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Energy is a fundamental driver of progress and innovation across all sectors, serving as a catalyst for economic and social transformation. The Bankinter Innovation Foundation’s Akademia programme addresses energy comprehensively, focusing on emerging sources like renewable energy and green hydrogen, as well as advanced technologies that are reshaping the future. Through expert guidance and practical case studies, students explore how improvements in energy availability and efficiency enable new business opportunities and disruptive innovations. Central to this transformation is the role of innovation—particularly digitalization and artificial intelligence—which optimize energy management via smart grids and promote a circular economy that maximizes resource efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.
The programme also highlights the critical interdependence between energy and water, known as the water-energy nexus, emphasizing innovative solutions such as solar-powered desalination and energy-efficient water treatment that support sustainability. Achieving Net Zero emissions is a core goal, with advances in renewable integration, carbon capture, and energy storage technologies—like next-generation batteries and thermal systems—addressing challenges like energy intermittency. Flagship projects, including Masdar City and Europe’s Hydrogen Valleys, exemplify these integrated approaches. Overall, the Akademia programme equips future leaders with the knowledge and tools to navigate and drive the ongoing global energy transition toward a sustainable and innovative future.
Change the power source and you'll be innovating. In the Akademia program, students explore the latest trends and technologies that are transforming the energy sector, preparing them to lead the transition to a more sustainable world
Energy is the engine that drives progress and innovation in all sectors of society. In the Akademia programme of the Bankinter Innovation Foundation, this topic is addressed from a comprehensive perspective, exploring the new energy sources and emerging technologies that are shaping the future. This article, the third in a series exploring the key themes of the programme, focuses on energy as a catalyst for economic and social transformation.
Energy: the foundation of progress
In the current context, energy plays a vital role for the functioning of all sectors of the global economy and, specifically, of all the trends addressed in the Akademia programme. During the energy session of the Akademia program, students discuss emerging trends in the energy sector, from the rise of renewable energy to the development of advanced technologies such as green hydrogen.
Experts such as Nieves Cifuentes from Naturgy, Fernando Torrico from Iberdrola and Daniel Ballorca from Hyperbaric, guide students in understanding how each advance in the availability and efficiency of energy sources can trigger waves of innovation in different sectors. These advances open up new opportunities for business development and disruptive technologies.
The role of innovation in the energy transition
Innovation plays a central role in the evolution of the energy sector. Experts participating in the Akademia programme underline how digitalisation and artificial intelligence are transforming the way energy is managed and distributed. The implementation of smart grids, for example, allows for more efficient management of energy resources, optimizing generation and consumption in real time.
Another relevant aspect is the circular economy applied to the energy sector, which seeks to maximise efficiency and minimise waste. Students learn how new technologies enable the reuse and recycling of materials, as well as the integration of systems that reduce the environmental impact of energy production and consumption.
Case studies and real-world applications
The practical approach of the Akademia program is reflected in the analysis of real cases and the discussion of innovative projects that are transforming the energy sector. Students have the opportunity to develop their own projects, applying the methodologies learned to face challenges such as decarbonization, the integration of renewable energies and the creation of resilient and sustainable energy systems. In addition, interaction with industry experts allows them to understand the complexities and opportunities of the energy transition, preparing them to play an active role in this global change.
Energy for a sustainable future
The study of energy in the Akademia Programme of the Bankinter Innovation Foundation provides students with the tools and knowledge necessary to lead the transition towards a more sustainable energy future. From technological innovation to efficient resource management, every aspect of energy is explored with the aim of training the leaders who will guide this transformation.
New innovations in energy: from Net Zero to the water-energy nexus
The concept of Net Zero is one of the most relevant pillars in the global energy transformation. It refers to the ability of a system, whether it is the planet, a country, a company, or even a city, to balance the amount of greenhouse gases it emits with the amount that is removed from the atmosphere. This balance is crucial to meet the climate goals of the Paris Agreement and avoid a global rise in temperatures beyond 1.5ºC.
Technological innovations are playing a key role in this process. From integrating renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, to the use of advanced technologies such as green hydrogen and long-life batteries, multiple tools are being developed to reduce emissions to zero. In addition, carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) is advancing as a key solution to address residual emissions from hard-to-decarbonise sectors such as cement, steel and aviation.
The Water-Energy Nexus: Critical Interdependence in a Sustainable World
One of the less visible but crucial challenges in the energy transition is the nexus between water and energy. Energy production requires large amounts of water, either for cooling in power plants or for processes such as oil or gas extraction. In turn, the water supply also consumes energy, especially in areas that rely on pumping or desalination.
Innovative solutions at the water-energy nexus are transforming the way we use both resources. For example, the implementation of solar energy technologies for desalination is allowing water-scarce areas, such as some regions of the Middle East, to be supplied with drinking water without increasing their carbon footprint. In addition, advances in the energy efficiency of pumping and water treatment systems make it possible to reduce energy consumption significantly.
Another booming area is the development of technologies that minimize the use of water in energy production. Solar thermal and wind power plants require significantly less water than traditional coal or gas-fired plants, contributing to a reduction in environmental impact.
Digitalization and the role of artificial intelligence
Digitalization and artificial intelligence are other key components for optimizing water and energy use. AI-based management systems allow real-time monitoring of resources, optimizing the distribution and consumption of both water and energy. These systems help prevent leaks, improve efficiency and ensure a more stable supply, which is essential to achieving global sustainability goals.
The circular economy in the energy transition
Another key innovation is the application of circular economy principles in the energy sector. This approach promotes the reuse of resources and minimizes waste through recycling and efficiency in the use of materials. In this sense, the reuse of materials and the creation of modular and recyclable energy infrastructures are emerging as an effective strategy to reduce environmental impact.
Companies and projects around the world are exploring how to harness waste materials to generate clean energy. For example, organic waste can be transformed into biogas through anaerobic digestion, while industrial and construction waste can be recycled and used in more sustainable energy processes.
Innovations in energy storage: key to a Net Zero future
One of the great challenges to achieving a Net Zero future is the intermittency of renewable energy sources such as wind and sun. To solve this problem, innovations in energy storage are advancing rapidly. Lithium-ion batteries, although already predominant, are being complemented by new technologies such as flow batteries, gravity storage or hydrogen-based solutions, which allow energy to be stored on a large scale for longer.
In addition, thermal storage systems, which capture and store heat generated by solar plants, are beginning to play a vital role in the stability of power grids, providing a reliable source of energy even when the sun is out.
Flagship projects: an example of the water-energy nexus and Net Zero
A concrete example of the water-energy nexus combined with the goals of Net Zero is the Masdar City project in Abu Dhabi. This carbon-neutral city integrates solar energy solutions, efficient desalination systems, and advanced water recycling technologies to achieve energy self-sufficiency and efficient water use.
Another example is the Hydrogen Valleys project in Europe, which aims to use green hydrogen not only as a clean energy source, but also as a storage mechanism, ensuring the stability of energy grids while minimizing the use of water in energy production.
This article is part of a series that explores the key themes of the Akademia program. Coming soon, we’ll address how other areas like artificial intelligence and data are interconnected with energy and how together they’re shaping the future. Stay tuned for more insights on how to prepare to lead in an innovation-driven world.
More articles in this series:
Exploring the Future: contents of the Bankinter Innovation Foundation’s Akademia Programme
If you are interested in learning more about the Akademia Program, we invite you to visit the Foundation’s website.
