducing the 
role of private companies to mere suppliers of energy to 
CFE (purchasing monopoly), in addition to abolishing the 
regulator  (Comisión  Reguladora  de  Energía)  (CRE)  and 
incorporating  the  system  operator  (CENACE)  within  the 
CFE. There is no fixed date for this initiative to be debated 
by the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, but it could 
be as early as the second quarter of 2022.

•  In June 2021 the CRE provisionally adjusted the method 
for calculating the charges for basic enduser supply tariffs, 
temporarily  from  June  to  December,  applying  inflation 
variations  to  the  actual  tariffs  for  2020.  However,  for 
2022,  the  CRE  approved  the  basic  supply  tariffs  based 
on the methodology published in 2017 based on the real 
generation costs incurred by CFE Suministro Básico.

Several measures were adopted to ensure service in case of 
drought, including: 

•  Regulatory  Ordinance,  for  the  submission  of  bids  for 
Voluntary Reduction of Electricity Demand (RVD) by large 
consumers and industrial users.

•  Creation  of  the  Chamber  of  Exceptional  Rules  for 

Hydropower Management (CREG).

•  The Incentive Programme for the Voluntary Reduction of 

Electricity Consumption.

•  The  establishment  of  the  “Water  Scarcity  Flag”  for  all 
consumers  of  the  SIN  (Sistema  Interligado  Nacional) 
(except those registered within the subsidised Tarifa Social 
tariff), entailing a maximum surcharge on consumer tariffs.

In December, the government published an Interim Measure 
authorising  the  structuring  of  credit  transactions  to  cover 
the  distributors’  additional  costs  arising  from  the  water 
crisis, so as to mitigate the impacts of this increase on the 
final consumer.

framework 

Also  in  December,  a  draft  Law  was  passed  to  create  the 
regulatory 
for  distributed  micro-  and  mini-
generation (DG). The draft Law will maintain the current rules 
until 2045 for units that already have Distributed Generation, 
as well as for those that apply for distributor access within 12 
months of the Law’s publication.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com42

Business model and strategy  |  EU taxonomy

2.4. EU taxonomy

to 

the 

framework 

This  section  complies  with 
reporting 
obligations established by Article 8 of European 
Union Regulation 852/2020 on the establishment 
of  a 
facilitate  sustainable 
investments, 
supplemented  by  Delegated 
Regulation 2139/2021, which determines eligible 
activities with respect to climate change mitigation 
and  adaptation  objectives,  and  in  accordance 
with  Delegated  Regulation  2178/2021,  which 
develops the reporting methodology.

to  report 

Under  this  regulatory  framework,  companies 
are  required 
their  eligibility  and 
alignment  through  three  economic  indicators; 
as  a  percentage  of  turnover,  investment  and 
operating expenditure.

Eligible activities

2021

Total eligible activities (a)

Total Iberdrola group (b)

Eligibility percentage (a/b) %

In 2021 the reporting obligation is limited to the 
percentage of eligibility, representing the weight 
of  the  activities  described  by  Royal  Decree 
2139/2021. For subsequent years, these eligible 
activities will have to be analysed from the point 
of view of alignment with the Taxonomy.

The  eligible  activities  performed  by 
the 
companies  of  the  Iberdrola  group  are  also 
eligible under the climate change mitigation and 
adaptation objectives.

The  weights  of  the  eligible  activities  in  the 
Iberdrola group are presented in the table below.

Revenues 
(Thousands 
of euros)

OpEx 
(Thousands 
of euros)

Investments 
(Thousands 
of euros)

19,615,644

-2,601,982

8,201,822

39,113,454

-4,051,718

9,531,354

50.2 %

64.2 %

86.0 %

Eligible activities included in the values shown above, according to the nomenclature of Annex I and II 
of the Delegated Regulation, are: 

•  3.10 Manufacture of hydrogen, 

•  4.1 Electricity generation using solar photovoltaic technology, 

•  4.3 Electricity generation from wind power, 

•  4.5 Electricity generation from hydropower, 

•  4.9 Transmission and distribution of electricity, 

•  4.10 Storage of electricity,

•  7.4,  7.5  and  7.6  Installation,  maintenance  and  repair  of:  charging  stations  for  electric  vehicles  in 
buildings, instruments and devices for measuring, regulating and controlling energy performance of 
buildings, and renewable energy technologies.1

(1)  This heading includes the following products sold:

Smart Home: control of the energy consumption of each household appliance, changes in consumption and advice on how to save on bills.

Smart Mobility: solution for charging electric vehicles with 100% renewable energy. Installation of a charging point, electric contract with zero CO2 emissions 
and control from mobile phone with the Smart Mobility Home App.

Smart Solar: complete solar solution, with installation and maintenance of solar panels so that customers can generate their own electricity.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.comBusiness model and strategy  |  Sustainable finance

43

2.5. Sustainable finance

In  keeping  with  its  sustainable  business  model, 
Iberdrola  is  positioned  as  one  of  the  world’s 
leading and pioneering business groups in ESG 
financing.  This  has  the  threefold  objective  of  (i) 
aligning  its  financial  strategy  with  its  purpose, 
values and investment strategy, (ii) optimising the 
cost  of  its  debt,  and  (iii)  diversifying  its  sources 
of financing, transforming sustainability into both 
an  end  and  a  means  to  the  financial  strength  it 
pursues and which characterises it.

Iberdrola  demonstrates 
to 
ESG financing in the various regions in which it 
operates  and  through  the  different  instruments 
and formats it uses to finance itself.

this  commitment 

By  way  of  summary,  at  year-end  2021,  the 
financial 
composition  of 
operations portfolio was as follows:

the  group’s  ESG 

IBERDROLA GROUP ESG FINANCIAL 
TRANSACTIONS PORTFOLIO (31/12/2021) 
Millions of euros

Green

Bonds

Bank loans

Multilateral loans

Structured funding

Sustainable

Loans

Credit facilities

Commercial paper programmes

Total ESG

20,922

14,961

354

2,658

2,949

17,836

250

12,586

5.000

38,758

Green finance transactions

The  group  has  signed  new  green  finance 
transactions in 2021 in the total amount of €7,0801 
million.  This  brings  the  total  amount  of  green 
finance at the end of 2021 to €20,922 million.

The  differentiating  feature  of  this  financing 
is  the  commitment  to  use  the  funds  to  invest 
in  environmentally  sustainable  and  socially 
responsible projects, fundamentally in renewable 
energy; expansion and digitalisation of electricity 
transmission  and  distribution  grids;  researching 
new, more efficient technologies; or in intelligent 
mobility projects. The company also commits to 
regularly  report  the  environmental  return  that 
its  investments  in  these  projects  have  yielded 
during the respective period.

in  projects 

The funds secured through all these operations 
have  gone  towards  financing  or  refinancing 
that  meet  certain 
investments 
environmental  and  sustainable  development 
criteria,  as  described  in  Iberdrola’s  respective 
Frameworks  for  green  financing,  AVANGRID 
or  Neoenergia.  These  Frameworks  are  aligned 
with  the  Green  Bond  Principles  endorsed  by 
the  International  Capital  Markets  Association 
(ICMA).

(1)  Including 100% of the financing in which Iberdrola participates with partners.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com44

Business model and strategy  |  Networks Business

2.6. Networks Business

Regulatory environment

Spain

United States

•  1  July  saw  the  placement  into  services  of  the  i-DE  capacity 
map,  which  published  the  availability  of  the  grid  while  re-
enabling the ability of generation facilities to make access and 
connection  requests,  thus  ending  the  moratorium  in  force 
since June 2020.

•  In  October,  submissions  were  made  on  the  proposed 
Remuneration  Orders 
regulatory  period 
(2016-2019), currently provisionally remunerated at the value 
initially published in 2016.

first 

the 

for 

•  In  December,  the  CNMC  published  the  parameters  that 
will  define  the  calculation  of  the  new  loss  incentive  for  the 
2022-2025  period.  The  recognised  value  is  expected  to 
develop favourably over the next few years due to the level of 
i-DE losses compared to the industry average.

•  Towards  the  end  of  2021,  Royal  Decree  1125/2021  was 
released to regulate the granting of subsidies to distributors 
from  European  funds,  amounting  to  some  €525  million  over 
2021-2023. These amounts will finance 50% of the investments 
submitted for network digitalisation/automation as well as grid 
upgrades  for  >250  kW  recharging  points.  The  investment 
ceiling may also be increased by twice the amount subsidised 
in the following financial year. 

•  At  the  end  of  March  2022,  Royal  Decree-Law  6/2022  on 
urgent  response  measures  to  the  war  in  Ukraine  was 
published, highlighting its impact on distribution, streamlining 
the  environmental  processing  of  renewable  projects, 
mainly in the distribution grid and the need that  investment 
plans are allocated at least 10% to increase the renewable 
connection capacity.

United Kingdom

•  In  October  the  Competition  Market Authority  published  its 
final decision on the appeal lodged by the gas and electricity 
transmission  companies  in  March  against  Ofgem’s  final 
decision  on  RIIO-T2.  The  efficiencies  imposed  by  Ofgem 
are  reduced  from  1.2%  to  1.0%.  The  4.25%  cost  equity 
proposed by Ofgem remains unchanged, while eliminating 
the  capture  of  the  first  23  basis  points  of  ROE  in  efficient 
companies.

•  On  1  December  all  the  Distribution  Network  Operators 
(DNOs) in Great Britain provided Ofgem with their Business 
Plans  for  the  RIIO-ED2  period  (April  2023  –  March  2028). 
SPEN  presented  its  plan  with  a  TOTEX  (CAPEX  +  OPEX 
recognised  in  tariffs)  amounting  to  £3,270  million  (actual 
20-21  prices)  for  the  five-year  period.  This  proposal 
represents 28% growth over RIIO-ED1 levels, mainly driven 
by  increased  investments  in  grid  development  towards 
electrification  and  digitisation  to  develop  the  role  of  the 
DSO.

•  During 2021 SP Transmission Ltd. switched to the RIIOT2 
tariff  framework,  while  SPD  Ltd.  and  SPM  Plc.  continued 
to  operate  under  the  RIIO-ED1  framework,  meeting  all 
investment and quality targets agreed with Ofgem.

Integrated report. March 2022

•  The  investigation  commenced  in  April  by  the  Maine  regulator 
(MPUC)  on  how  Central  Maine  Power  Company  (CMP) 
handled  the  surge  in  applications  to  connect  renewables  to  its 
grid concluded that CMP responded robustly, although it was 
slow  to  detect  and  resolve  certain  technical  problems  arising 
from the massive penetration of renewables. In December CMP 
submitted a joint proposal with Maine’s renewable associations 
to close the investigation and release the analyses on renewable 
grid integration capacity.

•  The  New  York  Resiliency  and  Customer  Compensation 
Act  was  passed  in  June.  This  Bill  regulates  the  preparation 
of  resiliency  plans  by  utilities  and  acknowledges  their  right  to 
recover their investment in those plans. In addition, it regulates 
the  compensation  provided  to  customers  following  prolonged 
service outages.

•  New  tariff  conditions  for  United  Illuminating  Company 
-UI-D-  (Connecticut)  came  into  force  in  July  and  will  be  valid 
until April 2023. There was no change in the recognised ROE 
(9.10%) or in the equity ratio (50%) and it was agreed that the 
company would offset regulatory tax liabilities so as not to pass 
on increased non-UI-D costs to tariffs.

•  In  July  MPUC  released  the  management  audit  carried  out 
by  Liberty  Consultants  on  CMP.  Overall,  the  report  found  no 
serious  failures  in  the  management  of  the  company  and 
recognised improvements in CMP’s service, although it criticised 
certain aspects of the organisational structure. The MPUC asked 
CMP to draw up an improvement plan to address these issues. 
CMP submitted this plan in November, receiving support from the 
Main Office of the Public Advocate.

•  In September, after meeting the customer service targets required 
by MPUC, CMP requested the withdrawal of the transitional 
ROE adjustment (-100bp) to which it is subject. MPUC’s analysts 
gave their favourable opinion and this adjustment is expected to 
be lifted in 2022.

Brazil

•  In  April  Neoenergia  Coelba  and  Neoenergia  Cosern 
implemented their annual tariff readjustments. The increase 
in  tariffs  mainly  reflects  the  change  in  the  General  Price  Index 
and  recognises  the  improvement  in  supply  quality.  The 
Neoenergia Elektro readjustment was carried out in August. All the 
adjustments included a number of mitigating measures to ensure 
that the average effect on consumers involved tariff increases that 
were acceptable in the COVID-19 crisis scenario.

•  That  same  month  saw  a  scheduled  tariff  revision  for 
Neoenergia Pernambuco. The increase in tariffs mainly reflects 
the company’s updated asset base and recognises its operational 
improvement.  The  revision  of  Neoenergia  Distribução 
Brasilia took place in October. Mitigating measures were also 
applied in both revisions. 

•  In November the AGENCIA NACIONAL DE ENERGIA ELETRICA 
(ANEEL)  gave  distributors  the  opportunity  to  justify  the  need 
to  recognise  the  impacts  of  the  pandemic  through  an 
extraordinary  tariff  revision.  Companies  are  expected  to  submit 
their applications in the first quarter of 2022.

www.iberdrola.comBusiness model and strategy  |  Networks Business

45

Key figures

Spain

United Kingdom United States

Brazil

Total

Item

Unit

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

Gross margin €M

1,981

1,964

1,381

1,302

2,911

2,775

2,000

1,575

8,273

7,615

EBITDA

€M

1,632

1,614

1,053

1,001

1,251

1,089

1,459

1,079

5,394

4,783

Distributed 
energy

Supply Points

(Electricity)

GWh

90,962

88,361

32,221

31,738

38,756

38,012

75,813

66,860

237,752

224,971

Millions

11.28

11.21

3.55

3.54

2.30

2.27

15.74

14.28

32.87

31.29

--

--

--

--

--

61,365

59,134

--

1.03

1.02

--

--

61,365

59,134

1.03

1.02

Gas supply

GWh

--

Supply Points

(Gas)

Millions

Gross 
investments

€M

657

554

627

567

1,777

1,589

968

905

4,0301 

3,615

Workforce

No. of people

3,484

3,544

3,054

2,958

5,904

5,699

14,528

12,308

26,970

24,509

EBITDA of Networks Business  
by geography

Gross investments of Networks 
Business by geography

27%

23%

30%

24%

20%

44%

16%

16%

Spain

United 
Kingdom

United 
States

Brazil

Spain

United 
Kingdom

United 
States

Brazil

(1)    Includes the purchase of Neoenergia Brasilia (CEB-D) for €409 million.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com46

Business model and strategy  |  Networks Business

Activities, risks and objectives

Main activities 2021, industrial capital

Operational excellence

•  Spain: 

the 
Investments  are  planned 
decarbonisation  and  electrification 
the 
Integrated  National  Energy  and  Climate  Plan,  with  a 
focus on digitalising the Low Voltage network.

to  meet 
targets  of 

•  United  Kingdom: 

Implementation  of 

investments 
contained  in  RIIO-T1,  RIIO  ED1  and  the  new  RIIO-T2 
tariff  framework,  which  started  in  2021.  Delivery  of  the 
RIIO-ED2  five-year  Business  Plan.  Progress  on  projects 
under  the  Green  Economy  Fund  in  Scotland  to  favour 
decarbonisation and accelerate the deployment of electric 
vehicle recharging infrastructure.

•  United States: Continued development of a transmission 
and  distribution  network  that  allows  for  achievement 
of  the  electrification  and  decarbonisation  objectives, 
promoting 
improving 
resilience and increasing the quality of customer service. 

integration  of  renewables, 

the 

•  Brazil: Neoenergia took over the operation of Companhia 
Energética  de  Brasília  (CEB-D),  which  delivers  energy 
to 1.1 million customers in the Federal District. During the 
second  quarter  of  the  year,  the  integration  process  was 
finalised, creating Neoenergia Distribuição Brasília (NDB).

In December 2021 Neoenergia was also awarded lot 4 in 
the auction by the Brazilian regulator (ANEEL), with R$661 
million of investment for the construction and startup of 
a  substation  in  the  state  of  Minas  Gerais.  In  addition, 
the second and last stretch (221 km) of the Santa Luzia 
project, corresponding to Lot 6 of the 2017 Transmission 
auction,  entered  into  commercial  operation.  With  this, 
Neoenergia has been awarded a total of 13 projects in 
auctions since 2017 for a total investment of more than 
R$10,000 million and is progressing on schedule with the 
permitting and construction of these projects.

•  Operating  expenses  continue  to  be  adjusted  in  order  to 
maintain and improve efficiency ratios in all countries.
•  Neoenergia’s  distributors  received  the  2021  Abradee 
Award  in  recognition  of  their  operational  performance 
(in  quality,  management  and  social  and  environmental 
responsibility), placing them among the best in the country. 
For  its  part,  NYSEG  was  awarded  the  New  York  State 
Platinum  Engineering  Award  in  the  Energy  category  by 
the  New  York  Council  of  Engineering  Companies  for  its 
reconstruction of the electric cable under Seneca Lake.

Digitalisation of the network and Flexibility

•  ScottishPower Energy Networks was awarded 555 MW 
of  Flexibility  Services  in  the  Spring  2021  Auction. 
These  bids  allow  the  company  to  identify  the  available 
level of flexible capacity in areas where the system could 
benefit,  understand  the  capabilities  of  these  resources, 
and  assess  the  feasibility  of  using  the  flexibility  to  meet 
network needs.

