Iberdrola has announced the official launch of East-West Digital, a new company dedicated to the development and commercialization of digital solutions powered by artificial intelligence (AI) for global sustainability.
East-West Digital will leverage the innovations developed by Iberdrola Innovation Middle East, a world-leading digital solutions center, located in the Qatar Science and Technology Park. This launch underscores Iberdrola's vision to scale technologies that support global sustainability goals.
The launch press conference was attended by key figures from the business and government sectors. Notable attendees included Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO of Invest Qatar; Álvaro Renedo Zalba, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to Qatar; Pedro Azagra, CEO of Avangrid; and Santiago Bañales, Managing Director of Iberdrola Innovation Middle East and CEO of East-West Digital.
Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO of Invest Qatar, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “The launch of East-West Digital marks An important milestone in our efforts to foster innovation and sustainability in QatarThis initiative is a testament to our ongoing collaboration with Iberdrola Innovation Middle East, which began in May 2022. By leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies, East-West Digital will not only enhance our digital landscape but also contribute to global sustainability goals.”
Electrification and Sustainability as Central Axes
Santiago Bañales, CEO of East-West Digital, emphasized the natural evolution of this project: “East-West Digital is the natural evolution of the work initiated with Iberdrola Innovation Middle East. Our AI-based solutions are already facilitating the electrification of the global energy system. We will now bring to market a portfolio of digital solutions for enterprise and government customers, working with integrators and strategic partners to scale technologies that support global sustainability goals.” Bañales also noted that this initiative aligns with the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030, seeking to support the growth of a knowledge-based economy and attract talent.
For its part, Pedro Azagra, CEO of Avangrid, emphasized Iberdrola's commitment to global electrification: “Iberdrola's launch of East-West Digital at the Qatar Economic Forum 2025 demonstrates our firm commitment to the electrification of the global economy. This innovative initiative will use AI-based solutions to develop smarter and more efficient grids, reduce external energy dependence, and increase competitiveness.”
Strategic Collaboration with Qatar
The relationship between Iberdrola and Qatar has strengthened over the years. Iberdrola Innovation Middle East was established in Qatar in 2018 with the presence of Iberdrola's Chairman, Ignacio Galan, and leaders of the Qatar Investment Authority. The partnership was consolidated with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Invest Qatar during His Highness the Emir of Qatar's state visit to Spain in 2022.
This announcement aligns directly with one of the central pillars of the Qatar Economic Forum 2025: “Energy Supply and Security,” highlighting the relevance and opportunity of this new initiative in the global energy landscape.