Europe has reached a decisive moment for its energy future, and companies such as Enagás are supporting it with a clear commitment to the energy transition through renewable hydrogen. In addition to technology and investment, key tools on this journey, there’s a component which is key to facilitating the transformation: people. So we spoke to the talent that’s enabling the energy transition to take place.
Professionals with a wide range of profiles from different areas of the organisation are working on projects that are shaping the future of energy in Spain and Europe. They’re doing so with a firm undertaking to integrate sustainability into all their corporate decisions.
The energy transition in which hydrogen will play a leading role must be guided by sound sustainability principles. This dimension entails making decisions aligned with environmental, social and governance criteria and doing so across all the levels of the organisation.
Ainara Ballesteros, coordinator of the Sustainability and Climate Action Directorate, summed things up with great clarity: “The sector needs talent with a purpose. Although technical expertise is key, it isn’t enough in an environment characterised by constant technological, regulatory and market changes”.
“The sector needs talent with a purpose. Although technical expertise is key, it isn’t enough in an environment characterised by constant technological, regulatory and market changes”
This holistic view of sustainability requires multi-disciplinary teams capable of integrating ESG criteria into all the phases of energy development. Every decision counts, whether it be related to engineering, relationships with local communities, regulation or digitalisation.
Not only to move projects forward, but also to attract talent. “It’s becoming increasingly evident that talented people, especially the younger generations, want their work to be aligned with their values. This is why they’re seeking organisations that coherently integrate sustainability into their strategy, decisions and internal culture”, emphasised Ballesteros.
Due to the exponential growth of the renewable hydrogen market, Enagás created a dedicated strategic area with a predominance of talent specialising in areas such as infrastructures, electrolysis and the regulatory framework affecting this renewable gas.
Javier Bomboí, a technician from the Hydrogen Directorate, is one of its professionals. With a track record that reflects the vitality with which the sector has evolved, he highlighted the importance of being able to turn to on specialised technical profiles. “I’ve always been passionate about new challenges, and the idea of exploring renewable gases for their further development proved to be a major motivation for me”.
“Digitalisation has become a condition that’s key to ensuring the efficiency and scalability of projects”
“Having seen that the energy transition was progressing at breakneck speed, we began working hard on developing renewable hydrogen projects with different key domestic players”, he recalled.
He also pointed out that digitalisation has become a key condition to ensuring the efficiency and scalability of projects. “Nowadays, everything is managed in digital and collaborative environments. If we want projects to be developed seamlessly, efficiently and securely, we need profiles that have mastered the new tools”, declared Bomboí. He also underlined the importance of communication in this process to ensure that society understands and fearlessly supports the energy changes while having access to the right information.
Moreover, adapting existing infrastructures to incorporate renewable gases is one of the major technical challenges facing the energy transition.
Raquel Fernández Riesgo, a technician at Musel E-Hub in Gijón, has had first-hand experience of this evolution. Her interest in the energy sector was aroused during an internship at thermal power plants, where she became aware of the responsibility involved in guaranteeing the functioning of energy systems.
As for the transformation of existing plants, their adaptation to renewable gases and their conversion into multi-molecule plants, she stated that “significant steps are being taken”. There are numerous lines of work that are open. The beginnings will involve lots of trial and error, just like in any transformation process, but progress will be made in the not-too-distant future”, she declared.
Against this backdrop, technical skills are only part of the equation. Adaptability, uncertainty management and a strategic vision are becoming essential. “We have to know how to prioritise what really adds value. This can change over time, so flexibility in this sector is key”, concluded Fernández Riesgo.
“We have to know how to prioritise what really adds value. This can change over time, so flexibility in this sector is key”
The new generations coming into the energy sector are creating a more collaborative, streamlined and change-oriented culture. Alejandro Carvajal Martínez, a Digitalisation Management technician, highlighted the role that this new mentality can play in transformation processes.
“The academic training and context of young profiles provide us with a better understanding of current-day challenges and allow us to put forward solutions. Moreover, our mastery of digital tools and the collaborative approach we bring to the table can accelerate the transformation towards a more sustainable and efficient energy model”, he stated.
“The new generations coming into the energy sector are creating a more collaborative, streamlined and change-oriented culture”
Digitalisation, in particular, is one of the areas in which these generations are making a difference. “I’ve developed skills related to data analysis, process digitalisation and collaborative tools. I’ve also acquired a more comprehensive vision of the sector and greater sensitivity towards energy and environmental challenges, especially with regard to sustainability and decarbonisation”, declared Carvajal.
The energy transition is a tangible process that’s already underway, driven by professionals who combine technical expertise, environmental sensitivity and vocation. They’re people who are striving to make the energy set to power the future cleaner.
Enagás understands that great changes are built from within. That people are the real driving force behind the energy transformation. And that investing in talent, diversity and a culture of innovation is the best way to ensure a sustainable energy future.
