UNO warns: the saturation of the electricity grid puts logistics investment and nearshoring at risk in Spain

 

The logistics employers' association UNO has warned that a lack of capacity in the electricity grid and an uncertain regulatory framework are hindering key investments in Spain. With 87% of electrical grid nodes saturated , the sector is demanding to be considered strategic to ensure the supply required by new automated warehouses.

 

Energy blockade: a brake on competitiveness and employment

 

The logistics and transport business organization, UNO , has issued an urgent warning regarding the state of energy infrastructure in Spain. According to data compiled by the organization, Spain is facing a technical gridlock: only one in ten grid connection requests is being granted, leaving numerous investment projects stalled.

 

Francisco Aranda , president of UNO , has been emphatic on the matter: “Spain is becoming a recipient of logistics relocations thanks to nearshoring, but we lose competitiveness if we cannot guarantee access to the grid .” The main concern lies in the legal uncertainty perceived by international investors, who could divert their capital to other markets with greater energy availability.

 

Despite this obstacle, the sector has demonstrated greater resilience than the European average. While logistics hiring across the continent has declined, the Spanish market has maintained a positive trend, acting as an engine of employment.

 

Economic Indicator (2024-2025)	Recorded Data	Comparative Context
Demand for logistics space (Spain)	+ 18 %	Outstanding growth compared to Europe.
Logistics contracting (Europe)	-11%	Widespread decline across the continent.
Job creation (Q3 2024 – Q3 2025)	+ 12,5 %	5th sector with the highest job creation.
Saturation of electrical nodes	87 %	Main barrier to entry for investments.

 

Demand for "Strategic Sector" and international comparison

 

The employers' association points out that the rate of return for network investments in Spain is lower than in direct competitors such as Portugal or the United Kingdom . This disparity, coupled with the CNMC 's non-unanimous approval of the remuneration framework , creates an uncertain scenario that urgently needs to be reconsidered.

 

To alleviate this situation, UNO formally requests that logistics be classified as a strategic sector . This designation would grant priority access to the electricity grid, justified by the critical role of logistics warehouses not only for e-commerce , but also as vital infrastructure for:

 

• The supply of drugs and medical devices.
• The distribution of the chain of eating.
• The consolidation of Spain as global logistics hub thanks to its geostrategic position.

 

The new logistics: AI, automation and electrification

 

The energy consumption profile of logistics platforms has changed radically. They are no longer simple warehouses, but technological centers that require a stable and more powerful energy supply due to automation and robotics.

 

“Modern warehouses are highly technological and operate with automated management systems, AI-guided vehicles, and high-efficiency electric machinery ,” explains Aranda . Added to this is the electrification of transport fleets, which requires high-capacity charging points in strategic locations. The president of the employers' association warns: “If energy planning does not adapt to this new context, we run the risk of the electricity grid becoming a bottleneck for both innovation and the growth of the sector . ”

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about logistics energy demand

 

Why is the logistics sector demanding priority in the electricity grid?
Because today's ships are essential hubs for the supply of medicines and food, and they operate with high-tech systems (AI, robotics) and electric fleets that require much more power than traditional warehouses.

 

What is the current state of the electricity grid in Spain according to UNO?
There is a technical bottleneck with 87% of electrical grid nodes saturated. Only one in ten access requests is being granted, which is hindering new investments and projects. nearshoring.

 

How does the Spanish logistics sector compare to its European counterpart?
Spain shows greater dynamism, with an 18% growth in demand for space in 2024, compared to an 11% drop in Europe, and a 12,5% ​​increase in employment in the last year.