•  The  Global  Smartgrid  Innovation  Hub  (located  in 
Bilbao), a global centre of innovation in smart grids to lead 
the  energy  transition  was  inaugurated  in  October.  This 
centre brings together the innovative potential of over 200 
professionals in the development of R&D projects related 
to the electricity networks of the future. Over 120 innovation 
projects have been identified, with a value of €110 million, 
related to digitalisation, data processing, new consumption 
models, electric mobility and self-consumption.

•  Neoenergia  Distribuição  Brasília  inaugurated  a  new 
Integrated Operations Centre for real-time monitoring of 
network operations.

Customer service

Significant risks

•  Spain: i-DE mobilised all its supply restoration resources 
during the year’s snow and heavy rain storms, Filomena 
and  Dana,  and  managed  to  restore  service  to  70%  of 
customers in less than 30 minutes, thanks to the grid’s 
high level of automation.

•  United  States: AVANGRID’s  distributors,  UI,  NYSEG  and 
CMP, each won the prestigious “Emergency Response 
Award”,  presented  each  year  by  the  Edison  Electric 
Institute, for their readiness to respond to the storms that 
affected parts of the country in late 2019 and 2020.

•  Brazil:  This  year,  the  National  Electrical  Energy  Agency 
(ANEEL)  presented  two  awards  to  the  distributors 
Neoenergia  Cosern  and  Neoenergia  Distribuição 
Brasília  for  their  response  to  customer  needs:  the 
Ombudsman Award and the ANEEL 2020 Quality Award – 
Consumer Satisfaction Index.

•  Operational  risks:  impacts  on  supply  as  a  result  of 
meteorological  events  and  work-related  and  third-party 
accidents at owned facilities.

•  Technological and cybersecurity risks affecting the security 

of the facilities and service to our customers.

Objectives

•  Zero accidents.
•  Offer our customers excellent service based on the quality 

of supply and information regarding the grid.

•  Maximise efficiency in the operation of the system through 
operational excellence and the digitalisation of our assets.

•  Lead  the  energy  transition  towards  a  cleaner  model 
favouring  a  more  efficient  integration  of  electric  power 
(centralised and distributed) and the deployment of electric 
vehicles and heat pumps, through the use of smart grids.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.comBusiness model and strategy  |  Electricity Production and Customers Business

47

2.7. Electricity Production and Customers Business

Regulatory environment

Spain

•  The  second  auction  under  the  financial  regime  for  renewable 
energy (Régimen Económico de Energías Renovables) (REER) 
was held on 19 October, with 3,123 MW awarded out of the 3,300 
MW announced.

•  In June 2021 Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy 
(BEIS) postponed the target for marketers to install smart meters 
by six months, due to COVID-19.The target of 100% coverage by 
2025 for households and small businesses is maintained.

•  In  December  2021,  the  Office  of  Gas  and  Electricity  Markets 
(Ofgem)  launched  a  consultation  to  adjust  the  Price  Cap 
along  with  measures  to  strengthen  the  financial  soundness  of 
energy  retailers,  including  stress  testing,  stricter  governance 
requirements, or credit protection and payments to the system.

•  In  addition, 

the  Government  has  pledged 

to  streamline 
application  procedures  for  granting  permits  and  bolstering 
the offshore wind value chain.

•  On  14  December  the  government  approved  the  Strategic 
Economic  Recovery  and  Transformation  Project  (Proyecto 
Estratégico para la Recuperación y Transformación Económica) 
(PERTE)  for  Renewable  Energy,  Renewable  Hydrogen  and 
Storage for the management of Recovery Plan funds.

•  On  21  December  the  government  approved  Royal  Decree-
Law 29/2021, adding a nine-month extension to the deadlines 
established  by  Royal  Decree-Law  23/2020  for  developers  to 
obtain the different authorisations without losing their access 
and  connection  permits  and  the  associated  guarantees.  At 
the  same  time,  a  deadline  of  23  January  was  set  for  voluntary 
withdrawal  by  promoters  who  decided  to  do  so,  recovering  the 
associated guarantees.

•  Royal  Decree-Laws  12/2021,  16/2021,  17/2021,  23/2021, 
29/2021 and 6/2022 have been approved to mitigate the impact of 
the increase in energy prices. These Royal Decree-Laws include 
the following measures:

•  Increased  customer  discounts  under  the  subsidised  rate 
(Bono Social) mechanism until 30 June 2022, increase in the 
number of beneficiaries, and approval of the minimum essential 
supply for vulnerable customers.

•  VAT reduced to 10% and excise duty on electricity reduced to 

0.5% until 30 June 2022.

•  Suspension  of  the  7%  tax  on  electricity  production  from 

July 2021 until 30 June 2022.

•  Reduction 

in  remuneration 

for  electricity  produced 
using  CO2  emission-free  and  manageable  inframarginal 
technology    until  30  June  2022.  Energy  covered  by  forward 
pricing agreements prior to the entry into force of RDL 6/2022 
is exempt, and for subsequent contracts, a deduction is applied 
if the forward price is higher than 67 €/MWh.

•  In  April  2021  the  Ministry  for  Ecological  Transition  launched 
a  public  hearing  on  the  Draft  Ministerial  Order  to  establish  a 
centralised capacity market to enable the System Operator to 
purchase confirmed capacity at auction.

United Kingdom

•  In  tandem  with  the  national  regulatory  development,  resulting 
in  the  net-zero  strategy,  the  different  regions  and  the  system 
operator regulator continued to work to facilitate the development 
and integration of renewables into the system.

•  In addition to the national 40 GW offshore wind target, Wales, 
England and Scotland are all working on their own development 
plans.

•  In  August  2021,  the  government  published  the  low-emission 
hydrogen  strategy  with  the  aim  of  developing  the  sector  and 
reaching a production capacity of 5 GW by 2030.

United States

•  The  Biden  administration  has  expressed  strong  support  for 
the  renewable  sector,  setting  targets  like  reaching  30  GW 
of  offshore  wind  by  2030. To  this  end,  the  Bureau  of  Oceanic 
Energy  Management  (BOEM)  has  proposed  tenders  in  new 
areas  in  New  York,  North  Carolina,  California,  Oregon  and  the 
Gulfs of Mexico and Maine. The Government has also pledged to 
streamline application procedures for granting permits and ease 
taxation on the offshore wind value chain.

•  At state level, commitments have also been upheld and increased 
for developing renewables, not only by setting targets but also 
by enabling the overall regulatory and supply chain environment 
to be further developed.

Brazil

•  Brazil  has  a  well-established  auction  programme,  with  three 

auctions for new energy to be held in 2022. 

•  The  regulatory  development  of  major  aspects  continues, 
including hybridisation of power plants and offshore wind.

•  In  December  2021  ANEEL,  MME  and  CCEE  held 

the 
country’s  first  capacity  reservation  auction,  in  which  the 
Termopernambuco  combined  cycle  plant  was  awarded  a  15-
year capacity contract starting in July 2026.

Mexico

•  In July 2021 the CRE issued a resolution to pay the Revenue 
Sufficiency Guarantee mechanism to generators impacted by 
the increase in natural gas prices due to the cold snap in Texas 
in February 2021.

International

•  At international level, more ambitious decarbonisation targets are 
being established. More and more countries are also introducing 
favourable  regulatory  frameworks  for  offshore  wind  (site 
and  route-to-market  auctions)  and  hydrogen.  The  competitive 
mechanisms for capacity allocation are being strengthened. 

•  Auctioned  capacity  volumes  are  increasing  due  to  more 
ambitious  renewable  penetration  targets,  as  well  as  higher 
electricity  demand  forecasts  and  accelerated  phasing  out  of 
thermal generation.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com48

Business model and strategy  |  Electricity Production and Customers Business

Key figures

Spain

United 
Kingdom

United 
States

Brazil

Mexico

IEI

Total

Item

Unit

2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020

Gross Margin

EBITDA

€M

€M

4,405 4,130 1,503 1,755 1,004

893

316

234 1,030 1,034

549

505 8,807 8,550

2,745 2,185

687 1,008

719

597

251

170

779

883

327

334 6,423 5,173

Electricity contracts Millions

10.0 10.0

Gas contracts

Millions

1.2

1.1

2.8

1.9

2.8

1.9

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.8

0.3

0.7

13.6 13.6

0.3

3.4

3.3

Smart Solutions 
contracts

Millions

7.8

6.3

2.2

2.1

0.3

0.2

0.8

0.8

11.1

9.4

Total Contracts

Millions

19.0 17.4

7.0

6.8

0.3

0.2

1.9

1.8

28.1 26.2

Gross Investments €M

1,614 1,434

454

754

955 1,027

505

183

244

441 1,566 1,642 5,338 5,481

Workforce

Number 
of people

4,338 4,333 2,015 1,962 1,030

939

524

516 1,111 1,121

869

743 9,887 9,614

EBITDA of Electricity Production 
 and Customers Business  
by geography in 2021

Gross investment of Electricity Production  
and Customers Business  
by geography in 2021

6%

14%

5%

13%

12%

50%

29%

30%

5%

9%

9%

18%

Spain

United States

Mexico

Spain

United States

Mexico

United Kingdom

Brazil

IEI

United Kingdom

Brazil

IEI

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.comBusiness model and strategy  |  Electricity Production and Customers Business

49

Activities, risks and objectives

Main activities 2021, industrial capital

Asset management

•  3,484 MW of new installed capacity was added during the 

year (net increase of 3,215 MW): 

•  Onshore  wind:  68  MW  in  Spain,  224  MW  in  the  United 
States, 36 MW in the United Kingdom, 11 MW in Mexico, 
468 MW in Brazil, 210 MW in Australia, 13 MW in Greece 
and 113 MW in Poland.

•  Photovoltaic  solar:  986  MW  in  Spain,  notably  Francisco 
Pizarro, 103 MW in the United States, 10 MW in the United 
Kingdom, 53 MW in Australia, 20 MW in Italy and 9 MW in 
Portugal.

•  Batteries:  14  MW  in  Spain,  45  MW  in  the  UK,  53  MW  in 

Ireland, and 50 MW in Australia.

•  Hydroelectric:  998  MW  from  the  Daivoes  and  Gouvaes 

plants in Portugal.

•  During  the  year,  236  MW  of  onshore  wind  and  31  MW  of 

hydro were divested in Spain.

•  Iberdrola also has approximately 6,300 MW currently under 

construction:
•  Onshore  wind:  more  than  1,300  MW  in  Spain,  the  United 

States, Brazil, Greece, Poland and Australia,

•  Photovoltaic  solar:  more  than  2,200  MWdc  in  Spain,  the 
United  States,  the  United  Kingdom,  Brazil, Australia,  Italy 
and Portugal. 

•  In addition, 100 MW of batteries are being installed in the 
United Kingdom and Spain, and 160 MW of hydropower 
in Portugal. 

•  Offshore wind: Growth continues with the construction of the 
496 MW Saint-Brieuc project in France and the 476 MW 
Baltic  Eagle  project  in  Germany,  the  806  MW  Vineyard 
Wind and 804 MW Park City project in the United States.
•  In  addition,  work  continues  to  develop  new  projects, 
including  the  300  MW  Windanker  project  in  Germany 
and  the  1,232  MW  Commonwealth  Wind  project  in  the 
United States, which were awarded during the year.
•  Green  hydrogen:  development  of  the  largest  complex 
for  industrial  use  in  Europe  (in  Puertollano-Ciudad  Real), 
operational in early 2022 and the first commercial production 
and dispensing plant for the Barcelona bus fleet (TMB) (see 
detail in section “4.7. Innovation, digitalisation and quality for 
our customers”).

•  Spain: Continuous development of products and services 
including plans adapted to consumption habits and solutions 
tailored to customers’ needs (Smart services, Smart mobility, 
Smart solar, Smart home, Smart climate and Smart Cities). In 
addition, the prices agreed in the contracts signed have been 
respected, protecting our customers from the rise in energy 
prices. 

•  United  Kingdom:  In  the  wake  of  the  collapse  of  distributors 
Entice  Energy  and  Orbit  Energy,  ScottishPower  took  over 
the  supply  of  68,000  electricity  and  53,000  gas  contracts. A 
cumulative total of 1.9 million smart meters has also been 
installed in the United Kingdom.

•  Mexico: More than 9,000 MW of conventional generation, as 

the country’s largest private electricity producer.

•  Europe: Growth of retail activity and connection to customers 
through  Smart  Solutions,  leading  to  more  than  11  million 
smart contracts worldwide during 2021.

Maximising  the  load  factor  and  availability  of  facilities, 
through  operation  and  maintenance  actions,  with  continuous 
improvement  of  processes:  global  standardisation  and 
systematisation, taking advantage of the opportunities offered by 
digitalisation.

Growth

Development  of  onshore  wind  and  photovoltaic  projects  in 
Spain,  the  United  Kingdom,  the  United  States,  Brazil,  Mexico 
and  International  (Continental  Europe,  Australia  and  South 
Africa)  and  offshore  wind  projects  in  France,  Germany,  the 
United  Kingdom  and  the  United  States,  together  with  the  new 
development agreements in Japan and Sweden. 

Continued  development  of  more  than  60  green  hydrogen 
production  projects  in  8  countries  to  decarbonise  industry  and 
heavy  transport,  in  particular  has  a  solid  hydrogen  portfolio 
with  numerous  projects  submitted  to  the  Next  Generation 
EU  programme.  Continue  to  build  customer  loyalty  and 
develop  new  digital  products  and  Smart  solutions  adapted 
to  customers’  needs,  which  promote  efficiency  and  renewable 
energy consumption in the countries where we operate.

Significant risks

•  Regulatory  risk:  Changes  in  regulations  in  the  countries  in 

which it operates.

•  Operational  risk:  Availability  rate  of  facilities  and  potential 

incidents with environmental impact.

•  Market risk: Changes in short-term market prices for energy, 
as  well  as  changes  in  commodity  prices  and  competition 
levels in liberalised markets.

•  Risk of access to evacuation networks and limits on production 

due to technical restrictions.

•  Technological and cybersecurity risks affecting the security of 

facilities or the information of our customers.

Objectives

•  Occupational safety and health.
•  Efficiency in operations to optimise the operation of assets.
•  Development of new digital, smart and innovative solutions, 
centred  around  customers:  electrifying  energy  demand,  with 
new services and providing them with greater decision-making 
capacity.

•  Operational  excellence  and  continuous  improvement, 

delivering outstanding and competitive supplies.

•  Identify  and  minimise  risks.  Environmental  management 

and protection of biodiversity.

•  Profitable  growth  from  various  technologies  in  the  group’s 

strategic countries, and in new countries.

•  Development of a robust portfolio that covers the company’s 

growth plan.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com50

Business model and strategy  |  Management of financial capital

2.8. Management of financial capital

Sustainable 
growth 
through 
green 
finance

Strength of 
the financial 
structure

Management approach

2021 Results

The company has an investment policy consistent with its 
strategic vision and financial policy. The main goals are:

•  Ensure  a  return  on  capital  through  projects  and 
investments  preferably  in  regulated  businesses  or 
renewable assets.

•  Increase  geographical  diversification,  with  the  aim  of 
becoming a leader in the countries in which it operates.

For this purpose, and as one of the pillars, green financing 
will  be  the  main  instrument  for  funding  eligible  activities 
under the taxonomy, as the preferred option in terms of 
guarantee, traceability and taxonomy.

•  Gross investments of €9,940 million (including €409 
million of non-organic investment), of which nearly 89% 
ahas been assigned to the Renewables and Networks 
businesses. This is a record figure, representing 7.5% 
growth compared to 2020.

•  Investments  in  Network  assets  have  increased  by 
almost 12% compared to 2020, with the United States 
and Brazil having the largest volume of investment

•  Approximately  3.5  GW  of  renewable  capacity  has 
come  online  during  2021,  with  an  additional  7.8  GW 
under construction.. 

•  Iberdrola considers financial strength to be a strategic 
pillar  that  allows  it  to  successfully  face  potential 
turbulence  in  the  markets  and  to  be  in  a  position  to 
exploit  growth  opportunities  in  the  countries  in  which 
it does business.

•  The  financial  policy  seeks  the  consolidation  of  strong 
solvency  ratios,  balancing  an  increase  in  debt  with 
the  generation  of  additional  cash  flow  from  new 
investments. 

•  The  debt  structure  is  in  line  with  the  profile  of 
the  business,  which  is  mostly  regulated,  and  the 
composition thereof reflects the results obtained in the 
relevant currencies.

•  In 2021, the Iberdrola group achieved an Adjusted Net 
Profit  of  €3,705  million,  in  line  with  the  expectations 
outlined by the company at the beginning of 2021.

•  Adjusted  EBITDA  amounted  to  €11,187.4  million, 
up  by  11.4%  compared  to  2020,  which  excluding  the 
exchange  rate  effect  would  reach  €11,356.4  million, 
representing  growth  of  13.1%  compared  to  2020.
Operating  Cash  Flow  reached  €8,914  million,  an 
increase of 9% compared to 2020.

•  Liquidity  in  excess  of  €19,500  million  (including 
subsequent events), covering more than 24 months of 
financial needs in the base case.

Sustainable 
results and 
dividends

•  The  company  offers 

its  shareholders  and  other 
Stakeholders,  through  the  bylaw-established  social 
dividend,  an  enterprise  for  the  long-term  creation 
of  value.  The  confidence  of  its  shareholders  allows 
Iberdrola to secure the resources needed to move its 
enterprise  forward  while  offering  the  shareholders  an 
attractive and sustainable return.

