Energy in general, and electricity in particular, remains a key driver of economic development. As recent events have shown, it has also become a geopolitical lever of enormous significance.
Key factors for economic and energy prosperity
Access to secure, affordable and competitive energy has become a key factor for economic prosperity. In a context of rapid technological advances, energy demand continues to grow despite improvements in efficiency. For this reason, the energy transition must be built on a value proposition that combines sustainability, security of supply and economic competitiveness.
The convergence between technology (such as artificial intelligence, data centers and the semiconductor industry) and electricity is shaping economic and political agendas worldwide. Ensuring reliable access to energy requires managing the intermittency of renewable sources such as wind and solar power, as well as strengthening the infrastructure needed to connect generation with demand. At the same time, natural gas continues to play an important role, not only as a transition technology, but also as a source of stability and predictability in the energy system, with lower emissions than other fossil fuels.
Financing opportunities in the global energy transition
In this context, the banking sector faces one of the greatest financing opportunities of the past decades by facilitating the massive investment required by the global economy. The transition to a net-zero economy represents a profound transformation of the global energy system and will require sustained, large-scale investment over the next 25 years, estimated at up to $9 trillion per year.
BBVA's role and new sustainability goals
This opportunity will continue to grow in the coming years as investment accelerates in clean energy, electric mobility and sustainable infrastructure. BBVA aims to play a leading role by supporting its clients in their transformation journeys, offering expert advisory services, innovative solutions and risk frameworks tailored to this new environment. However, this transformation will only take place if two key conditions are met: it must be economically viable and carried out in a fair and inclusive way.
In this regard, BBVA has set a new target to mobilize €700 billion in sustainable business between 2025 and 2029 , more than doubling its previous target of €300 billion for the 2018–2025 period, which the bank reached in December 2024, one year ahead of schedule.
BBVA advises and finances key technologies for the energy transition, including clean hydrogen and its derivatives (such as ammonia and synthetic fuels for aviation and maritime transport), biomethane, carbon capture and storage, battery energy storage systems, geothermal energy, the circular economy, with a focus on recycling, packaging and plastics, and natural capital solutions, including biodiversity and water management, among others.
Specialization in Low Carbon & Cleantech at BBVA CIB
BBVA continues to strengthen its sustainable business offering with the creation of a global unit specialized in low-carbon and cleantech, made up of 35 professionals based in Houston, New York, London and Madrid. The objective is not only to provide capital, but also to develop a deep understanding of the sector, its cycles and emerging technological opportunities.
BBVA is actively involved in project structuring, advising on strategic partnerships and commercial agreements between stakeholders, optimizing capital structures and facilitating access to different financing options, as well as designing financial solutions to manage the risks associated with the energy transition.