The Catalan Energy Cluster gathered more than 600 industry professionals, researchers, business leaders and policymakers for the 12th edition of Nit de l’Eficiència, reaffirming the event as Catalonia’s premier meeting point for the energy sector. Held at the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya, the evening also hosted the 7th EmErgEnt Awards, spotlighting innovation and disruptive talent in the field.

Science communicator Pere Estupinyà hosted the event, which opened with remarks from Joaquim Daura, president of the Catalan Energy Cluster. Daura framed the energy transition and renewables not just as a necessity but as “an opportunity to reindustrialise Catalonia”, asserting the cluster’s role as a “catalyst for innovation”. He also referenced the 28 April blackout as a call to action, urging a firm commitment to modernising and digitalising the power grid to ensure system “stability, efficiency, and flexibility”.

Catalonia’s Minister for Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition, Sílvia Paneque, followed with the official institutional welcome. She endorsed the government’s energy model, designed to secure “energy self-sufficiency, economic resilience, and climate responsibility”. Paneque stressed that “Catalonia cannot continue importing energy via Very High Voltage lines”, highlighting their heavier environmental footprint and €10 billion annual cost. “This undermines our competitiveness and energy sovereignty,” she warned.

EmErgEnt Awards: Oxhyd and PivotBuoy take top honours

The night also featured the 7th EmErgEnt Awards, recognising pioneering projects in the energy sector. IREC’s Oxhyd project won in the Seed category for its novel approach to green hydrogen production via electrochemical conversion. In the Product category, PivotBuoy was awarded for its advanced floating wind solution. The technology’s unique mooring system (SPM + TLP) significantly reduces platform weight, installation costs, and environmental impact.

Spanish Minister of Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu, closed the evening with a forward-looking address. Expressing concern over rising geopolitical uncertainty, he warned that the global consensus around the 2030 Agenda and climate action is under threat. “Some powerful regions are turning away from these goals. We will need to re-engage with these causes,” he said.

Hereu praised the cluster as an “expression of collective intelligence”, and cited it — along with digitalisation and strategic autonomy — as one of the key levers for transforming Catalonia and Spain into Europe’s next major industrial hub.

Special recognitions across the sector

The Catalan Energy Cluster also honoured professionals and organisations contributing to sustainable development. Awards highlighted achievements in communication, solidarity initiatives, business innovation, and lifelong dedication to energy efficiency.

• Communication Award
  Georgina Ferri, Director of Betevé
  Recognised for her leadership in promoting awareness of sustainability and the energy transition through Catalonia’s leading media outlets.
  Presented by Laia Bonet, First Deputy Mayor of Barcelona, and Hèctor Pascual, Executive Committee member of the Catalan Energy Cluster.
   

• Best Solidarity Initiative
  Muà Solidaris
  Awarded for their efforts in raising awareness and research funding in the fight against childhood leukaemia.
  Presented by Marc Serra, Delegate President for Climate Action and Energy Transition at the Barcelona Provincial Council; Bernat Garcia, CEEC board secretary; and Antonio Moreno, Technical Director at JUNG.
   

• Best Business Project
  Càmping La Ballena Alegre
  Recognised for the “Model Ballena”, a regenerative tourism initiative aligned with 2030 goals. The project integrates climate action, environmental stewardship, and renewable energy systems aimed at achieving energy self-sufficiency and carbon neutrality.
  Presented by CEEC Vice President Ignasi Clariana and SIMON CEO Esteban Bretcha. Accepted by Àlex Trias, Deputy Director of La Ballena Alegre.
   

• Lifetime Achievement Award
  Ramon Comellas Fusté, President of CIRCUTOR
  Honoured for nearly five decades dedicated to energy efficiency and innovation. Under his leadership, Circutor became a pioneer in electric mobility and grid quality at the international level.
  Presented by CEEC President Joaquim Daura, Energy Director-General Marta Morera, and Analía Pérez, CEO of NIBE – Tellus Ignis.