•  At  the  next  General  Shareholders’  Meeting,  Iberdrola 
will propose a 4.8% increase in annual remuneration 
for  the  2021  financial  year,  amounting  to  €0.44  gross 
per share. 

•  Flexible  dividend  offering  tax  benefits,  the  repurchase 
of  shares  to  avoid  dilution,  adding  the  cash  payment 
option.

Operational 
excellence

•  While  the  efficiency  levels  achieved  are  considered 
to  be  high,  the  company  believes  that  there  is  still  a 
margin  for  improvement,  helped  by  investments  in 
digitalisation and innovation.

•  The  implementation  of  best  practices  in  all  areas 
will  allow  for  additional  savings  and  an  increase  in 
synergies at the global level.

•  Net operating expenses declined by 1.4% to €4,227 
million, as the Group’s growth, increased workforce and 
efficiency  plans  were  more  than  offset  by  the  positive 
impact of the exchange rate (EUR 86 million) and asset 
rotation  in  Spain.  Excluding  currency  devaluation,  net 
operating  expenses  increased  0.6%  as  a  result  of  the 
Group’s stronger activity, including the consolidation of 
companies in Australia, France and Brazil.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.comBusiness model and strategy  |  Management of financial capital

51

Gross margin by business1

EBITDA by business1

52%

48%

54%

46%

Networks

Electricity Production 
and Customers

Networks

Electricity Production 
and Customers

Gross investment by geography

Gross financial debt by product type

6%

12%

1%

15%

26%

19%

8%

5%

7%

EUR market bonds

USD market bonds

GBP market bonds

Other Bonds

Notes

Multilaterals

Structured

Bank loans

Leasing

Maturity of financial debt (€M)

16%

3%

19%

23%

28%

11%

Spain

United States

Mexico

United Kingdom

Brazil

IEI

Structure of adjusted net debt 
broken down by currency

14%

26%

43%

18%

Euro

Pound

Dollar

Reais and 
others

(1)  Percentages do not include information relating to “Other businesses” and “corporate and adjustments”.

Integrated report. March 2022

4,5793,9534,7825,3064,25916,55220232024202520262027+2022www.iberdrola.com53

3.  Environment

3.1. Management of natural capital 

3.2. Emissions

3.3. Sustainable use of resources 

and Circular economy

3.4. Rational use of water and waste

3.5. Biodiversity

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com54

Environment  | Management of natural capital

3.1. Management of natural capital 

Protect the 
environment 
and stop 
the loss of 
biodiversity

Management approach

Main activities 2021

•  Conserve  and  recover  the  ecosystems  associated  with  our 
activities,  coordinating  the  biodiversity  plans  of  the  businesses  in 
affected areas.

• 

Improve 
the  compatibility  of 
protection of the environment.

Iberdrola’s 

infrastructure  with 

•  Avoid discharges and pollution of water and soil, all in line with 

Iberdrola’s Biodiversity Policy and Environmental Policy.

• 

to  continuously 

Iberdrola  commits 
improve  biodiversity 
protection standards in order to reach a net positive balance at all 
new  generation  infrastructures  that  it  deploys  by  2030,  applying 
mitigation hierarchy principles and avoiding placement in protected 
areas

•  Acquisition of ISO-TS 14072 certificate for Corporate 

Environmental Footprint (CEF) 2020.

•  Sustainable  2021  General  Shareholders’  Meeting: 
ISO 20121 certification as a sustainable event for fourth 
consecutive year.

•  Renewal  of  all 

ISO  14001:2015  certificates. 
Certificates extended to the operation of offshore wind 
farms.

•  Biodiversity Action Plans 

•  Environmental guidelines linked to the SDGs.

•  Development  of  projects  under  the  Iberdrola  Trees 
programme,  2  million  trees  planted  in  the  2020-21 
period.

Combat 
climate 
change and 
its effects

•  Prevent pollution and the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) 
through  practices  that  reduce  or  eliminate  the  production  of 
pollutants at source.

•  Reduce the emissions of non-GHGs into the air.

•  Emissions in Spain were 69 g CO2 / kWh.
•  Certification  of  Neoenergia’s  GHG  inventory  under 

the ISO 14064 standard.

•  Approval  of  SBTi  Targets  regarding  the  group’s 

•  Gradually  replace  equipment  that  uses  ozone  layer-reducing 

emissions according to 1.5ºC.

substances.

•  Promote awareness-raising campaigns regarding air quality.

•  New  GHG  emissions-free 

facilities 

(renewable,  wind, 

hydroelectric, etc.).

Guarantee 
sustainable 
modes of 
production 
and 
consumption

•  Continuous improvement in operational performance.

• 

Implementation of actions to increase energy efficiency.

•  Decrease in consumption of natural resources.

• 

Inclusion  of  environmental  variable  in  the  design  of  infrastructure 
(Eco-design).

• 

Improvement in control and management of waste generated.

• 

Increased ambition in commitment to reduce specific 
emissions.

•  Sustainable  mobility  plan:  more  than  20  specific 
actions  in  which  the  company  seeks  to  strengthen  its 
commitment to sustainability.

• 

Innovative  activities  in  environmental  management 
and control.

•  Efficient management of water consumption. 

• 

Improvement  in  withdrawal  and  consumption  of  inland 
water at all generation facilities.

• 

Improvement in reuse and recycling of waste.

•  Active awareness-raising on the circular economy. 

• 

Iberdrola  Circularity  Report  based  on  WBCSD 
indicators.

•  Report on Iberdrola’s water scarcity footprint.

Revitalise 
partnerships 
with 
Stakeholders 
for 
sustainable 
development

•  Strengthen  transparent  dialogue  with  Stakeholders  in  order  to 

•  Public-private partnership with the Basque Government 

work together in seeking solutions to environmental problems.

on environmental issues.

•  Manage environmental compliance by suppliers.

•  Transparently report on environmental results and activities.

•  Optimisation  of  and  innovation  in  environmental  management 

systems.

•  Participation in the European REEF project to develop 
environmental product footprints together with EDP.

•  Active  participation  in  the  WEF  initiatives  Business 

for Nature, 1t.org Corporate Alliance

•  Participation  in  the  “The  Day  After”  partnership  with 
ITD-UPM,  REDS  and  IS  Global. Active  participation  in 
the four work communities that have been established: 
Economy, Environment, Cities and Cooperation.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.comEnvironment  | Emissions

55

3.2. Emissions

Iberdrola is a global leader in the energy transition and the fight against 
climate change within the energy sector. Its ambitious decarbonisation 
targets place it among the most advanced companies in this regard

Specific CO2 emissions from  
facilities in Europe1

Intensity of emissions  
in Spain (g CO2/kWh)

Verbund

19

Statkraft

30

European Carbon 
Factor: 
218 g / CO2kWh

PVO

39

EDF

49

PVO

E.ON

Iberdrola

Orsted

57

61

60

71

Vattenfall

107

- 72,4 % vs 
European average

Engie

Drax

EDP

Enel

133

143

193

214

Naturgy

265

CEZ

A2A

RWE

EPH

PPC

330

356

507

638

726

0

100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800

Overall intensity of the group’s 
emissions (g CO2/kWh)

(1)  The figure of  60 g CO2 in this chart refers to emissions generated by Iberdrola’s facilities in Europe during 2021.The other companies only include the 
European space for 2020, and the source is Climate Change and Electricity: European carbon factor. PwC France. Dec. 2021.

Integrated report. March 2022

18569200720213019620072021www.iberdrola.com56

Environment  | Emissions

Scope 1 CO2 emissions by geography

Scope 2 CO2 emissions by geography

7% 0%

34%

1%

0%

23%

46%

13,207 kt

45%

2,162 kt

Spain

United States

Mexico

Brazil

12%

IEI

19%

13%

Spain

United States

México

United Kingdom

Brazil

IEI

Scope 3 CO2 emissions by typology

9%

22.6%

30.6%

53,898 kt

0.0%

31.4%

0.1%

6.4%

Emissions associated with the generation of energy for 
third parties
Emissions from employee business travel

Emissions associated with the energy purchased from 
third parties for sale to end customers
Emissions associated with the supply chain 

Emissions associated with employee commuting to/from 
the workplace 
Emissions associated with the use of gas products

Upstream (WTT) emissions from fuel acquired and 
consumed

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com 
 
Environment  | Sustainable use of resources and Circular economy

57

3.3. Sustainable use of resources and Circular economy

aligned  with  the  circular  economy  through  the 
reduction  of  emissions,  the  use  of  renewable 
resources for production, improved efficiency, the 
optimisation of resources, and the maximisation 
of waste reutilisation.

The  challenges  of  sustainability  cannot  be 
approached  in  an  isolated  manner,  but  rather 
must  be  addressed  holistically.  Therefore,  in 
2019  Iberdrola  defined  its  circular  economy 
model, which includes the entire value chain from 
suppliers to customers, along with its operations. 
The  model’s  approach  is  summarised  in  the 
following chart:

For  Iberdrola  the  circular  economy  is  a  key 
element 
for  sustainable  development  and 
represents an opportunity as a driver for climate 
action and the energy transition.

Iberdrola’s  sustainable  energy  model,  which 
relies  on  the  decarbonisation  and  electrification 
of the economy as well as innovation, is directly 

Maximize 
Varorisation

Reduce resource 
consumption

Environmental 
traction

Life Cycle  
Analysis Approach

Decarbonisation 
& electrification

R&D

Eficiency and 
resources 
optimisation

Green 
procurement

SUPPLIERS

EPD

Green energy 
and mobility

CUSTOMERS

Digitalisation

VALUE CHAIN

Eco-design

Energy efficiency 
products

Iberdrola is a signatory to the Spanish government’s circular economy agreement with the Ministry for 
Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge since 2017.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com58

Environment  | Rational use of water and waste

3.4. Rational use of water and waste

Water is a basic and irreplaceable natural resource in many of Iberdrola’s activities. The company’s 
awareness of this dependency and of the risks arising from water shortages has led it to set a goal of 
ensuring its increasingly responsible use of this resource.

The following table gives total water consumption, considered to be the difference between total water 
withdrawn and water discharged, with a breakdown of total water withdrawal by the group by source 
and water stress area. The areas are classified according to the Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas1. 

Water withdrawal, discharge and consumption
2020

2021

2019

All  
areas

Water stress 
areas

All  
areas

Water stress 
areas

All  
areas

Water stress 
areas

Withdrawal by 
water source

Water discharge 
by destination 
(ML)

Total water 
consumption 
(ML)

Total 
Consumption/
Withdrawal (% )

1,871,098

712,706

1,885,436

681,694

2,016,115

0

1,820,726

694,493

1,814,868

653,982

1,927,709

N/D

50,362

18,214

70,644

27,712

88,406

N/D

2.7%

2.6%

3.7 %

4.1 %

4.4 %

N/D

Waste management

Iberdrola’s  goal  is  to  reduce  the  generation  of 
waste  for  any  process  or  activity  (construction, 
operation,  maintenance  of  facilities  and  work 
centres), and to prioritise recycling and the reuse 
thereof.  Iberdrola  is  committed  to  the  “circular 
economy”  concept  together  with  all  the  agents 
involved in its activity.

Waste  is  managed  in  accordance  with  the 
following principles:

The  volume  of  waste  processed  is  distributed 
as follows:

Waste volume

5%

27%

190,563 t

•  Minimise the generation of waste at source.

•  Maximise  the  reuse,  recycling  and  recovery 

68%

of waste.

•  Promote awareness-raising campaigns regarding 

the minimisation of waste. 

•  Specific 

treatment  and  management  of 

hazardous waste.

Re-use

Recycled

Other recovery operations

(1)  Calculated only since 2020.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.comEnvironment  | Biodiversity

59

3.5. Biodiversity

The  degradation  of  ecosystems  and 
the 
unprecedented  decline  in  biological  diversity, 
which 
the  scientific  community  universally 
considers  to  be  a  direct  result  of  the  impact  of 
human  activities,  entail  grave  environmental, 
economic and social risks. This requires urgent 
action to revert the loss of biodiversity.

Iberdrola, aware that ecosystem conservation is 
an  essential  condition  for  global  sustainability, 
is  committed  to  assuming  a  leadership  role  in 
the  conservation  and  promotion  of  biodiversity 
in  its  industry,  and  to  promoting,  along  with  its 
Stakeholders, a social culture in which biodiversity 
is  valued,  preserved,  restored  and  sustainably 
used, maintaining ecosystem services, favouring 
a healthy planet, and providing essential benefits 
for all. 

The Biodiversity Policy sets out the main principles 
of conduct and defines four priority lines of action 
that  are  reflected  in  the  points  detailed  in  the 
Action Plan:

•  The protection of biodiversity and the sustainable 
use of natural capital, adopting the hierarchy of 
preservation,  integrating  into  its  management 
the best practices along the entire lifecycle and 
promoting actions in favour of regenerating and 
conserving natural heritage.

•  Identifying, quantifying and assessing the impacts 
and the dependencies of the group’s activities on 
natural capital with a focus on biodiversity during 
the  entire  lifecycle  of  facilities  and  promoting 
research  and  improving  the  knowledge  of  the 
ecosystems in the environments of the territories 
in which it operates.

Iberdrola understands that respect for biodiversity 
and ecosystems must have a preeminent position 
its  business  strategy.  Consequently, 
within 
Iberdrola has had a Biodiversity Policy.

•  Engaging  with  Stakeholders,  considering  their 
needs and expectations regarding biodiversity in 
order to integrate these needs and expectations in 
action plans, and partnering on research projects.

•  Communication, awareness-raising and training, 

both internally and externally.

The Biodiversity Action Plan can be summarised as follows:

Biodiversity Action Plan 

Plans

Impact prevention, 
reduction and 
compensation

Knowledge and 
conservation of the 
surroundings

Collaboration with 
stakeholders to 
enhance  
biodiversity

Awareness and 
communication

Sub-plans

Restauración y 
Restoration and 
compensation of 
habitats and 
species

Direct protection  
of fauna

Direct protection 
and management 
of vegetation

Prevention of 
impacts to  
the soil

Prevention of 
impacts to  
water

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
61

4.  Society

4.1. Management of social and 

relationship capital

4.2. Summary of the Materiality study

4.3. Iberdrola and the SDGs

4.4. Leaders in ESG+F

4.5. Management of human capital

4.6. Community support and electricity 

access programmes

4.7. Innovation, digitalisation and 
quality for our customers

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com62

Society  |  Management of social and relationship capital

4.1. Management of social and relationship capital

Stakeholder engagement

Iberdrola works to increasingly engage its Stakeholders in all of the company’s activities and operations. 
Throughout the value chain, Iberdrola interacts with millions of people and thousands of entities and 
organisations that make up its social and relationship capital, and thus constitute a key element for the 
long-term sustainability of the company.

Stakeholders

Principles

Objectives

The Workforce

Responsibility

Shareholders and the 
financial community

Regulatory  
entities

Transparency

Active listening

Participation and engagement

Customers 

Consensus

Collaboration

Continuous improvement

Suppliers

The media

Society at large

The environment

Encourage the engagement 
of the Stakeholders through a 
strategy of close involvement 
in the communities in which 
Iberdrola operates and the 
creation of shared sustainable 
value for all Stakeholders

Respond to the legitimate 
interests of Iberdrola’s 
Stakeholders

Build trust among the 
Stakeholders in order to build 
long-lasting, stable and robust 
relationships

Encourage recognition by 
Stakeholders of Iberdrola’s 
commitment to diversity

Contribute through all of 
the above to maintaining 
corporate reputation in 
the various countries and 
businesses

To meet its objectives in this area, Iberdrola has a Global Stakeholder Engagement Model based on the 
AA1000 Stakeholder Engagement Standard 2015 (AA1000SES, 2015), on the AA1000 AccountAbility 
Principles 2018 (AA1000AP, 2018), and on its four principles of inclusion, relevance, responsiveness and 
impact. This Model aims for all areas and businesses of Iberdrola to have an in-depth understanding of 
their Stakeholders; have suitable channels of communication therewith; analyse their expectations (with 
the related risks and opportunities); and establish appropriate action plans with specific related impacts.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.comSociety  |  Management of social and relationship capital

63

Stakeholder engagement model ensuring ongoing improvement

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

IDENTIFY 

the 
stakeholders 

SEGMENT

stakeholder 
categories into 
subcategories 

PRIORITISE

DEFINE 

REVIEW 

DESIGN 

stakeholder 
subcategories  

levels of 
engagement  

channels for 
engagement  

engagement 
model  

IDENTIFY

relevant  
issues

IDENTIFY

risks and 
opportunities  

DESIGN

Action  
Plan  

MONITOR 

and Report   

Defined by 
Board of 
Directors

Based on daily 
management 
criteria

According to 
impact and 
influence on 
value creation

Information, 
consultation, 
interaction or 
collaboration

Evaluate 
existing 
channels and 
create new 
ones

The best 
suited to each 
stakeholder 
subcategory

For both 
Iberdrola and 
the stakeholder 
subcategory

That help 
create value for 
Iberdrola and 
its stakeholders

Initiatives in 
relation to the 
engagement 
model and 
relevant issues

To analyse 
outcomes 
and report on 
performance

Stakeholder map

Engagement Model

List of relevant 
issues, risks and 
opportunities

Action 
Plan

Iberdrola Stakeholders’ Hub 

The company has an internal Stakeholder coordination body made up of the parties responsible for all 
of Iberdrola’s Stakeholders and businesses. The Hub meets regularly. Its main aim is to share expertise 
and best practices for stakeholder engagement.

