I-DE REDES ELECTRICAS INTELIGENTESSA

Their core work

I-DE Redes Eléctricas Inteligentes is the electricity distribution subsidiary of Iberdrola, one of Europe's largest energy utilities, operating Spain's smart grid infrastructure from Bilbao. They specialize in integrating distributed generation, demand response, and renewable energy sources into transmission and distribution networks. Their H2020 work focuses on real-world large-scale demonstrations of TSO-DSO coordination, smart charging infrastructure for electric fleets, and positive energy districts in urban environments.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Their early H2020 work (2015-2017) centered on grid modernization and electric vehicle charging — UPGRID tested distributed generation integration while ASSURED tackled fast charging for heavy-duty urban fleets. From 2019 onward, their focus shifted decisively toward energy market architecture: TSO-DSO coordination schemes, grid service procurement, demand response markets, and positive energy districts. This evolution mirrors the broader European energy transition from infrastructure deployment to market and regulatory frameworks for managing decentralized energy.

Moving toward system-level energy orchestration — designing how distributed resources, markets, and consumers interact at city and network scale.

How they like to work

I-DE operates primarily as a participant or third party rather than leading consortia, having coordinated only 1 of 6 projects (UPGRID). With 235 unique consortium partners across 28 countries, they are deeply networked across European energy research. Their role is typically that of a large-scale infrastructure operator providing real grid environments for demonstration and validation — they bring the distribution network where others test their solutions.

Exceptionally broad network of 235 partners across 28 countries, reflecting Iberdrola's position as a major European DSO. Their partnerships span utilities, technology providers, research institutes, and municipalities across nearly all EU member states.

What sets them apart

As Iberdrola's distribution arm, I-DE offers something few partners can: access to a real, large-scale electricity distribution network for testing and demonstration. This makes them invaluable for any project that needs to validate smart grid, demand response, or market solutions beyond the lab. Their Bilbao base also positions them as a smart city demonstration site, as shown in the ATELIER project.

Highlights from their portfolio

• UPGRID
  Their only coordinated project (EUR 1.57M) — demonstrated active demand and distributed generation integration on real grid infrastructure.
• CoordiNet
  Large-scale demonstration of TSO-DSO coordination with EUR 841K funding, addressing one of Europe's most pressing grid challenges.
• ATELIER
  Long-running smart city project (2019-2026) positioning Bilbao as a positive energy district — shows their commitment to urban energy transformation.