Industrial Engineering Reasserts Its Strategic Role in the Face of Energy Challenges

The second event celebrating the 25th anniversary of Industrial Engineering studies at IQS became an opportunity to reflect on the decisive role engineers will need to assume in an energy sector subject to geopolitical tensions, accelerated technological advances, and a growing shortage of technical talent. The event brought together industry leaders, academic staff, and alumni in a session that combined an opening discussion and a round table marked by critical analysis and a forward‑looking perspective.

The event began with a discussion between Francisco Reynés, Chairman and CEO of Naturgy, and Dr Pere Palacín, Professor of Electrical Technology at IQS. The conversation highlighted the fact that geopolitics has become the most influential factor for the energy industry. Reynés stressed that the availability of raw materials required for energy generation and transition—ranging from gas to essential materials for renewable technologies—depends on territories subject to political tensions, introducing a strategic risk that shapes any business planning.

The executive argued that the energy transition will only be viable if it is supported by three inseparable pillars: environmental sustainability, security of supply, and reasonable prices for consumers and companies. In his view, balancing climate ambition with technological realism is essential to avoid grid collapses, project delays, and decisions that overlook material or territorial constraints.

Following the discussion, the event continued with a round table moderated by Palacín and composed of profiles representing different stages of an industrial engineer’s career path: Rafael Ruiz Cabrero, CEO of ADYMUS Sustainable Energy; Miguel Ángel Artiel Morillo, Technical Director of Morillo Energy Rent; Fernando Lara Hoces, Manager in the Editorial Area of Grupo Planeta; and Enric Insausti Franquès, student and third‑year representative of the IQS Industrial Technologies Engineering degree.

One of the most debated topics was the growing shortage of engineers and qualified technical staff. The speakers warned that many companies struggle to fill strategic positions, delaying installations, slowing investments, and limiting the sector’s capacity to expand. This scarcity particularly affects areas such as electrotechnics, where demand far exceeds the supply of professionals.

Ruiz Cabrero and Artiel explained that this lack of talent is already creating bottlenecks in renewable energy projects, electrical networks, and temporary infrastructure, while Lara offered the perspective of an industry competing with sectors perceived as more attractive to younger generations. The consequence, they agreed, is a country that is less competitive and less prepared to tackle the energy transition.

The panel also reflected on the role of universities in training future engineers. They noted that industrial engineering must prepare students not only to solve technical problems, but also to manage teams, understand business dynamics, and make decisions under uncertainty.

Reynés, in a later intervention, reminded the audience that professional success depends as much on technical ability as on attitude: the willingness to learn, perseverance, and resilience. He emphasised that engineering “only works when embraced as lifelong learning”.

The round table dedicated part of the discussion to exploring emerging technologies that could transform the sector. Microgrids, distributed generation systems, green hydrogen, and advances in nuclear fusion were all mentioned. The speakers agreed that, although these represent promising lines of innovation, many are still far from achieving the industrial scale needed to meet future demand. The key, they concluded, lies in pairing innovation with stable investment, clear regulation, and a long‑term vision.

The event concluded with a direct message to the students present. Both the professionals and the academic staff highlighted that the energy sector will continue to be an essential pillar of the economy, and that industrial engineers will play a central role in its transformation. Far from being a declining field, energy stands out as one of the areas with the greatest potential for growth, innovation, and job stability.

The session left a clear message: Spain needs more engineers—better trained and capable of understanding the technical, economic, and geopolitical complexity of the world. In this context, industrial engineering reaffirms itself as an indispensable profession for addressing the great challenges of the 21st century.