Relationship channels, relevant issues and best practices 

Iberdrola keeps the relationship channels with its Stakeholders updated and makes continuous efforts 
to identify the issues that are most important to each of them. Some channels and topics are specific to 
each geography and stakeholder class, but many of them are cross-cutting, as shown below:

Channels and relevant issues for all Stakeholders

GENERAL CHANNELS

USAGE FREQUENCY

SIGNIFICANT RELEVANT ISSUES

Telephone, email, website 
and intranet

Meeting and interviews

Constant

Periodic

Ethics, integrity and transparency

Fight against climate change and energy transition

Innovation, digitalisation and cybersecurity

Electricity prices

Vulnerable customers

Strategy, investment plans, financial outlook and regulatory changes

Human Rights

Sustainable Development Goals

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com64

Society  |  Management of social and relationship capital

The company identifies best practices in stakeholder management that are shared across the Iberdrola 
group using internal communication channels. In 2021 we identified the following best practices:

Best practices by country

Spain

United 
Kingdom

United  
States

Brazil

Through the “Ayuntamientos por el clima” (“Town Councils for the Climate”) initiative, Iberdrola España contributes 
to promoting climate action by local councils committed to the environment in order to achieve emissions neutrality 
by 2050. This initiative consists of an online platform and community providing tools for measuring carbon footprints, 
disseminating solutions for greater sustainability, highlighting the actions of those who participate, and generating 
a knock-on effect to extend climate action to all stakeholders.

In the context of the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, ScottishPower has adapted its consultations with local 
communities on different renewable projects to an online format. Public events are held online and tailor-made 
information is offered on the website. Members of the community can submit questions about the projects through 
the website itself. 

AVANGRID has engaged in intensive Stakeholder engagement efforts as part of the Excelsior Connect project to 
build a 420-kilometre underground power line to boost renewable energy in New York State. AVANGRID uses social 
media to promote the project, as well as organising round tables with all relevant parties, including government, 
business, labour and environmental organisations.

Support  from  Neoenergia  towards  combating  wildfires  in  Pernambuco,  through  different  actions  carried  out 
jointly with the State Environment Agency. The aim is to prevent fires in sugar cane plantations and along power 
distribution and transmission lines and their consequent impact on the environment and local communities. For 
such purpose, Neoenergia organises environmental education conferences and workshops, produces educational 
material for all ages, releases media content, and carries out inspections and visits to plantation areas and other 
key sites identifying potential hazards.

Iberdrola Mexico encourages its local suppliers to apply for and obtain the Socially Responsible Company label, 
and  supports  and  guides  them  throughout  the  process.  The  aim  is  to  foster  the  adoption  of  Corporate  Social 
Responsibility principles, in particular those related to business ethics, quality of life in the company, community 
involvement and environmental protection and preservation.

Mexico

Soundness and strength of the brand

Evolution of the digital ecosystem

•  Management  of  the  brand  so  that  it  transmits  the 
essence  of  the  Iberdrola  group’s  Purpose  and  reflects 
the  company’s  strategy  to  commit  to  the  environment 
and to Sustainable Development.

•  Consolidation  of  an  international  brand,  strengthening 
communication  and  alignment  under  a  single  brand 
positioning  strategy  in  the  countries  in  which  the 
company operates.

•  Offer  of  useful  and  dynamic  information,  with  messages 

adapted to each Stakeholder.

•  Facilitate  direct 

interaction  with  our  stakeholders, 
overcoming barriers and making use of existing synergies.

Iberdrola on social media and the internet

Web

Twitter

Linkedin

Facebook

Youtube

Instagram

Pinterest

TikTok

Blog / Historias 
en verde

Blog / Gente  
que brilla

Blog / Stop 
cambio climático

Fintect

$8.232 M
Value of the Iberdrola  
brand according to  
Kantar BrandZ / 2021

+ 28%

Increase over 2020

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.comSociety  |  Summary of the Materiality study

65

4.2. Summary of the Materiality study

Iberdrola  identifies  topics  that  are  material  to  its  stakeholders  and  to  the  company  by  producing  its 
own Materiality Study, with the advice of an independent outside firm, based on in-house and outside 
sources. Iberdrola uses this process to identify economic, social, environmental and governance issues 
that are significant to its focus on sustainable development. 

The analysis for 2021 prioritises those topics of interest identified through the analysis in accordance 
with their significance both to Stakeholders as well as to the company’s strategy. 18 material topics have 
been identified in this way, of which 8 topics are considered “priority”. The following image shows the 
result of the analysis:

Materiality matrix 2021

Priority issues

6

Energy  
transition

12

Occupational 
safety and  
Health

15

Climate  
change

Attraction, 
Development 
and Retention of 
Human Capital

1

7

8

17

Economical 
and financial 
performance

10

Diversity  
and equal 
opportunity

14

Innovation, 
Digitisation and 
Cibersecurity

Vulnerable 
customers

Ethics and 
integrity (anti-
corruption and 
free competition)

+

l

s
r
e
d
o
h
e
k
a
t
s
r
o
f
y
t
i
r
o
i
r
P

–

6

17

1

7

12

14

10

15

8

9

4

3

18

5

11

13

16

2

–

Priority for Iberdrola

+

Signficant issues

18

Socially responsible investment and 
Green financing

13 Responsible supply chain

4 Circular economy

11 Customer satisfaction

16 Transparency and Public policy

5

Smart grids and supply quality

9

Local Communities and Human Rights 

3

2

Availability and management of water

Biodiversity

  Environmental Dimension 

  Social Dimension 

  Governance Dimension  

  Financial Dimension

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com 
 
66

Society  |  Iberdrola and the SDGs

4.3. Iberdrola and the SDGs

Our main focus: SDGs 7 and 13

Iberdrola focuses its efforts on the SDGs where its contribution is most significant: the supply of affordable 
and  non-polluting  energy  (Goal  7)  and  climate  action  (Goal  13).  This  commitment  forms  part  of  its 
governance model and of the sustainable management of the company, and is formalised in objectives 
tied to the remuneration of the management team: the shareholders at the 2017 General Shareholders’ 
Meeting approved a long-term incentive plan linked to their contribution to the achievement of these 
two goals. At the 2020 General Shareholders’ Meeting, the Board of Directors approved a new long-
term  remuneration  plan  (Strategic  Bonus  2020-2022)  linked  to  both  economic/financial  performance 
(changes  in  Net  Profit,  Financial  Strength  and Total  Shareholder  Return)  and  the  contribution  to  the 
UN 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In relation to the latter point, these 
objectives refer to the fight against climate change, the drive for sustainability in the supply chain and 
the commitment to equal pay for men and women, which contribute to SDGs 3, 5, 6, 7, 13, 14 and 15.

THE SDGs, PART OF THE IBERDROLA’S GROUP BUSINESS STRATEGY

MAIN FOCUS

DIRECT CONTRIBUTION

INDIRECT CONTRIBUTION TO ALL OTHER SDGs

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.comSociety  |  Iberdrola and the SDGs

67

Our main focus: SDGs 7 and 13

Electricity for All programme:
Goal: 16 million beneficiaries by 2030.

By year-end 2021, the number had surpassed 9.6 million.

A global leader in renewables:

At  year-end  2021,  the  company  had  more  than  38,000 
MW of installed renewable capacity.

Contribution to other SDGs

Goal: Strengthen alliances with the most underprivileged 
groups.

Iberdrola  Social  Program, 

2021 
the 
consequences  of  the  pandemic.  Social  programmes 
offered by the various foundations

to  mitigate 

Goal:  Contribute  to  alleviating  the  situation  of  social 
exclusion and poverty of many persons.

Delivery of more than 506,000 free meals in Spain, Brazil 
and Mexico, more than 3,000 packages of milk in Brazil, 
more  than  74  metric  tons  of  food  in  Spain,  Brazil,  the 
United Kingdom, Mexico and the United States.

Iberdrola  contributes  to  reducing  the  harmful  health 
effects  of  greenhouse  gases  with  its  commitment  to 
reduce these gases.

Goal:  Surpass 90% of workers at work centres in Europe 
covered by OHSAS 45001 / ISO 18001 certification.

Goal: Training for our employees: more than 55 hours of 
training per employee trained in 2022.

The  master’s  scholarship  programme  continues  for  the 
2021-2022 academic year, aiming to promote excellence 
and assist research.

Goal:  Promotion  of  women  to  executive  positions  by 
2025 to 30%.

Iberdrola  supports  the  Women’s  Universe  (Universo 
Mujer)  programme  of  the  Higher  Council  for  Sports 
(Consejo  Superior  de  Deportes)  (CSD),  supporting  16 
Spanish women’s federations.

Goal: For 2025, 50% reduction in water use/production 
intensity ratio by 2030 compared with 2019.

Pollution prevention programmes for facilities.

Goal:  Over  500,000  jobs  (direct,  indirect  and  induced 
employment) by 2025.

Approximately  400,000  direct,  indirect  and  induced 
job  positions  throughout  the  world.  More  than  €34,000 
million in impact on the GDP of the countries in which it 
does business1.

Goal: €400 million annually in R&D&i by 2025.

Iberdrola is the European Union’s leading private sector 
utility by volume of investments in R&D&i.

Goal: 

To  be  carbon  neutral  by  2050  and  reduce  global 
emissions to 50g of CO2/kWh by 2030 (Scope 1).
To  reduce  absolute  Scope  1,  2  y  3  greenhouse  gas 
(GHD) emissions, approved through the SBT initiative.

Goal: 1.3 million beneficiaries of the Iberdrola foundations’ 
programmes over the 2020-2022 period.

A total of 12,000 volunteers participated in the Corporate 
Volunteering Programme in 2021.

Iberdrola has developed a Sustainable Mobility Plan with 
the ultimate goal of contributing to a rational use of the 
means of transportation.

Goal:  To  install  over  150,000  electric  vehicle  charging 
points in Spain by 2025.

Goal: 
•  70%  of  providers  to  have  sustainability  policies  by 

2022.

•  Reduce  the  use  of  paper  by  increasing  electronic 

billing. 70% of bills to be electronic.

Goal: To preserve marine ecosystems through innovative 
measures  in  the  construction  and  operation  of  offshore 
wind farms. Monitoring of marine mammals at the East 
Anglia ONE windfarm.

Acoustic  insulation  techniques  (bubble  curtains)  during 
the construction of offshore wind projects.

Goal:  Promotion  of  biodiversity  through  reforestation 
by  planting  over  2.5  million  trees  by  2022,  reaching  20 
million by 2030.

Overhead  Lines  Improvement  Project,  in  which  a  large 
number  of  supports  have  already  been  adapted  for 
birdlife protection.

Goal:  Obtain  independent  external  certifications  or 
validations  of  the  compliance  systems  of  the  holding 
company and of all of the country subholding companies 
of the group by 2022.

The  company  has  renewed  the  UNE-ISO  37001  and 
UNE  19601  certifications  regarding  anti-bribery  and 
compliance.

Goal: Promotion of innovative alliances, including “It Will 
Be The Day After” initiative and the SDGs in the supply 
chain, by launching conceptual capsules, journeys, videos 
and  information  aligned  with  the  group’s  sustainability 
strategy. 

Recognised  as  a  LEAD  participating  company  in  the 
United Nations Global Compact.

(1)  Data from the Study of Iberdrola’s Impact, prepared by PwC, which is based on 2020 figures. Includes indirect and induced impacts.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com68

Society  |  Leaders in ESG+F

4.4. Leaders in ESG+F

Iberdrola, aware that environmental, social and good governance (ESG) factors influence the medium- 
and  long-term  results  and  sustainability  of  the  company,  has  included  sustainability  indicators  in  its 
business strategy.

Therefore,  the  group  is  fully  committed  to  sustainable  development  and  bases  its  investments  on 
environmental,  social  and  corporate  governance  along  with  financial  strength  (ESG+F)  standards, 
supported by the strategic pillars that have allowed for two decades of sustainable growth, thanks to 
geographic  diversification,  leading  the  energy  transition,  promoting  efficiency,  focusing  on  innovation 
and generating a sustainable dividend.

Along  these  lines,  the  targets  that  the  company  has  set  based  on  environmental,  social  and  good 
governance  criteria  should  be  highlighted.  These  objectives  synthesise  some  of  the  main  contents 
and comments of the corporate policies, which, together with the Purpose and Values, establish the 
ESG priorities.

The  remuneration  systems  include  the  consideration  of  ESG  factors  as  parameters  for  evaluation, 
linking to specific results and to initiatives to be undertaken.

Integrated report. March 2022

E20212022e2025eEmissions per kWhgCO2/KWh96~ 100< 70Biodiversity: reforestation Trees, in Million22.58Water consumptionm3/GWh306.6< 500< 420Smart Grid implementation% HV and MV grids737583Smart metersNumber, in millions15.316.721.2R&D investmentMillion euros337.5330400STraining hoursHours/employee year58.6> 55> 55Customers: smart servicesNumber, in millions11,11218Jobs supportedContribution to employment~ 400,000> 400,000> 500,000Women in relevant positions% of management positions24.42530Gender pay gap% women / men ratio+7.2%> -2%> -2%Electricity for allBeneficiaries, in millions9.611.514FoundationBeneficiaries, in millions2.01.31.4GBest practices in GovernanceInclusion in the Governance and Sustainability SystemCybersecurityAnnual number of security assessments1,6701,8002,000Suppliers% of suppliers with sustainability policies73.7%70%75%www.iberdrola.comSociety  |  Management of human capital

69

4.5. Management of human capital

Management approach

Main activities 2021

Global human 
resources 
management

Goal of 
“accident 
reduction”

•  Achieve  the  goals  of  competitiveness 
and  business  efficiency  in  a  climate 
of social peace, fostering stable, high-
quality employment.

•  Harmonise 

resources 
human 
inroads  with 
processes  and  make 
implementing  the  Iberdrola  culture  in 
all  countries,  respecting  specific  local 
conditions.

•  Promote  a  culture  based  on  non-
discrimination,  diversity  and  inclusion 
to  ensure  sustainable  growth  of  the 
business.

•  Prioritise the safety of individuals at the 
group’s  facilities  and  within  its  sphere 
of  influence,  fostering  a  progressive 
reduction in injury rates and improving 
health and safety conditions.

•  Replicate  throughout  the  group  the 
best  practices  identified  in  the  area 
of  occupational  health  and  safety, 
fostering  a  culture  of  excellence  in 
management  and  coordinating  global 
preventive activities.

Talent 
management

•  Drive  staff  qualifications,  preparing 
employees  to  work  in  a  multicultural 
environment  and  making  continual 
efforts  to  improve  productivity  across 
the organisation.

•  Manage 

the  company’s 

intellectual 
capital  by  ensuring  that  knowledge  is 
transferred. 

•  Maintain  a 

team  of  competent, 
committed and motivated professionals, 
which is key for the sustained success 
of the business.

•  Proactively  develop  and  foster  future 
leaders  and  experts  so  as  to  fulfil  the 
Strategic Plan. 

•  Guarantee a social model committed to 
professional excellence and the quality 
of life of our employees.

•  Raise 

and 

diversity 

inclusion 
management to the status of a strategic 
priority,  and  enhance  the  awareness 
and  capabilities  of  key  actors  in  this 
domain. 

•  Contribute  to  achieving  the  SDGs  for 
the  2015-2030  horizon  through  the 
Corporate Volunteering Programme.

Diversity, 
equal 
opportunity 
and work-life 
balance

•  Management of an appropriate labour relations framework that can be 
adapted to meet business, social and labour requirements in the context 
of COVID-19.

•  Reinforcement  of  human  resources  processes  aligned  with  the 

behavioural model derived from our purpose and values.

•  Launch  of  the  HR  function  transformation  project,  with  a  focus 
on  standardising  and  digitising  processes  to  enhance  the  employee 
experience,  allow  leaders  wider  autonomy  and  position  ourselves  as 
strategic partners within the organisation.

•  Set diversity and inclusiveness goals in alignment with the company’s 

sustainable development philosophy.

•  Ongoing monitoring and management of employee engagement.

•  Obtain and/or maintain the OHSAS 18001/ISO 45001 certification.
•  Maintain  global  certification  of  our  compliance  with  COVID-19  and 

“Healthy Company” protocols.

•  Monitoring of proactive and reactive indicators at the companies of the 

group.

•  “BE Well” campaign in the form of videos aimed at all employees and 

articles about diet, exercise and mental health. 

•  Continuation of the health and safety global digitalisation project to 
create a single tool that supports dashboard modules for accident rate 
indicators, internal audits and employee hazard alerts.

•  Continue with implementation of the Zero Accident Plan at Neoenergia 

to reduce the accident rate.

•  Implement  actions  to  drive  employee  development  in  step  with  the 

current social and economic context.

•  Deploy  the  Learning  Strategy,  providing  new  solutions  that  reinforce 
strategic capabilities; adopt new ways of working that leverage use of 
data.

•  Evolve the talent management model towards an integrated strategy 
across different profiles (high potential, key personnel and successors), 
while  adopting  market  standards  and  outlook  to  strengthen  the 
leadership group.

•  Reinforce  actions  that  encourage  the  development  of  individuals 
and the wider organisation by means of a collaborative environment. 
Launch the second digital mentoring programme.

