The Royal Academy of Engineering hosted the round table discussion “The Continuity of Electricity Supply in a Decarbonization Context”a high-level meeting that brought together leading experts from academia, institutions, and business to discuss one of today's major energy challenges: ensuring a secure and stable electricity supply amidst the decarbonization process. Among these experts was Antonio Gómez Expósito, Professor of Electrical Engineering at the Higher Technical School of Engineering of the University of Seville. 

The event, which took place at the institution's headquarters, was opened by the president of the Royal Academy of Engineering, Jaime Domínguez Abascal, who welcomed the attendees and highlighted the importance of generating a rigorous dialogue on the technical and regulatory challenges involved in the energy transition.

The session began with a keynote address by Antonio Gómez Expósito, Professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Seville, entitled “Electricity Grids at the Current Crossroads.” In his presentation, Professor Gómez Expósito addressed the strategic role of electricity grids in the new energy landscape, characterized by the integration of renewable energies, digitalization, and the growing demand for flexibility.

A round table discussion, moderated by academic César Dopazo, followed, where the future of electricity supply was analyzed in depth in light of the commitment to emissions reductions. The following participated in the debate:

• Antonio Gómez Expósito, Professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Seville.

• José Casas, Director General of Institutional Relations and Regulation at ENDESA.

• Pedro Machín, president of the Aragon Energy Cluster of CLENAR.

• Juan José Romero, expert in energy saving and efficiency.

During the colloquium, the speakers agreed on the need to strengthen energy planning, invest in smart grids, and ensure a stable regulatory framework that facilitates investment in clean technologies without compromising the stability of the electricity system.

The day concluded with closing remarks by Jaime Domínguez Abascal, who emphasized the role of engineering in the search for sustainable and resilient solutions for Spain's energy future.

The event highlighted the complexity of combining sustainability, security and affordability in the energy transition, and served as a meeting point for the exchange of knowledge between science, industry and administration.