2004-2024: 20 years fostering sustainable development

Two decades of business leadership in sustainability, climate action and driving regenerative infrastructure

ACCIONA in the U.S.

Responding to the challenges facing our planet

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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.

 

Long time experience

+ 20 years in the U.S.

ACCIONA in the US has successfully overcome important infrastructure challenges since 2003. Our leadership and experience covers the whole value chain, from research and development to the construction, operation and maintenance of projects.

 

ACCIONA Energía owns and operates 10 wind farms in the US, which together provide over 1 GW of wind power capacity, as well as the Nevada Solar One 64 MW concentrated solar power plant. The company also has a portfolio of four solar plants under construction, which will increase its solar and wind power production capacity to more than 2 GW. Also, ACCIONA Energía has acquired the Cunningham Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), the biggest such plant in the state of Texas, which will start operating in the first quarter of this year (2023).

 

In the water sector, ACCIONA has built and operates the Tampa Bay desalination plant in Florida, again the biggest such plant in the US, which supplies water to a total of 2.5 million people, producing 108,000 cubic meters of water per day. The facility began operating in 2008 and has received several international awards from the sector.

    OUR EXPERIENCE IN NUMBERS

    19,190

    REVENUES (MILLION EUROS)

    2,455

    EBITDA (MILLION EUROS)

    2,455

    NET PROFIT (MILLION EUROS)

    Our solutions

    FOR A CLEANER FUTURE

    Renewable Energy

    Globally, ACCIONA is at the forefront of corporate efforts to address the climate challenge and drive the transition toward a fully decarbonized energy model. With over 30 years of experience, ACCIONA Energía is the world’s largest utility operating exclusively with renewable technologies—entirely free of fossil fuels. The company’s leadership reflects a long-standing commitment to innovation, sustainability, and energy systems that support economic resilience while protecting natural resources.

    Sustainable and innovative infrastructures

    Transport

    With over a century of global experience, ACCIONA brings world-class expertise to the delivery of major transport infrastructure. The company has designed and built more than 6,200 miles of roads, highways, railways, tunnels, and bridges—including some of the most complex underground projects in the world. In the United States, ACCIONA supports the renewal of critical infrastructure through advanced engineering, local partnerships, and job creation. The company’s capabilities align with national priorities to modernize transportation networks, strengthen regional connectivity, and deliver long-term value to American communities.

    END-TO-END WATER CYCLE: SUSTAINABLE AVAILABILITY

    water

    In the United States, growing demand, aging infrastructure, and climate-related pressures are intensifying water scarcity concerns—especially in drought-prone regions. Nearly half of the global population now experiences severe water shortages during part of the year, and the U.S. is not immune to these challenges. ACCIONA helps address this critical issue by designing, building, and operating water treatment and desalination facilities across the country. Leveraging global expertise and local partnerships, the company delivers innovative, proven technologies that help safeguard water supply and support sustainable development.

    TRANSFORMING SOCIETY TO PROMOTE PUBLIC WELFARE

    SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR HEALTH, EDUCATION AND CULTURE

    ACCIONA’s drive for innovation and transformation has positioned the company as a trusted partner in delivering essential public infrastructure that enhances quality of life across American communities. From healthcare and education facilities to cultural centers and ecosystem restoration projects, ACCIONA designs and delivers solutions that support public welfare, resilience, and long-term community impact.

    HIGHLIGHT PROJECTS OVER THE YEARS

    see all our Projects

    Latest news

    Updates

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    aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    This broad portfolio of solutions contribute to reach the global priorities set by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), which give a comprehensive response to many sustainable development model challenges that this society faces.

    Sustainable Development Goals

    Social Impact Management

    our commitment with local communities

    As part of our Social Impact Management (SIM) program, ACCIONA Energia invests in the communities where we operate.  Each year we support nearly 20 non-profit organizations providing services in the areas of education, wellness and environmental stewardship.  

     

    Our employees are also an integral part of their communities.  They serve as members of city councils, school boards, fire departments, civic organizations and coach youth sports.

     

    Additionally, our projects provide extra income to farmers, ranchers and other private landowners.  These payments provide our lease holders with an income stream that is both consistent and drought-proof. 

      our presence in the communities

      Our commitment with people, an acknowledged value

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      Changing the course of history

      2023 Report

      At ACCIONA we seek to develop sustainable infrastructures designed to promote the regeneration of the planet and to meet the needs of society. Solutions that respond to the challenges of a development model that is running out of steam, and that will make a better future possible.

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