•  Reinforce  our  brand  as  an  employer  on  social  media  and  target 

employment channels. 

•  Inclusion of Iberdrola in the 2021 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index 

for the fourth consecutive year. 

•  Launch  of  the  Global  Diversity  and  Inclusion  Council  to  move  the 
topic  forward  in  all  regions,  setting  priority  actions  and  ensuring  their 
achievement.

•  The “Volunteers against COVID-19” program continued to respond to 

the social and healthcare crisis caused by the pandemic.

•  Volunteering:  Implementation  of  the  Mi  huella  social  (“my  social 
footprint”) project to measure contributions to the SDGs. Expansion of 
the international INVOLVE programme to two new sites, in Brazil (Natal) 
and Mexico (Oaxaca). Launch of two new training projects focusing on 
SDG 5 – social and labour inclusion of women who are victims of gender 
violence  and/or  severe  exclusion  –  and  return  to  working  life  after  a 
protracted absence caused by maternity or family care duties.

•  Corporate Volunteering Activities to improve the quality of life and the 
integration of vulnerable groups, care for the environment and recovery 
of natural spaces, and raise awareness of the SDGs.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com70

Society  |  Management of human capital

Ensure the availability of a committed, qualified and diverse workforce 
in a safe and stable environment.

Social commitment1

Iberdrola committed to equality  

(1)  Pre-COVID-19 photos.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.comSociety  |  Management of human capital

71

Geographic diversification  
of the workforce

3%

2%

24%

Spain

Accident frequency rate (2019-1021) 
(Own personnel)1

38%

39,955
employees

14%

18%

Workforce  
by gender

United Kingdom

United States

Brazil

Mexico

IEI

Workforce  
by age group

Workforce by 
professional category

23%

18%

7%

21%

38%

77%

55%

60%

Women

Men

More than 51 years old

Qualified technicians

Between 31 and 50 years old

Skilled workers and support personnel

Up to 30 years old

Leadership

Entry-level wage compared  
to legal minimum wage (%)

Total average salary (€)2

Spain

United Kingdom

United States

Brazil

Mexico

Training and professional development

Average hours of training per employee trained

Women

Men

Women

Men

Hours of training  
per employee trained

62.87

44.45

(1)  Accident frequency rate  = (number of accidents with leave*1,000,000) / hours worked. 

(2)  Includes:Fixed salary, Variable, Supplements.

Integrated report. March 2022

2021202020191.331.201.06100%126%124%139%312%202146,52949,857LeadershipQualifiedtechniciansSkilled workersand support personnelAverage hoursof training peremployee trained39.3235.4943.4139.8275.8753.8554.953.458.6201920202021www.iberdrola.com 
 
  
 
 
 
72

Society  |  Community support and electricity access programmes

4.6. Community support and electricity access programmes

Main programmes 2021

Foundations of the Iberdrola group in 2021

•  Contribution of €58.1 million to the community, measured 
according 
Impact  (B4SI) 
international  standard,  in  the  countries  in  which  Iberdrola 
operates.

the  Business 

for  Societal 

to 

•  Volunteer  activities.  A  total  of  12.222  volunteers  have 
participated in activities mainly centred this year on actions to 
support groups affected by COVID-19. 

•  Entrepreneurial  support:  €84  million  of  purchases  from 
companies  in  operation  for  less  than  5  years,  and  over 
€85  million  in  venture  capital  for  new  initiatives  with  high 
technological value.

•  Specific  programmes  and  pricing  for  vulnerable  groups  in 

Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States and Brazil.

•  Rural  electrification  programmes  in  Brazil,  to  which 

approximately  €51 million has been allocated.

•  Programmes  implemented  by  the  foundations  created  by 

Iberdrola in the principal countries in which it operates.

•  Development of the Electricity for All programme.

Electricity for All

•  The  SDGs  recognise  energy  as  an  engine  for  sustainable 

development.

•  The Electricity for All programme is Iberdrola’s response to the 
need to expand universal access to modern forms of energy, 
with  environmentally  sustainable, 
financially  affordable 
and  socially  inclusive  models.  This  initiative  is  focused  on 
sustainable  electrification  activities 
in  emerging  and 
developing countries.

•  Iberdrola  has  set  itself  the  goal  of  reaching  16  million 
beneficiaries of this programme by 2030. The programme 
had reached 9.6 million users by year-end 2021.

•  Iberdrola  has  strengthened  the  operation  of  its  foundations 
in  Spain,  the  United  Kingdom,  the  United  States,  Brazil  and 
Mexico.

•  Overall investment dedicated to activities in all countries in 

2021 reached a total of €12.1 million.

•  A highlight in the Training and Research area, was the multi-
year research grant programme “Energy for Future”, co-funded 
by  the  European  Commission.  We  also  implemented  the 
Inspira Programme, an initiative for social and labour inclusion 
of young people at risk of social exclusion and early drop-out 
from  the  school  system.  This  year,  we  allocated  additional 
support  to  women  and  girls  with  educational  programmes 
such as the STEM and STEM 4 Girls chair.

•  In  Art  and  Culture,  the  aim  is  to  protect  and  safeguard 
artistic  and  cultural  heritage,  promoting  conservation  and 
restoration  and  stimulating  local  development.  The  main 
lighting  initiatives  focused  on  the  Cathedral  of  Santiago 
de  Compostela  and  the  Plaza  Mayor  in  Sigüenza.  Other 
standouts  included  the  itinerant  exhibitions  “El  Prado  en  las 
Calles” and “Un Patrimonio de Todos” in Castilla-La Mancha.

•  In Biodiversity and climate change, the aim is to protect 
the  environment  and  improve  biodiversity  to  contribute 
actively  to  the  fight  against  climate  change.  In  Spain, 
standouts  included  the  reforestation  of  the  shooting  range 
in  Chinchilla  as  part  of  Iberdrola’s  Forest  Defence  plan, 
reforesting  20  hectares,  which  will  absorb  more  than  2,500 
tons  of  CO2  over  40  years,  the  MIGRA  programme  in 
Spain,  the  multi-year  project  with  the  WWF  (World  Wildlife 
Foundation) for the restoration of seagrasses and oysters by 
the ScottishPower Foundation, the project in partnership with 
the Oregon Zoo Foundation by AVANGRID, the conservation 
of the Fernández Canyon by the Iberdrola México Foundation, 
and the CORALIZAR project of Instituto Neoenergía.

•  In  the  area  of  Social  Action,  Iberdrola  is  contributing  to 
sustainable human development by supporting the most 
vulnerable individuals and groups. Over 200 partnerships 
have been established in the five countries with an impact on 
over 200,000 people. A key initiative was the raft of calls for 
proposals  for  social  programmes  aimed  at  supporting  and 
funding more than 30 projects in each country.

Foundation programmes 2021: € 12.1 M

Contribution by region (%)

Contribution by area (%)

16%

4.9%

13.9%

35.3%

19%

49%

19.8%

16%

Spain

United States

United Kingdom

Mexico and Brazil

26.0%

Training and research

Art and Culture

Biodiversity and Climate 
Change

Social Action

Institutional cooperation

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com 
Society  |  Innovation, digitalisation and quality for our customers

73

4.7. Innovation, digitalisation and quality for our customers

Management of intellectual capital

Management approach

Main activities 2021

Promotion 
of R&D

•  Iberdrola  continues  to  wager  on  innovation  as 
one of its main pillars for successfully facing the 
future energy scenario.

•  Iberdrola has been recognised for the first time 
as the private-sector utility that invests most 
in R&D worldwide.

•  Support 

for  open 

innovation 
the  world’s 

through 
leading 
partnerships  with 
universities under the Iberdrola U programme, a 
network that promotes training, entrepreneurship 
and research and connects 490,000 members, 
including students, researchers and academics.

Efficiency 
and new 
products 
and 
services

•  New developments driving flexibility, operational 
efficiency  and  the  safety  of  facilities,  and  a 
reduction  in  environmental  impact  through 
the  implementation  of  disruptive  technologies 
and the reduction of emissions.

•  Design  of  new  products  that  guarantee  an 
efficient,  agile  and  high-quality  service  and 
improve  the  experience  of  over  16  million 
customers.

Disruptive 
technology 
and 
business 
models

•  Through  the  Iberdrola-PERSEO  international 
start-up  programme,  investments  are  made 
in  technologies  and  new  disruptive  businesses 
models,  which  ensure  the  sustainability  of  the 
energy  model.  Since  its  creation,  more  than 
€85  million  have  been  invested  through  the 
programme worldwide.

Lines of activity:

•  Technologies for the integration of renewable 

energies.

•  Aggregation  and  management  of  distributed 

energy resources and energy efficiency

•  Innovative solutions for customers.

•  Electromobility.

•  Energy efficiency.

•  €337.5  million  of  R&D  investment  in  2021,  a  15%  increase 

over 2020. 

•  Formal  opening  of  the  Global  Smart  Grids  Innovation  Hub 

technology centre in Bilbao.

•  Opening of the Iberdrola Campus, a global centre in support of 

knowledge, innovation and employability.

•  Inauguration of the largest green hydrogen plant for industrial 

use in Europe at Puertollano, Ciudad Real province.

•  Leadership in Next Generation Funds: more than €26 million 
in grants and €106 million in loans, 8 innovation projects, and 
the EIB’s R&D project portfolio.

•  Development  of  domestic  and  international  R&D  projects 
to  promote  sustainable  development,  renewable  energy  and 
emerging technologies.

•  New 

functionalities  of 

Iberdrola  Customerapp: 
the 
streamlined  registration,  process  automation,  integration  of 
management of home-based chargers via the public charging 
app, digitalisation of the payment process, and an option to pay 
multiple invoices at once.

•  Start-up  of  pilot  aerothermal  facilities,  with  equipment 
from  leading  manufacturers  and  development  of  new  energy 
efficiency certificates in homes.

•  More than 25 projects with start-ups in technological fields: 

Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, IoT, robotics and batteries.

•  9 Startup Challenges: in renewable generation, onshore and 
offshore  wind  power,  photovoltaic  generation,  electromobility 
and construction and maintenance of power grids.

•  Investment: IPOs on the NYSE of two of  Perseo’s investees, 
Wallbox  Chargers,  S.L.,  which  develops  electric  mobility 
solutions,  and  Stem  Inc.,  which  manages  distributed  energy 
assets (batteries). 

for 

•  “Venture  Builder” 

initiative 

investing  and  creating 
electrification support businesses from scratch (in areas like the 
recycling of modules, wind-turbine blades and batteries, and the 
circular  economy)  and  in  sectors  resistant  to  decarbonisation, 
like industrial heat production and heavy transport. This initiative 
prompted the Net-Zero MAR Partnership, which focuses on the 
decarbonisation of the maritime sector. 

Investments in R&D (€ million): Iberdrola is the private-sector utility  
that invests most in R&D worldwide

Investments in R&D (€M): Leading private energy 
company in Europe and 2nd in the world

% R&D investment by strategic areas

21%

22%

24%

33%

Renewables

Networks

Wholesale and Retail

Systems

Integrated report. March 2022

145.0159.0170.0200.0211.0246.0266.5280.0337.5292.52012201320142015201620172018201920202021www.iberdrola.com74

Society  |  Innovation, digitalisation and quality for our customers

Innovation and digital transformation projects

Main R&D research projects

Smart grids

•  The TrueValSec project was launched to engage in the in-depth design of the security mechanisms used at the 

different levels of communication in the electric metering infrastructure of Smart Cities. 

•  Notable in the field of network integration was the second phase of the Caravaca BESS project, which launched 

the FLEXIPOWER project to achieve the integration of various battery-based energy storage systems.

•  ONE NET and COORDINET continue with the development of new flexibility tools and platforms in coordination 

with electricity transmission and distribution companies and consumers.

Electricity 
production

•  HYDROSMART  and  HYDRODEMAND  projects:  strategic  initiatives  for  monitoring  and  smart  control  of 
hydroelectric power plants and development and validation of the operational status of variable-speed turbines.

•  Project ROMEO, to analyse and specify best practices and optimisation tools for the operation and maintenance 

of offshore wind farms.

•  Continuation of the NextGEMS project, which aims to develop and apply high-resolution ground-based system 

models for forecasting the impact of extreme phenomena, such as storms, on existing production systems.

•  The COATI project aims to develop a software tool that will enable the implementation of specific loading plans 

for spent nuclear fuel elements.

•  Work commenced on the SIRO project, which involves technological development based on artificial intelligence 

and aims to develop and validate a robotic inspection system for generators.

Customers

•  Smart Solar for Homeowners Associations, in which residents’ surpluses and deficits are offset between each 

other and they can monitor their savings on an app.

•  Smart Mobility includes boosting the deployment of high-power stations across the public charging network and 
the launch of the global charging point management system, which will allow for providing technological support 
for the deployment of charging points.

•  Smart Clima will drive the decarbonisation of homes through the electrification of heat. Start-up of pilot facilities, 
with aerothermal equipment from leading manufacturers and development of new energy efficiency certificates 
in homes.

Green hydrogen, the energy vector of the future

•  Iberdrola  began  the  construction  of  the  largest  green  hydrogen  plant  for 

industrial use in Europe. 

•  The Puertollano (Ciudad Real province) plant, comprising a photovoltaic 
solar plant, a lithium-ion battery system and one of the largest hydrogen 
production systems through electrolysis in the world, will generate green 
hydrogen as part of ammonia generation processes. 

•  In addition, the first phase of the new Barcelona hydrogen plant has begun 
commercial operation, which will supply hydrogen in 2030 to 60 city-operated 
buses belonging to TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona).

Iberdrola is the only Spanish electric utility to receive 
European funds to research Artificial Intelligence

•  The  consortium  led  by  Iberdrola  was  one  of  the  main  winning  bidders  for 
European Union Next Generation funds for Artificial Intelligence research. 

•  The  aim  of  the  project  is  to  develop  advanced  Artificial  Intelligence 
technology in the energy sector, in renewable generation, smart grids and 
customer service.

•  IATES is the only AI “driver” project approved in the energy sector, and the 

one with the highest funding (€13 million).

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.comSociety  |  Innovation, digitalisation and quality for our customers

75

Our commitment to customers

Quality of electricity supply

Spain1

United Kingdom

Untied States

Brazil

Spain1 

United Kingdom

Untied States

Brazil

Average power outage duration

2021

2020

TIEPI (min)

CML (min)

CAIDI (h)

DEC (h)

< 39

33.92

1.87

10.22

Power outage frequency

2021

2020

NIEPI (Nº)

CI (ratio)

SAIFI (index)

FEC (frequency)

< 0.9

37.29

1.42

5.06

48

31.55

1.84

11.24

1

36.59

1.37

5.13

TIEPI: Installed Capacity Equivalent Interrupt Time.

NIEPI: Installed Capacity Equivalent Interrupt Number.

CML: Customer Minutes Lost Per Connected Customer. 

CI: Customer Interruptions Per 100 Connected Customers. 

CAIDI: Customer Average Interruption Duration Index. 

SAIFI: System Average Interruptions Frequency Index. 

DEC: Equivalent Duration of Interruption by Consumer Unit. 

FEC: Equivalent Frequency of Interruption by Consumer Unit.

Offer a secure supply of energy that is competitive in cost and quality

Average availability factor of Iberdrola’s generation facilities (%)

2021

2020

(1)  Quality data for Spain (NIEPI and TIEPI) include commercially sensitive information.

Integrated report. March 2022

88.493.788.385.495.287.295.791.990.695.70.0100.025.050.075.0CombinedcycleCogenerationNuclearHydroelectricWindwww.iberdrola.com76

5.  Governance and Sustainability

5.1. Governance and sustainability system

5.2. The Three Lines model

5.3. Risks

5.4. Ethics and integrity

5.5. Cybersecurity and information privacy

5.6. Promotion of socially responsible 
practices in the supply chain

5.7. Fiscal responsibility

Integrated report. March 2022

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77

5.1. Governance and sustainability system

The  Governance  and  Sustainability  System  is  based  on  ESG  criteria  to  extract  value  from  our 
environmental performance, our social commitment and the best corporate governance practices. 

