ACCIONA in the United States

THE UNITED STATES: LEADING THROUGH CLIMATE CHALLENGES

The United States is a country of vast geographic and environmental diversity—spanning coastlines, plains, mountains, and deserts. This rich natural landscape supports a wide range of climates and ecosystems. However, with that diversity comes vulnerability. Shifts in weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and extreme events present growing challenges across many American regions.

Recent findings from the National Climate Assessment, a scientific report reviewed by multiple federal agencies, indicate that temperatures across the U.S. have been rising in recent decades, affecting natural systems, infrastructure, and key industries. While views may differ on the causes or pace of these changes, the focus remains on ensuring the nation’s resilience and readiness for evolving environmental conditions.

Under the Paris Agreement, nations around the world agreed to voluntarily work toward limiting temperature increases and improving environmental stewardship. While the U.S. has taken its own path under different administrations, the core principle of advancing American energy leadership and safeguarding natural resources remains a bipartisan concern.

To maintain global competitiveness and domestic stability, the U.S. must continue to invest in energy innovation—including both traditional and emerging technologies. Over the last two decades (2000 – 2022), the country has reduced emissions by approximately 17%.

ADDRESSING WATER STRESS: A PRACTICAL CONCERN FOR AMERICAN COMMUNITIES

Climate-related effects vary by region, but one common issue many states now face is water stress. Periods of drought, especially in the Southwest and Southeast part of the USA, are becoming more frequent. This poses challenges for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities who rely on consistent water access for crops, livestock, and everyday life.

At the same time, coastal flooding and heavy rainfall events have led to concerns about infrastructure, aquifer salinization, and storm preparedness. In both cases, the key priority is building stronger, more adaptive systems that protect American families, support economic activity, and preserve water quality.

LOOKING AHEAD: A RESILIENT AND PROSPEROUS AMERICA

While perspectives may differ on climate science or policy, one truth remains: Americans care deeply about clean air, clean water, and a strong, secure economy. Investing in sustainable infrastructure and providing innovative solutions to todays challenges, whilst strengthening the country’s energy independence are priorities that unite communities and support long-term national resilience.

By embracing a forward-thinking approach—rooted in American values, innovation, and local leadership—the United States is well-positioned not only to meet future environmental challenges, but to lead the way in building a cleaner, more prosperous, and more sustainable future for all.

STRATEGIC MARKET

The US is a strategic market for ACCIONA, which is expanding its presence in the infrastructure sector, adding to its growing portfolio of renewable energy assets.

The company’s history dates back to the early 2000’s, when they acquired their first wind farm, and then in June 2007 went onto open and operate the 64 MW Nevada Solar One plant.

From an infrastructure perspective, ACCIONA entered the country in 2008 with the award of the desalination plant in Tampa Bay  (Florida), which supplies water to 2.5 million people. In 2021 it was awarded its first public-private partnership project, the Fargo (North Dakota)-Moorhead (Minnesota) flood diversion canal, which will protect more than 235,000 people from the catastrophic effects of potential flooding from the Red River.

Recently, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) selected ACCIONA, in a consortium with Plenary Americas and Sacyr, to design, build, finance, operate and maintain for 50 years the bridge over the Calcasieu River, as part of the I-10 interstate highway in Louisiana, which connects the towns of Lake Charles and Westlake over a nine-kilometer stretch. The US$3.1 billion (€2.85 billion) project includes the replacement of the existing bridge, which is more than 70 years old. The works, which will be executed by a consortium formed by ACCIONA (with 50%) and Sacyr (with 50%), will involve the reconstruction of six lanes of the interstate highway, several additional structures, the implementation of a free-flow toll system and the elimination of the existing bridge.

ACCIONA Energía commissioned in May the Red-Tailed Hawk photovoltaic plant located near Houston, in Wharton County (Texas). With a capacity of 458MWp, it is the largest solar complex the company has built to date. It is also building the 325MWp Union Solar photovoltaic plant in Ohio. Red-Tailed Hawk adds to ACCIONA Energía's portfolio of renewable energy projects in North America, where it has a total of 2.7GW installed, reinforcing its position as a key player in the country's energy transition.

In another field, ACCIONA Cultura has recently been selected to carry out projects in two iconic cultural institutions in New York City: the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration and the Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx. In this way, the company, which specializes in the development of museums and exhibitions, consolidates its commitment to the North American market with an interactive, technological and innovative approach.