• GDES CEO, Héctor Dominguis, pointed out that Spain currently has an excellent energy mix, combining renewables with nuclear energy.
• The Director General of Energy and Mines of the Valencia Regional Government, Manuel Argüelles, recognised the role that GDES plays in photovoltaics and energy efficiency and its ability to provide solutions to drive all decarbonisation technologies, including nuclear and renewables.
• During the event, GDES presented its cutting-edge technologies in the fields of sensor systems, digital twinning of facilities, artificial intelligence, big data and robotic solutions.

The  Valencia-based group GD Energy Services (GDES) assembled representatives and leading experts in the energy and agri-food sectors at its first Tech Day, held at The Terminal Hub, where they discussed the main challenges and opportunities for sustainability, efficiency and digital transformation.

The decarbonisation of the economy, the energy transition, the circular economy and the optimisation of industrial processes through cutting-edge digital tools. These topics formed the backdrop of the event, hosted by Héctor Dominguis, President and CEO of GDES, who highlighted the innovative spirit and capacity for adaptation that have marked the history of the business group for more than a century: “since our inception more than 100 years ago, we have always been a company committed to tackling challenges with innovative ideas”.

Another of the topics addressed by Dominguis was the need to shift the ideological focus away from energy issues. He stressed that the current Spanish energy mix is strong “because it is so diverse and each form of energy performs its function”. In his opinion, renewable and nuclear energies are complementary “and relying too heavily on a single source of power carries risks for competitiveness and supply. We now have an excellent mix and changing it for political or ideological reasons is a mistake that we must avoid”. Enrique Selva, CEO of Umbrella Global Energy, shares this strategic vision that the two energy sources complement each other, although the future he envisages in the long term is 100% renewable.

Manuel Argüelles, Director General of Energy and Mines of the Regional Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism, pointed out in his speech that the transition “towards a decarbonised model is an unprecedented challenge that requires bold decisions and major investment in R&D”. He also argued that the right mix “must feature a high proportion of renewable energies and requires the contribution of nuclear energy”.

Monitoring, waves of waste and a focus on the agribusiness sector.

The panel on Remote and Advanced Monitoring of Energy Assets was held during the first session and sought to analyse operational efficiency and sustainability in power plants. It was moderated by Marta García, Director General of the Energy Technology Centre (ITE), and the speakers were Agustín Jiménez (New Projects Manager, SAGGAS), Jesús Hernando (Director of Nuclear Services at GDES) and José Carlos Alonso (Director of GDES Wind). Together, they discussed the latest trends in technologies for the smart management of production plants.

Marta García drew attention to the use of data: “we are in the age of democratisation of sensor technologies”, she said at the start of the debate. Digital innovation and advanced monitoring are transforming the management of energy assets in strategic sectors such as LNG, nuclear and wind power, as highlighted by the experts who took part. Agustín Jiménez highlighted the growing commitment to data-based decision-making to optimise processes in highly regulated environments, while Jesús Hernando highlighted the use of predictive analysis to stay ahead of failures and minimise operational risks. For his part, José Carlos Alonso demonstrated how the use of drones, sensors and artificial intelligence tools enables more precise and efficient inspections. All the speakers agreed that the future of advanced monitoring lies in autonomous systems, artificial vision and greater integration and data exchange between operators, technologists and owners, to achieve the aim of safer, more efficient and sustainable energy management.

Facing challenges: Innovation in Times of Change and Complexity

The second session of the morning addressed challenges relating to defence, circularity, food and energy self-sufficiency. Sandra Sáez (General Manager of GDES) moderated the panel on Circularity and Recycling in the Energy Transition, with the participation of Carla González (Public Affairs and Institutional Relations Expert at PowerCo Battery Spain), Jesús Alijarde (General Manager of CERFO) and Antonio Andrés (Director of GDES Circularity).

The speakers discussed how the entry into force of the new European regulations, which require batteries to be given a second life before being recycled, is posing complex legal and technological challenges to the energy sector. Uncertainty over who should bear the costs of recycling – manufacturer or assembler – is adding pressure to an already strained value chain. Meanwhile, solar panel recycling is only in its early stages in Spain and is far from being ready for the volume of waste that lies ahead. All the panellists pointed out that, with insufficient actual recycling capacity, investment in innovation is urgently needed to meet the new regulatory requirements.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Agri-Food Sector

Challenges and Opportunities in the Agri-Food Sector were discussed by Manuel López (Technical Director at Importaco), Oihana Mendizábal (General Manager of xabet) and José Luis Sánchez León (OT Manager & Maintenance Coordinator of Campofrío), in a session moderated by Catalina Valencia, Director of Community and Major Events at KM ZERO Food Innovation Hub.

The agri-food sector is facing growing challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, volatility and the demands of a highly informed consumer. Against this backdrop, companies such as Campofrío are embracing AI to improve food safety and move towards a sustainable business model. Importaco, for its part, responds to natural variability through adaptive processes and the use of technology to improve operational efficiency. In the same vein, xabet deploys advanced sensor technology and algorithms to anticipate demand, optimise production and boost profitability. The experts agreed that the key is purpose-driven technology: practical and real innovation at the service of a more sustainable, efficient and intelligent food supply.

GDES Tech Day aspires to establish itself as a unique forum for driving collaboration between companies, institutions and technology centres, with a commitment to a more efficient and environmentally friendly industry.