Board of Directors1

 Position

Director

Status

Date of last 
appointment

Expiry of 
mandate

Chairman & CEO

José Ignacio Sánchez Galán 
(Salamanca, Spain, 1950)

Executive

29-03-2019

29-03-2023

First Vice-Chair and 
lead independent 
director

Juan Manuel González Serna

(Madrid, Spain, 1955)

Independent

18-06-2021

18-06-2025

Second Vice-Chair

Anthony L. Gardner 

(Washington D.C., USA, 1963)

Independent

13-04-2018

13-04-2022

Comission

Chair of the 
Executive Committee

Member of the 
Executive Committee

Chair of the 
Remuneration 
Committee

Member of the 
Executive Committee

Member of the 
Appointments 
Committee

Member of the 
Remuneration 
Committee

Chair of the 
Appointments 
Committee

Member of the 
Executive Committee

Member of the 
Remuneration 
Committee

Chair of the Audit 
and Risk Supervision 
Committee

Chair of the 
Sustainable 
Development 
Committee

Member of the 
Sustainable 
Development 
Committee

Member of the Audit 
and Risk Supervision 
Committee

Member of the 
Executive Committee

Member of the 
Appointments 
Committee

Íñigo Víctor de Oriol Ibarra 

(Madrid, Spain, 1962)

María Helena Antolín Raybaud 

(Toulon, France, 1966)

Manuel Moreu Munaiz 

(Pontevedra, Spain, 1953)

Xabier Sagredo Ormaza

(Portugalete, Spain, 1972)

Francisco Martínez Córcoles

(Alicante, Spain, 1956)

Sara de la Rica Goiricelaya

(Bilbao, Spain, 1963)

Nicola Mary Brewer

(Taplow, United Kingdom, 1957)

Regina Helena Jorge Nunes

(São Paulo, Brazil, 1965)

Other external

02-04-2020

02-04-2024

Independent

29-03-2019

29-03-2023

Independent

29-03-2019

29-03-2023

Independent

29-03-2019

29-03-2023

Other external

18-06-2021

18-06-2025

N/A

Independent

29-03-2019

29-03-2023

Independent

02-04-2020

02-04-2024

Independent

02-04-2020

02-04-2024

Ángel Jesús Acebes Paniagua

(Ávila, Spain, 1958)

Independent

18-06-2021

18-06-2025

María Ángeles Alcalá Díaz

(Albacete, Spain, 1962)

Isabel García Tejerina

(Valladolid, Spain, 1968)

Independent

26-10-2021

Independent

16-12-2021

General 
Shareholder’s 
Meeting 2022

Member of the Audit 
and Risk Supervision 
Committee

General 
Shareholder’s 
Meeting 2022

Member of the 
Sustainable 
Development 
Committee

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

(1)  At 31 December 2021.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com78

Governance and Sustainability  |  Governance and Sustainability System

Corporate and governance structure

The Iberdrola group is structured on three levels that differentiate the functions of strategy, supervision 
and control of the group as a whole (attributed to Iberdrola, S.A.), those of organisation and coordination 
with  regard  to  each  country  (corresponding  to  the  country  subholding  companies)  and  those  of  the 
administration and effective management of each of the businesses (within the purview of the head of 
business companies). 

It is also based on a system of checks-and-balances that avoids an accumulation of power:

its  activity  on 

•  El  Iberdrola’s  Board  of  Directors,  made  up  of 
a  majority  (79%)  of  independent  directors, 
the  determination, 
focuses 
supervision  and  monitoring  of  the  policies, 
strategies  and  general  guidelines  of 
the 
Iberdrola  group.  Especially  important  is  the 
supervision of the development and application 
by  the  group  companies  of  the  Governance 
and Sustainability System. 

•  The  Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Directors  and 
Chief  Executive  Officer  and  the  rest  of  the 
management  team  are  responsible  for  the 
organisation  and  strategic  coordination  of 
the group.

•  In 

the  principal  countries 

the 
group  operates,  organisation  and  strategic 
coordination  is  implemented  through  country 

in  which 

subholding  companies,  which  group  together 
equity stakes in the head of business companies 
and centralise the provision of common services 
to the head of business companies.

•  Country subholding companies have boards of 
directors, including independent directors, and 
their  own  audit  and  compliance  committees, 
internal audit divisions and compliance units or 
divisions. Listed country subholding companies 
like Avangrid, Inc. and Neoenergia, S.A. have a 
framework of strengthened autonomy.

•  The head of business companies are in charge 
of the day-to-day administration and effective 
management  of  each  of  the  businesses. 
They  also  have  boards  of  directors,  which 
include  independent  directors,  and  specific 
management teams.

Corporate and governance structure

Iberdrola, S.A. (holding companies)

Chairman  
& CEO 
+
Management 
team

Board of Directors

Executive 
Committee

Consultative 
committees 

 . Audit and Risk Supervision Committee
 . Appointments Committee
 . Remuneration Committee
 . Sustainable Development Committee

Country subholding companies

Iberdrola 
España

ScottishPower

AVANGRID1

Neoenergía2

Iberdrola 
Mexico

Iberdrola 
Energía 
Internacional

(1) Company listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

(2) Company listed on the New Market segment of BOVESPA (Brazil).

Head of business companies 

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.comGovernance and Sustainability  |  Governance and Sustainability System

79

Ownership structure

Iberdrola  has  around  600,000  shareholders  worldwide,  with  none  having  a  controlling  interest  in  the 
company. 

Investment funds, pension 
funds and other foreign 
institutional shareholders 
account for close to 70% 
of capital.

22%

9%

Domestic 
institutional 
investors

Foreign 
investors

Domestic 
individual 
investors

69%

Iberdrola at the forefront of governance and sustainability

The governance and sustainability system is based on ESG standards to highlight our environmental 
performance, our social commitment and the best corporate governance practices.

Strategy

The key elements defining Iberdrola’s governance 
and sustainability strategy are:

•  A system of checks and balances.
•  Environmental performance.
•  The  promotion  of  diversity,  inclusion,  equal 

opportunity and excellence at all levels.

•  Shareholder engagement. 
•  Active  listening  to  the  legitimate  interests  of 

the Stakeholders.

•  Social  dividend  and  contribution 

to 

the 

Sustainable Development Goals.

•  Zero tolerance of corruption and fraud.
•  Prudent and balanced management of risks.
•  Transparency.

Continuous improvement of its corporate 
governance rules and practices

On corporate governance matters, the Company 
looks  to  the  Good  Governance  Code  of  Listed 
Companies, which was updated by the CNMV in 
June  2020,  and  generally  accepted  practices  in 
the international markets.

Operation of the Board

79% of the directors are independent. 55% of independent 
directors are women.

System of checks and balances, including the first vice-
chairman and lead independent director.

Gender diversity: six women on the Board (42.8% of the total).

Diversity of skills, experience, nationality and background.

Annual evaluation of the governance bodies with the 
participation of an independent expert.

Sustainable Development and Corporate 
Reputation

Corporate reputation.

Ethics and compliance.

Monitoring of the group’s strategy and performance on 
sustainable development and ESG objectives.

Climate Change Action Plan and adoption of the 
recommendations of the Task Force on Climaterelated 
Financial Disclosures (TCFD).

Creation of value for Stakeholders and reputation of the 
Company.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com 
80

Governance and Sustainability  |  Governance and Sustainability System

Commitment to shareholders and investors

•  The  Iberdrola  group  operates  an  industrial  and  financial  model  based  on  sustainable  and  balanced  growth,  focused  on  the 
businesses of smart grids, renewables, efficient storage and the development of new businesses arising from the energy transition, 
with a focus on achieving goals that combine financial, environmental and social results.

•  The Shareholder Engagement Policy is intended to understand the opinions and concerns of the shareholders in the areas of 
corporate governance and sustainable development, encourage their sense of belonging, and align their interests with those of 
Iberdrola.

•  The company encourages shareholders’ participation throughout the year, especially at the General Shareholders’ Meeting.

www.iberdrola.com

Institutional Equity and 
Fixed Income Investments

Investor 
Relations App

Investor 
Relations Office

ENGAGEMENT

Individual Shareholders

Shareholder’s 
Office

Shareholder Service 
Line
900 10 00 19

OLA
CLUB DEL 
ACCIONISTA

Shareholders’ 
Club

Shareholder 
News TV Channel

Ongoing and proactive contact with our shareholders

Remuneration policy

•  The  current  Director  Remuneration  Policy  was  approved 
by the shareholders at the General Shareholders’ Meeting 
on 18 June 2021.

•  Director remuneration is aligned with strategic objectives, 

sustainability and shareholder return.

•  Clauses  on  cancellation  and  reimbursement  of  variable 

remuneration (malus and claw-back).

Board of Directors remuneration model

Type of 
remuneration

Fixed.

External 
(nonexecutive) 
directors

According to their 
duties.

Executive directors

On market terms.

Capped  at  200%  of  fixed 
remuneration.

Short-term 
variable.

Not applicable.

Payable in cash.

Long-term 
variable

Not applicable.

Financial and ESG targets.

Tied to multi-year financial 
targets and ESG metrics. 
Payable in shares (3-year 
accrual period and payment 
deferred over 3 years 
following accrual).

Integrated report. March 2022

Parameters to which the annual variable 
remuneration of executive directors is tied 
in 2022

Operational / 
Financial

Sustainable 
Development

Net Profit.

Shareholder remuneration.

Financial strength.

Presence of women in management 
positions.

Presence on major sustainability indexes.

Hours of training.

Parameters to which the multi-annual 
variable remuneration is tied  
(2020-2022 Strategic Bonus)

Net profit.

Financial strength.

Total shareholder return.

Sustainable Development Goals (fight against climate change, 
boost sustainability in the supply chain, and commitment to 
salary equality between men and women).

www.iberdrola.com 
Governance and Sustainability  |  Governance and Sustainability System

81

Main activities of the Board of Directors

Key topics in 2021

Balanced growth

Authorisation for issue of the financial statements.

Presentation of results.

Performance and expectations of each of the Businesses of the Group.

Monitoring of climate laws and regulations.

Projects of the group within the framework of the “Next Generation EU” plan.

Monitoring of corporate transactions.

Monitoring of the Outlook 2020-2025.

Budgets for 2022.

Sustainable remuneration 
of shareholders

Implementation of the optional “Iberdrola Retribución Flexible” dividend system.

Renewal of the optional “Iberdrola Retribución Flexible” dividend system.

Statement of Non-Financial Information. Sustainability Report.

Approval of the Climate Action Plan.

Risks and opportunities arising from climate change.

Monitoring of the targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Monitoring of participation in the World Climate Summit (COP26).

Sustainability

Implementation of the TCFD recommendations.

Tax Transparency Report.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy, General Sustainable Development Policy  
and Human Resources Framework Policy.

Diversity and Inclusion Report.

Talent management.

Issuance of a green hybrid bond.

Financial strength

Reduction in share capital.

Monitoring of key financial indicators.

Approval of risk limits for 2021.

Monitoring of the risk control and management systems.

Control of corporate risks

Adoption of corporate rules on data protection.

Monitoring of litigation.

Oversight of the financial impact of the COVID-19 crisis.

General Shareholders’ Meeting to be held 100% remotely.

Ongoing review of the Governance and Sustainability System.

Appointment and re-election of directors.

Corporate governance

Appointment and re-election of internal positions and members of committees.

Remuneration of the Board of Directors and of senior management.

Appointment of senior executives.

Related-party transactions.

The main objective of Iberdrola’s Board of Directors is to establish, 
supervise and implement the strategy of the company and its group. 
Therefore, the Board reviews and updates its governance and 
sustainability system, and particularly its corporate policies.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com82

Governance and Sustainability  |  The Three Lines model

5.2. The Three Lines model

A principles-based model

The internal control system of Iberdrola and the companies of its group is configured by reference to 
international  best  practices.  The  Three  Lines  Model,  published  on  20  June  2020  by  the  Institute  of 
Internal Auditors, updates the previous Three Lines of Defence Model, and is based on an assurance 
system combined around three lines, providing a comprehensive view of how the different parts of the 
organisation interact in an effective and coordinated manner, increasing the efficiency of the processes 
for management and internal control of the entity’s significant risks.

Governing body

Accounting to stakeholders for organisational oversight

Management

Actions (including managing risks) to achieve the organisational 
objetives

Internal audit

Independent assurance

First line roles: Provision 
of products/services to 
customers; managing risk

Second line roles: 
Experience, support, 
monitoring and challenge on 
risk-related matters

Third line roles: Independent and 
objetive assurance and advice on all 
issues related to the achievement of 
objetives

KEY:

Accountability, 
reporting

Delegation, 
direction, resources, 
oversight

Alignment, 
communication, 
coordination, 
collaboration

Based on the document “The IIA’s Three Lines Model 2020. An update of the Three Lines of Defense”. IIA 2020.

Iberdrola adopts the Three Lines Model as a guarantee  
of its internal control model. 

E
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n
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Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com 
 
Governance and Sustainability  |  The Three Lines model

83

Principle 1:  
Governance

Principle 4:  
Third line roles

Iberdrola’s  governance  has  structures  and  processes  that 
enable:

•  Accountability by the Board of Directors to the stakeholders 
for  organisational  oversight  though  integrity,  leadership  and 
transparency.

•  Actions  (including  risk  management)  by  management  to 
achieve the objectives of the strategic plan through risk-based 
decision-making and application of resources.

•  Assurance  and  advice  by  an  internal  audit  function  to 
provide  clarity  and  confidence  and  to  promote  and  facilitate 
continuous  improvement  through  rigorous  research  and 
insightful communication.

Principle 2: 
Roles of the governing body

Iberdrola’s Board of Directors:

•  Ensures that appropriate structures and processes are in place 

for effective governance.

•  Ensures that organisational objectives and activities are aligned 

with the prioritised interests of the stakeholders.

•  Delegates responsibility and provides resources to management 
to  achieve  the  objectives  of  the  organisation  while  ensuring 
legal, regulatory and ethical expectations are met.

•  Establishes  and  oversees  an  independent,  objective  and 
to  provide  clarity  and 

competent 
confidence on progress toward the achievement of objectives.

internal  audit 

function 

Principle 3:  
Management and first and 
second line roles

Management’s responsibility to achieve organisational objectives 
comprises  both  first  and  second  line  roles.  The  management 
team  and  the  professionals  of  Iberdrola  and  its  group  are  the 
direct  managers  of  the  entity’s  risks.  Thus,  the  company’s 
Management is responsible for maintaining effective control and 
for  implementing  procedures  to  control  risks  on  a  continuous 
basis,  based  on  the  Internal  Control  objectives  of  the  COSO 
model  (operational,  reporting  and  compliance  –  Committee  of 
Sponsoring Organizations, May 2013).

Iberdrola,  within 

their 
functions  at 
The  main  assurance 
respective  areas  of  responsibility,  are  as  follows:  (i)  the 
group’s  Risk  Division,  within  the  framework  of  its  duties  within 
the  Comprehensive  Risk  Control  and  Management  System; 
(ii)  the  Internal  Assurance  Division,  belonging  (like  the  Risk 
Division) to the Risk Management and Internal Assurance area, 
in  its  responsibilities  relating  to  the  internal  risk  management 
and  control  systems  in  relation  to  the  preparation  of  financial 
information  (Internal  Control  over  Financial  Reporting  System, 
or  ICFRS)  and  nonfinancial  information  (Internal  Control  over 
Non-  Financial  Reporting  System,  or  ICNFRS)  and  the  SAP 
environment; (iii) the Compliance Unit, which is responsible for 
proactively  ensuring  the  effective  operation  of  the  Compliance 
System (notwithstanding which, in the financial and non-financial 
information  processes  it  is  considered  to  have  a  third  line  role 
as it provides independent assurance regarding the risk of non-
compliance with the legal framework); and (iv) the Cybersecurity 
Division  within  the  Corporate  Security  Division,  through  the 
supervision, monitoring and reporting of cybersecurity risks.

The  Internal  Audit  area  proactively  ensures  the  proper 
operation  of  the  internal  control,  risk  management  and 
governance  systems,  systematically  auditing  the  roles  of  the 
first  and  second  lines  in  the  performance  of  their  respective 
duties of management and control.

 To ensure its independence, the director of the Internal Audit 
Area  reports  hierarchically  to  the  chairman  of  the  Board 
of  Directors  and  functionally  to  Iberdrola’s  Audit  and  Risk 
Supervision  Committee  (ARSC).  The  Audit  and  Compliance 
Committees (ACC) and Internal Audit divisions of the various 
country  subholding  companies  have  this  same  positioning, 
and are coordinated under the framework of the Basic Internal 
Audit Regulations. These regulations, approved by the Board 
of  Directors,  form  part  of  the  Governance  and  Sustainability 
System  and  establish  the  rules,  duties,  competencies  and 
powers of Internal Audit, as well as its framework of relations 
within the group. 

The  2021  annual  activities  plans  of  Iberdrola’s  Internal Audit 
Area and of the Internal Audit divisions of the group, with a risk-
based  focus,  responded  to  the  requirements  established  by 
the ARSC and the respective ACCs of the country subholding 
companies, and included:

•  Half-yearly reviews of the operation of the most critical ICFRS 
controls, as well as reviews of the various cycles of financial 
information preparation, within the framework of the revision of 
the entire ICFRS over a 5-year period. 

•  Audits  of  key  corporate  and  business  process  and  risks, 
based on the Risk Policies approved by the Board of Directors 
on an annual basis. 

•  Audits of the compliance programmes..

Principle 5:  
Third line independence

Internal  audit’s  independence  from  the  responsibilities  of 
management is critical to its objectivity, authority and credibility. 
At  Iberdrola  this  is  established  by:  accountability  to  the  Board 
of  Directors;  unfettered  access  to  people,  resources  and 
data  needed  to  complete  its  work;  and  freedom  from  bias  or 
interference in the provision of audit services.

Principle 6:  
Creating and protecting value

At Iberdrola, all of the roles are aligned with each other and with 
the interests of the stakeholders, contributing to the creation and 
protection of value.

External assurance providers

Regulators establish requirements to strengthen the organisations’ 
controls and perform an independent oversight role. The powers 
of  the  ARSC  and  the  ACCs  include  striving  to  preserve  the 
independence of the statutory auditors, who provide assurance 
of the true picture provided by Iberdrola’s financial information.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com84

Governance and Sustainability  |  Risks

5.3. Risks

Risk management within the Iberdrola group is based on foresight, 
independence, commitment to the group’s business objectives and the 
engagement of senior management and the Board.

