Spain Charts Strategic Path in Emerging Technologies and Energy Collaboration with China

Spain is positioning itself at the forefront of technological innovation and sustainable energy through a dual focus on embracing emerging technologies and fostering international cooperation. The recent INTEC 2025 report by the Fundación Rafael del Pino outlines a strategic roadmap centered on ten key technologies that Spain must adopt to secure its future competitiveness, including AI integration in healthcare, sustainable energy alternatives, biotechnology, and advanced electrical grid modernization. Javier García, director of the report, urges Spain to view these innovations as opportunities and stresses the importance of political commitment and active citizen engagement to avoid being left behind.

Complementing this national strategy, China has proposed significant bilateral energy cooperation during the China-Spain Green Energy Forum. Luo Bixiong, president of China Power Engineering Consulting Group, highlighted China’s rapid expansion in renewable energy capacity, which comprises over 40% of the global total. Bixiong advocated for a diversified and resilient energy system balancing renewables with fossil fuels to maintain stability and security. He emphasized collaboration opportunities with Spain, especially in renewable energy development, advanced grid infrastructures, and energy storage technologies, reflecting a shared commitment to combating climate change.

The INTEC 2025 report identifies emerging areas such as thorium nuclear reactors, quantum computing, and AI-driven antibiotic discovery as critical fields where Spain can leverage competitive advantages in agriculture and water management to tackle resource scarcity and environmental challenges. García notes that a mature democracy should encourage open public dialogue on sensitive topics like nuclear power and artificial intelligence to foster informed and proactive decisions.

Together, these initiatives mark a strategic pivot for Spain, blending a forward-looking technological agenda with dynamic international partnerships. The combination of domestic innovation and cross-border cooperation underscores Spain’s intent to secure a sustainable and technologically advanced future.