Commitment of the Board of Directors 
and of senior management

Comprehensive risk control 
and management system

Iberdrola’s  Board  of  Directors  and  senior  management  is 
firmly committed to and engaged in the management of the 
group’s risks:

•  Ex-ante:  levels  of  tolerance  to  risk  are  reviewed  and 
approved  on  an  annual  basis  through  risk  policies  that 
establish  the  qualitative  and  quantitative  risk  appetite  at 
the  group  level  and  at  each  of  the  main  businesses  and 
corporate functions.

•  Ex-post:  regular  monitoring  of  significant  risks  (key  risk 
maps) and threats and the various exposures of the group, 
as well as of compliance with approved risk policies, limits 
and indicators.

Board of 
Directors

Risk Policies

Audit and Risk Supervision 
Committee

Operating 
Committee 
of the group

RISK 
FACTORS 
Identified and 
described in the 
Risk Policies

Boards of 
Country 
Subholding 
Companies

Audit and 
Compliance 
Committees

Risk 
Committee

Corporate Risk 
Division

Country 
Subholding 
Company Risk 
Divisions

2nd lines of expert 
supervision

By way of supplement, the group has a Compliance System, linked to the 
Board’s Sustainable Development Committee, with elements that include 
the Code of Ethics and the Compliance Unit.

The  group’s  General  Risk  Control  and  Management 
Policy  approved  by  the  Board  of  Directors  establishes 
the  mechanisms  and  basic  principles 
for  appropriate 
management of the risk/opportunity ratio, at a risk level that 
makes it possible to: 

•  Attain strategic goals with controlled volatility.
the  group’s  stability, 
•  Ensure 

financial  strength  and 

reputation (Stakeholders).

•  Contribute to meeting the SDGs, with a special focus on 

goals seven and thirteen.

•  Disseminate a risk culture.
The General Risk Control and Management Policy and related 
policies are implemented, in accordance with the three lines 
model, within a comprehensive risk control and management 
system supported by a Risk Committee, which is based on 
properly defining and assigning functions and responsibilities 
at the operational and supervisory level that develop suitable 
procedures, methodologies and support tools.

Functions of the Risk Committee

Active management

Credit risk

Analysis and approval of counterparties and limits, establishment 
of approval criteria, and monitoring of exposures.

Market risk

Analysis  and  approval  of  detailed  limits  and  monitoring  of 
exposures  in  order  to  delimit  the  effects  of  volatility  in  the 
markets.

Second lines coordination / Enterprise Risk Management 
(ERM)

Ensure, under the internationally recognised three lines model, 
that there are mechanisms for all significant risks of the group to 
be controlled at all times and that they are regularly reported to 
the various committees and externally. Instruments and reports::

•  Risk policies and risk limits and indicators.
•  Quarterly report on key risks.
•  Continuous monitoring and detection of emerging risks and 
other  non-financial  risks,  including  environmental,  societal 
and  governance  (ESG)  risks  with  significant  reputational 
consequences.

Global oversight of operational risk by the corporate Insurance, 
Security  and  Cybersecurity,  IT  and  Occupational  Health  and 
Safety units and the business units.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.comGovernance and Sustainability  |  Risks

85

Risk policies and limits of the Iberdrola group

The  General  Risk  Control  and  Management  Policy  is  further  developed  and  supplemented  by  the 
following specific policies established in relation to certain risks, corporate functions or businesses of 
the group, which are also annually approved by the Board of Directors at the head of the group, and 
which include limits and indicators that are subsequently monitored:

Specific risk policies of the businesses:
•  Liberalised Businesses of the Iberdrola group.
•  Renewable Energy Businesses of the Iberdrola group.
•  Networks Businesses of the Iberdrola group.
•  Real Estate Business.

Corporate risk policies:
•  Corporate Credit Risk Policy.
•  Corporate Market Risk Policy.
•  Operational Risk in Market Transactions Policy.
•  Insurance Policy.
•  Investment Policy.
•  Financing and Financial Risk Policy.
•  Treasury Share Policy.
•  Risk Policy for Equity Interests in Listed Companies.
•  Reputational Risk Framework Policy.
•  Purchasing Policy.
•  Information Technologies Policy.
•  Cybersecurity Risk Policy.
•  Occupational Safety and Health Risk Policy.

General Risk Policy

Risk Policies and Limits of the 
Businesses and Corporate Functions

Specific risk procedures 
and reports

Approved by  
the Board of 
Directors

ERM management system
 . Quantitative and 
qualitative limits.
 . Quarterly report on key 
risks and monitoring 
of risk limits and 
indicators.

 . Strategic positioning 
towards risk.
 . Responsibilities to 
manage risk.
 . Proactive and 

preventive actions.

The  country  subholding  companies  adopt  the  group’s  risk  policies  and  specify  the  application 
thereof, approving the guidelines on specific risk limits, based on the nature and particularities of the 
businesses in each country. The listed country subholding companies, and companies with significant 
interests held by other shareholders, approve their own policies under their own special framework of 
strengthened autonomy.

Principal risk factors of the Iberdrola group

The group is exposed to various risks inherent in the different countries, industries and markets in which 
it  operates,  and  which  may  prevent  it  from  achieving  its  objectives  and  implementing  its  strategies. 
These risks are grouped into:

•  Corporate governance risks: risk of breach of applicable 
legislation,  the  Governance  and  Sustainability  System, 
recommendations of the CNMV Code of Good Governance 
or international standards.

•  Market risks: exposure to volatility in variables like prices 
of  electricity  and  other  energy  commodities,  emission 
allowances,  exchange  rates,  interest  rates,  inflation, 
commodities, etc.

•  Credit  risks:  possibility  of  contractual  breach  by  a 
losses, 

counterparty,  causing  economic  or 
including liquidation and replacement cost risks.

financial 

•  Business  risks:  arising  from  uncertainty  as  to  the 
behaviour  of  variables  intrinsic  to  the  business,  such  as 
characteristics of demand, natural resources (wind, solar, 
and especially hydraulic resources), etc.

•  Regulatory  and  political  risks:  coming  from  regulatory 
changes  made  by 
that  can  affect 
remuneration of the regulated businesses, environmental 
or tax provisions, etc.

regulators 

the 

•  Operational  technological,  environmental,  social  and 
legal  risks:  losses  resulting  from  external  events  such 
as  technical  failures,  human  error,  pandemics,  climate 
change, technological obsolescence, cybersecurity, fraud 
and  corruption,  litigation,  construction,  health  and  safety, 
etc.

•  Reputational  risks:  potential  negative  impacts  on  the 
company’s reputation arising from situations or events that 
fail to meet the expectations of its Stakeholders.

Given  the  multidimensional  nature  of  the  risks,  the  taxonomy  defined  in  the  system  contemplates 
additional  classification  variables  for  better  monitoring,  control  and  reporting  of  such  risks.  These 
additional categories include the classification of risks into Structural Risks, Hot Topics and Emerging 
Risks, the latter being understood as potential new threats, the impact of which is as yet uncertain and 
the probability of which undefined, but which are growing and could become significant for the group.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com86

Governance and Sustainability  |  Risks

Risk factors and mitigation measures

Price and demand risks

Changes in 
the price of 
electricity

The main variable affecting the results of the group’s Wholesale and Retail Businesses as 
regards market prices is the price of electricity, which relatively corresponds to the price 
of fuel and applicable emission rights, required to produce such electricity.

The group’s Renewables Businesses preferentially sell their energy at: i) regulated rates; or ii) fixed 
prices via PPAs. The remaining market exposure of the Renewables Businesses is transferred to 
the Customer business in the countries where it is present for integrated management.

Offsetting at-risk positions between wholesale and retail activities allows for a large reduction in the group’s market 
risk; the remaining risk is mitigated via diversification of purchase / sale agreements, and by trading in derivatives. 

Potencial impact of a 5% 
change in the price of 
electricity and / or of energy 
commodities and CO2

Spain: Integrated Wholesale, Renewables and Retail risk

United Kingdom: Integrated Retail and Renewables 
(power from wind farms with ROCs) risk

Mexico: The PPAs with the CFE do not have a market risk

Brazil: Integrated Wholesale, Renewables and Retail risk

United States: For windfarms exposed to the market

International: For windfarms exposed to the market

Change in 
demand

Wholesale, Retail and Renewables: moderate short-term impact, 
given the nature of the group’s generation facilities and the 
structure of the long-term power purchase agreements.

Networks: no impact, except for the Brazilian subsidiaries in between tariff periods.

Possible impact of 1% 
reduction in demand 
in Spain and the 
United Kingdom.

Resource risks

Change in 
hydroelectric 
resources - 
Spain

In the medium-to-long term, humid years are offset 
by dry years. The storage capacity of multi-year 
reservoirs and the group’s portfolio of power plants 
mitigate the level of volatility during the year.

Mitigated thanks to the high number of facilities in 
operation and the geographic dispersion thereof.

In the medium-to-long term, years with more 
wind are offset by years with less wind.

Change 
in wind 
resources - 
group

Financial risks

Change in 
interest rate

The Iberdrola group maintains a fixed-rate and variable-
rate debt structure, based on the structure of its revenues 
and the sensitivity thereof to changes in interest rates.

This risk is mitigated by taking on debt and realising all its financial 
flows in the functional currency corresponding to each company, 
whenever possible and economically efficient, and managing 
its open positions with derivatives. The risk associated with the 
translation of results from subsidiaries is closed out annually.

Lower hydroelectric 
production - Spain

Lower wind 
output - group

Possible impact 
on financial cost of 
+25 bps increase

Possible impact on 
financial cost of 5% 
increase in currency

Renewables 
Business 
- Spain 

Renewables 
Business 
- group

Group 
financial 
cost

Group 
financial 
cost

•  Main sources: amounts outstanding (customers, suppliers, banks, partners, etc.) and cost of replacement.
•  Retail: cost of late payments/defaults has been kept to levels slightly above 1% of total invoicing.
•  Networks: In Spain and in the United Kingdom there is no retail sale of energy, in the United States and Brazil late 

payments are generally recovered through the tariffs

Operational 
risk

These risks are mitigated by making the necessary investments, applying operation and maintenance 
procedures and programmes (supported by quality systems), planning appropriate training and skills 
development for staff, and finally by obtaining appropriate casualty and civil liability insurance.

Regulatory 
and political 
risk

The group is subject to laws and regulations on tariffs and other regulatory aspects of its activities in the 
countries in which it does business. The introduction of new laws / regulations or amendments to existing ones 
could adversely affect operations, annual results and the financial value of the businesses of the group.

Climate 
change risk

Includes the risks of transition (regulatory or market associated with emissions reduction goals) 
and physical risks (deriving from potential impacts of an increase in extreme climate phenomena, 
increase in temperatures, increase in sea level, changes in rain patterns, etc.). 

Iberdrola believes that it is well positioned with respect to this risk, given the 
nature of its current businesses and its main goals for growth.

Annual impact:

< 15 €M

15 €M - 50 €M

> 50 €M 

Integrated report. March 2022

Change in 
exchange rate

Other risks

Credit risk

www.iberdrola.comGovernance and Sustainability  |  Ethics and integrity

87

5.4. Ethics and integrity

Compliance System

Iberdrola’s Compliance System is made up of all of the material rules, formal procedures and actions 
intended  to  ensure  the  that  the  company  conducts  itself  in  accordance  with  ethical  principles  and 
applicable  law  and  to  prevent  improper  conduct  or  conduct  that  is  contrary  to  ethics,  the  law  or  the 
Corporate Governance and Sustainability System that might be committed by the professionals thereof 
within the organisation.

The Code of Ethics, which forms part of Iberdrola’s Corporate Governance System, was approved by 
the Board of Directors in 2002 and is regularly updated. 

Prevent

Detect

React

Main areas of the Compliance System

 . Regular reviews 
of the system
 . Grievance / 

whistieblower 
channels
 . Identification 

and evaluation 
of compliance 
controls

 . Investigation 

of grievances / 
whistleblowing

 . Corrective 

measures for 
the on-going 
improvement of 
the Compliance 
System

 . Regular 

evaluation 
of risks

 . Development 
of policies, 
procedures and 
protocols
 . Training, 

dissemination 
and 
communication 
measures

COMMITMENT OF 
THE GOVERNANCE 
BODIES

INTEGRATED WITHIN 
ORGANISATION

TRACEABLE AND 
DOCUMENTED 
SYSTEM

AUDITABLE AND 
UNDER CONTINUOUS 
IMPROVEMENT

Compliance Unit

Iberdrola, S.A.’s Compliance Unit is a collective, internal and 
permanent  body,  linked  to  the  Sustainable  Development 
Committee  of  the  Board  of  Directors,  responsible  for 
proactively  ensuring  the  effective  operation  of  the  group’s 
Compliance System

In  addition,  there  is  a  Compliance  Division  linked  to  the 
corresponding  Audit  and  Compliance  Committees  at  each 
country  subholding  company  and  each  head  of  business 
company. 

Powers of the Unit

The  Compliance  Unit  has  powers  related  to  the  Code  of 
Ethics, the Anti-Corruption and Anti-Fraud Policy, the Crime 
Prevention Policy, the Internal Regulations for Conduct in the 
Securities Markets, legal provisions regarding the separation 
of  activities,  and  all  other  powers  that  may  be  entrusted 
thereto  by  the  Sustainable  Development  Committee  or  the 
Board of Directors of the Company or that are established in 
the Iberdrola group’s Governance and Sustainability System.

The main activities and areas of activity within the framework 
of  the  Group’s  Compliance  System  are:  (i)  the  regular  and 
ongoing identification and assessment of compliance risks in 
each of the Group’s corporate functions and businesses, (ii) 
the implementation and improvement of the Crime Prevention 
Programmes,  which  are  developed  within  the  scope  of  the 
provisions  of  the  Spanish  Criminal  Code,  (iii)  training  and 
communication  activities  aimed  at  all  professionals  of  the 
Group,  (iv)  the  development  and  implementation  of  rules 
and controls to minimise the risk of crime, particularly fraud 
and  corruption,  (v)  actions  to  ensure  compliance  with  the 
rules  on  market  abuse  and  separation  of  activities,  and  (vi) 
management of the ethics mailboxes.

Principal awards / recognitions

Iberdrola  renewed 

In  2021, 
the  Compliance  Leader 
Verification  certification,  awarded  by  Ethisphere  Institute 
to  companies  that  show  they  have  an  ethical  culture 
implemented within all of their businesses and activities as 
well as a robust and effective compliance system.

In  2021,  Iberdrola  renewed  the  certifications  provided 
by  AENOR  in  2017:  UNE-ISO  37001  on  anti-bribery 
management systems and UNE 19601 on penal compliance 
management systems.

Iberdrola has been chosen for the eighth consecutive year as 
one of the most ethical companies in the world, according to 
the World’s Most Ethical Companies 2021 ranking prepared 
by  the  Ethisphere  Institute,  thus  recognising  the  ethical 
leadership and conduct of the organisation.  

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com88

Governance and Sustainability  |  Cybersecurity and information privacy

5.5. Cybersecurity and information privacy

Iberdrola, as a leading company in innovation, digitalisation and smart grids, accords strategic importance 
to cyber-resilience. For this reason, in 2015, the Board of Directors approved a Cybersecurity Risk Policy, 
pledging to introduce the necessary measures for promoting a robust cybersecurity culture throughout the 
Group by encouraging the secure use of cyber-assets, and strengthening the capacity to detect, prevent, 
defend against, and respond to cyberattacks or cybersecurity threats. 

This  Policy  and  the  cybersecurity  risk  strategy  and  global  framework  are  focused  on  integrating 
cybersecurity  in  all  strategic  and  operational  decisions  of  the  company  and  on  taking  it  into  account 
beginning with the design of new projects and processes, based on following pillars:

Governance

Collaboration

Security  
culture

Strategic  
Pillars of Cyberse-
curity

Assurance

Proactive  
risk 
management

Resilience

•  Governance:  global  cybersecurity  governance  system, 
with direct responsibility for the company’s business and 
support areas, under the coordination and oversight of the 
Cybersecurity Division.

•  Culture: identifying and developing cybersecurity skills and 
knowledge,  and  delivering  a  commensurate  cybersecurity 
training  programme  to  all  staff  that  promotes  a  strong 
cybersecurity culture throughout the company.

•  Risk  management: 

implementing 
defining 
comprehensive cybersecurity risk management plans by 
prioritising resources based on a sound risk assessment, 
with a focus on business-critical infrastructure and essential 
services.

and 

•  Resilience:  implementation  of  technology  (SIEMs/SOCs) 
and  global  and  local  cybersecurity  incident  response  teams 
(CSIRTs), which operate 24x7 and act as a point of contact 
to  ensure  the  successful  detection  and  management  of 
security threats, vulnerabilities and incidents.

•  Assurance:  strict  regulation  in  the  various  countries  in 
which  it  operates  (GDPR,  SOX,  NIS,  PIC,  NERC,  etc.), 
regular  internal  and  external  audits,  enhanced  assurance 
programme  for  critical  systems  and  assets  that  support 
essential operational processes.

•  Partnerships:  with  law  enforcement  agencies,  government 
agencies,  product  and  service  providers,  other  companies 
and industry expert groups, etc., to reinforce system-wide.

To lead the deployment of the Policy throughout the group, Iberdrola has appointed a Chief Information 
Security  Officer  (CISO),  who  regularly  reports  to  the Audit  and  Risk  Supervision  Committee  of  the 
Board of Directors, together with the CISOs of the country subholding companies.

Furthermore,  Iberdrola  pays  special  attention  to  ensuring  the  privacy  of  the  personal  information  of 
the  group’s  Stakeholders.  For  this  purpose,  the  company  has  a  Personal  Data  Protection  Policy, 
approved by the Board of Directors, and conforming to the European Global Data Protection Regulation 
(GDPR). In addition, in recent years, a data protection management system has been developed and 
implemented to ensure systematic compliance over time with the GDPR, the Binding Corporate Rules 
and the personal data protection laws of each of the countries in which the group is present.

Responsibility  for  the  protection  of  personal  data  lies  with  the  businesses  and  corporate  functions, 
organisations that process this data, under the coordination and supervision of the Data Protection 
Officer, with the support of the Legal Services.

For  more  information,  please  consult  the  document  “Statement  of  Non-Financial  Information  2021” 
published on Iberdrola’s corporate website.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance and Sustainability  |  Promotion of socially responsible practices in the supply chain

89

5.6. Promotion of socially responsible 
practices in the supply chain

The Iberdrola group’s supply chain consists of two different processes:

•  The  procurement  of  material  and  equipment  and  the  contracting  of  works  and  services,  which  is  the 

responsibility of the group’s Purchasing and Insurance Division.

•  The procurement of fuel, which is handled by the Wholesale and Retail Business.

Iberdrola placed orders with more than 19,000 suppliers during 2021. A breakdown of the economic 
and geographic volume is set out in the following chart:

General supply of equipment, materials, works and services (more than 9,400 million euros)

Iberdrola follows a local supplier strategy for its strategic contracting that has allowed for the creation 
of  indirect  employment  and  the  maintenance  of  a  strong  industrial  fabric  in  the  geographical  areas 
in which it does business. In line with this strategy, 87.90% of purchases or contracts for materials, 
equipment, works and services were with local suppliers in 2021. 

Iberdrola has the responsibility and the ability to motivate its suppliers to improve their environmental, 
ethical  and  social  performance  through  actions  that  foster  excellence  in  their  management 
of sustainability.

Highest level commitment to the sustainability of our supply chain

Iberdrola’s commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards and their expansion 
to cover its main suppliers is embodied in the ambitious goal of ensuring that at least 70% of the group’s 
main suppliers are subject to sustainable development policies and standards by 2022.

Supplier sustainability evaluation model 

2021 saw strengthened use of the global supplier 
sustainability evaluation model, organised around 
three core ESG pillars of sustainability.

The  assessment  of  a  supplier  measures  the 
in  highly  significant 
supplier’s  performance 
attributes:  identification  of  objectives  linked  to 
the  Sustainable  Development  Goals  (SDGs), 
management  of  climate  change  risk,  circular 
economy  strategy,  human  rights  due  diligence, 
etc.

The following information is assessed as part of 
the three dimensions analysed: 

Environmental

Social

Governance

40%

30%

30%

• Existing policies
•  Management 

Systems

• Greenhouse Gases
• Biodiversity
• Climate Change
• Water Management

• Human rights
• Diversity
•  Management 

Systems

•  Contributions to 

Society

•  Reporting and 
transparency

•  Existing policies
•  SDGs
•  Ethics and 
compliance

•  Sanctions
•  Stakeholders
•  Supply Chain

At  year-end  2021,  more  than  73%  of  the  group’s  main  suppliers  that  were  awarded  contracts 
in  the  2020-2021  period  already  meet  the  stipulated  criteria  and  are  subject  to  sustainable 
development policies and standards.

Integrated report. March 2022

Suministro general de equipos, materiales, obras y servicios (más de 9.400 millones de euros) 2,4051,2253,0311,400395967SpainUnited KingdomUnited StatesBrazilMexicoIEI2021www.iberdrola.com90

Governance and Sustainability  |  Fiscal responsibility

5.7. Fiscal responsibility

Iberdrola has a Corporate Tax Policy that sets out the group’s tax strategy, based on ensuring compliance 
with applicable tax regulations, excellence and commitment to applying good tax practices, within the 
framework of the group’s corporate and governance structure. The Corporate Tax Policy is applicable to 
all companies of the group in all of the countries in which it operates.

The  fiscally  responsible  conduct  of  all  companies  within  the  Iberdrola  group  is  part  of  the  General 
Sustainable Development Policy, inspired by the Purpose and Values of the Iberdrola group, based on 
a commitment to ethical principles, good corporate governance, transparency and institutional loyalty.

The Board of Directors of Iberdrola S.A. is vested with the power to design, evaluate, and review the 
Governance and Sustainability System on an ongoing basis, and specifically to approve and update 
corporate policies, including the Corporate Tax Policy. In addition, the Board of Directors is responsible 
for preparing the tax strategy and approving investments or transactions which, due to their magnitude 
or characteristics, are of special tax relevance.

The application of the Corporate Tax Policy is integrated within the Group as follows:

Fiscally responsible behaviour

Iberdrola has had a Corporate Tax Policy in place since 2010. The Policy is available on its website. The Board of Directors is in 
charge of formally adopting the Policy and its updates.

To guarantee a responsible tax approach, Iberdrola strives to ensure that taxation is appropriately related to the structure and location 
of  its  activities  and  fosters  a  relationship  with  the  tax  authorities  based  on  respect  for  the  law,  loyalty,  trust,  professionalism, 
cooperation, reciprocity, and good faith.

Tax governance and risk management

Responsibility

The Board of Directors of Iberdrola, S.A., through its chairman & CEO and the management team, fosters the 
monitoring of tax principles and good tax practices. Likewise, the respective boards of directors of the country 
subholding companies are responsible for ensuring compliance with the Corporate Tax Policy at country level.

Control and 
monitoring

Risk management 
and compliance

To  achieve  efficient  control  and  correct  compliance  with  tax  governance  requirements,  the  applicable  tax 
legislation and the principles of the Corporate Tax Policy are monitored at all levels.

The  Company’s  Global  Tax  Division  approves  and  periodically  reviews  guidelines  for  the  evaluation  and 
management of tax risk applicable to all companies of the group. In turn, the head of business companies report 
to  the  country  subholding  companies  regarding  the  level  of  compliance  with  the  Corporate Tax  Policy,  and  in 
turn, the Audit and Compliance Committees of the country subholding companies report to the Audit and Risk 
Supervision  Committee  of  Iberdrola  S.A.  Finally,  the Audit  and  Risk  Supervision  Committee  of  Iberdrola,  S.A. 
reports its findings to the Board of Directors.

Iberdrola seeks to prevent and reduce significant tax risks, and for such purpose has established objective 
criteria to classify transactions according to their tax risk. In keeping with this commitment, the company does 
not include within its controlled affiliates and assets any that are resident in tax havens, pursuant to the laws in 
this regard (Royal Decree 1080/1991) or in territories classified by the European Union in its black list as non-
cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes.

Stakeholder engagement in tax matters

Among other measures, since 2019, Iberdrola has voluntarily prepared the “Report on Tax Transparency of the Iberdrola group. Our 
commitment to society”, which sets out all significant issues from a tax standpoint.

Furthermore, Iberdrola makes specifics ethics mailboxes available to its stakeholders, which constitute tools to report conduct that could 
entail an irregularity or conduct contrary to the law or the internal rules or procedures. 

Fiscal contribution of Iberdrola in 2021 (€M)

  Company contributions 

  Contributions due to third-party payments 

  Total contributions

Integrated report. March 2022

3,1254,7117,836www.iberdrola.com91

6.  About this report

6.1. About this report

6.2. Glossary of terms and abbreviations

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com92

About this report

6.1. About this report

Integrated Report

Iberdrola’s performance

•  The  group’s  performance  in  recent  years  has  been 
influenced  by  external  corporate  transactions,  which 
the  reader  should  take  into  account  in  order  to  properly 
interpret this report. These transactions and activities are 
described  in  the  group’s  public  information,  the  following 
being particularly noteworthy:

the 

initial  public  offering  of 

•  In  the  United  States,  the  integration  of  UIL  Holdings 
Corporation  and 
the 
group’s  US  sub-holding  company,  AVANGRID,  Inc. 
(December 2015), together with the merger agreement 
for  the  acquisition  of  100%  of  the  share  capital  of 
PNM  Resources,  Inc.  by  AVANGRID,  Inc.  This  latter 
agreement,  signed  in  October  2020,  is  subject  to 
acquisition of the required approvals and authorisations.

•  In Brazil, the inclusion of all the businesses that the group 
had  through  Elektro  Holding  S.A.  within  Neoenergia 
S.A.,  which  thus  became  the  Iberdrola  group’s  country 
sub-holding company in Brazil (August 2017), the initial 
public  offering  of  Neoenergia  S.A.  (July  2019)  and  the 
award  at  public  auction  of  100%  of  the  share  capital 
of  the  Brazilian  company  CEB  Distribuição  S.A.  to  a 
whollyowned subsidiary of Neoenergia S.A. (December 
2020).

•  In Australia, the acquisition of 98% of the share capital of 
Infigen Energy Limited and Infigen Energy RE Limited by 
Iberdrola Renewables Australia Pty Ltd (October 2020). 

•  Other transactions completed during 2021 included: 

 ○ The signing of an agreement with GS Energy for joint 
development  of  projects  in  South  Korea  and  other 
Asian regions;

 ○ The acquisition of Sowitec Vietnam, with a 550 MW 

renewables portfolio in the country;

 ○ The agreement with DP Energy to acquire a majority 
stake in offshore wind projects on the east, west and 
south coasts of Ireland;

 ○ The  signing  of  an  agreement  with  the  Japanese 
renewable energy developer Cosmo Eco Power and 
the engineering firm Hitz for the joint development of 
the  Seihoku-oki  offshore  wind  project  (600  MW)  in 
Aomori prefecture, in northwest Japan;

 ○ The  agreement  with  CEE  Equity  Partners  for  the 
acquisition  of  new  renewable  capacity  in  Poland, 
comprising three wind farms with a total capacity of 
163 megawatts;

 ○ The creation of a consortium with Total Energies and 
Norsk Havvind to bid for the tender launched by the 
Norwegian authorities to develop floating and fixed-
bottom offshore wind projects in Norway;

 ○ The  award  by  Avangrid  of  the  construction  of 
Commonwealth  Wind,  a  1,232  MW  offshore  wind 
farm in the state of Massachusetts.

•  This report has been prepared in accordance with, among 
other  guidelines,  the  reporting  framework  published  by 
the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) and 
in  accordance  with  the  recommendations  thereof,  taking 
into  consideration  the  separate  and  consolidated  annual 
financial statements formulated by the Board of Directors, 
audited and pending approval by the shareholders at the 
General Shareholders’ Meeting of Iberdrola.

•  To prepare the report, a multi-disciplinary team made up 
of  corporate  businesses  and  areas  was  created  in  order 
to  provide  a  complete  view  of  the  group,  its  business 
model,  the  challenges  and  risks  it  faces,  and  its  social, 
environmental, financial and governance performance The 
participating organisations guarantee the completeness of 
the information included.

•  The main operating and financial figures were approved by 
the Board of Directors at its meeting held on 22 February 
2022,  after  a  favourable  report  from  the  Sustainable 
Development Committee.

Material aspects

•  Iberdrola  has  channels  of  communication  and  dialogue 
with  its  Stakeholders,  developed  in  accordance  with  the 
principles of the AA1000 Assurance Standard, as described 
in detail in the Stakeholder Engagement Policy and in the 
Statement  of  Non-Financial  Information.  Sustainability 
Report 2021.

•  The  Company  performs  materiality  analyses  that  help 
identify matters of significance to its Stakeholders, bringing 
to light particularly sensitive financial, environmental, social 
and corporate governance issues related to the business 
in the various communities and geographic areas in which 
the group operates.

•  The contents of this report have been selected by taking 
into account the existing channels for dialogue as well as 
the materiality analyses and the framework defined by the 
IIRC for this kind of information..

Information boundaries

•  The  information  submitted  covers  Iberdrola  and  its 
subsidiaries and affiliates. The information boundaries are 
defined  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  and  in 
the Statement of Non-Financial Information. Sustainability 
Report 2021.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.comAbout this report

93

Verification

•  This  report  has  been  subject  to  a  process  of  internal 

revision.

•  Although  it  has  not  been  subject  to  a  process  of 
independent  external  assurance,  a  significant  portion  of 
the information contained herein related to financial year 
2021 and to previous years, comes from annual financial 
reports  and  Non-Financial  Information  Statements  - 
Sustainability Reports, all of which have been subject to 
an external audit or assurance. The remaining information 
mainly comes from other reports or public presentations.

Legal disclaimer with respect to 
forward-looking statements

•  This  document  contains  forward-looking  information 
and  statements  about  Iberdrola  and  its  affiliates.  Such 
include  projections  and 
information  or  statements 
estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements 
regarding plans, objectives and expectations with respect 
to  future  operations,  capital  expenditures,  synergies, 
products and services, and statements regarding future 
performance. Forward-looking statements are statements 
that are not historical facts and are generally identified by 
the words “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, 
“estimates” and similar expressions. 

that 

forward-looking 

Iberdrola  believes 
in  such 

the  expectations 
•  Although 
reflected 
information  or 
statements are reasonable, investors and holders of the 
Company’s  shares  are  cautioned  that  forward-looking 
information and statements are subject various to risks 
and  uncertainties,  many  of  which  are  difficult  to  predict 
and generally beyond the control of Iberdrola, that could 
cause actual results and developments to differ materially 
from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the 
forward-looking information and statements. These risks 
and  uncertainties  include  those  discussed  or  identified 
in  the  documents  filed  by  Iberdrola  with  the  National 
Securities  Market  Commission  and  which  are  available 
to the public.

•  Forward-looking information and statements speak only 
as of the date on which they were made, are not guarantees 
of  future  performance,  and  have  not  been  reviewed 
by  the  auditors  of  Iberdrola.  You  are  cautioned  not  to 
place undue reliance on the forward-looking information 
or  statements.  All  the  forward-looking  information  and 
statements hereby made are qualified by the cautionary 
statement above and are based on information available 
on  the  date  of  approval  hereof.  Except  as  required  by 
applicable  law,  Iberdrola  undertakes  no  obligation  to 
publicly update any statements or revise forward-looking 
information,  whether  as  a  result  of  new  information, 
future events or otherwise.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.com94

About this report

Integrated Report, march 2022

Published by: IBERDROLA, SA.

Spain © 2022 IBERDROLA, S.A. All rights reserved.

For purposes of Section 32 of the restated text of the Intellectual Property Act approved by Royal Legislative Decree

1/1996 of 12 April, IBERDROLA, S.A. expressly objects to any commercial use of this publication without its express

approval, particularly including any reproduction, modification, registration, copy, exploitation, distribution,

communication, transmission, delivery, re-use, publication, processing or any other total or partial use of this

publication in any way, means or format.

Except as allowed by law, any form of reproduction, distribution, public communication or transformation of this work

may only be performed with the prior approval of IBERDROLA, S.A.

Integrated report. March 2022

www.iberdrola.comAbout this report  |  Glossary of terms and abbreviations

95

6.2. Glossary of terms and abbreviations

Term

Definition

Term

Definition

AENOR

Spanish Association for Standardisation 
and Certification (Asociación Española de 
Normalización y Certificación), Spain.

R&D

Research & Development

ANEEL

National Electrical Energy Agency (Agência 
Nacional de Energia Elétrica), Brazil.

IFRS

International Financial Reporting Standards

CAC

Audit and Compliance Committee

IIRC

International Integrated Reporting Council

CAPEX

CApital EXpenditure

ARSC

Audit and Risk Supervision Committee

CCEE

Electricity Clearinghouse (Cámara de 
Comercialização de Energia Elétrica), Brazil.

ISO

VAT

MME

International Standards Organization

Value-Added Tax (Impuesto sobre el Valor Añadido)

Ministry of Mines and Energy (Ministério 
de Minas e Energia), Brazil.

EC

European Commission

MW

Megawatt

CENACE

National Energy Control Centre (Centro 
Nacional de Control de Energía), Mexico.

SDGs

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

CFE

Federal Energy Commission (Comisión 
Federal de la Energía), Mexico.

OHSAS

Occupational Health and Safety 
Assessment Specification

CISO

Chief Information Security Officer

OPEX

OPerational EXpenditure

CNMC

CNMV

National Commission on Markets and 
Competition (Comisión Nacional de los 
Mercados y la Competencia), Spain.

PNIEC

Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (Plan 
Nacional Integrado de Energía y Clima), Spain.

National Securities Market Commission (Comisión 
Nacional del Mercado de Valores), Spain.

PPA

Power Purchase Agreement

CO2

Carbon dioxide

COVID-19

COronaVIrus Disease 2019

RD

RDL

Royal Decree (Spain)

Royal Decree-Law (Spain)

CRE

Energy Regulation Commission (Comisión 
Reguladora de la Energía), Mexico

RIIO

Revenue=Incentives+Innovation+Outputs.

CSIRT

Computer Security Incident Response Team

SASB

Sustainability Accounting Standards Board

EBITDA

Earnings Before Interests, Taxes, 
Depreciations and Amortizations

SBTi

Science Based Targets initiative

ESG

Environmental, Social and Governance

SPD

ScottishPower Distribution

EU-ETS

European Union Emissions Trading Scheme

SPEN

ScottishPower Energy Networks

GJ

GRI

Gigajoules

SPM

ScottishPower Manweb

Global Reporting Initiative

STEM

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

GWh

Gigawatt hour

TCFD

Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure.

CEF

Corporate Environmental Footprint

WBCSD

World Business Council for 
Sustainable Development

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