Interview of Silvia Pérez Ríos, Corporate Marketing Director d’Umbrella Global Energy

Responsible Investment for Renewable Energy in Spain: An Interview with Umbrella Global Energy

Redefining the economic landscape over the past decade, responsible investment has emerged as an alternative to traditional bank loans. This type of financing allows project developers—like Umbrella Global Energy—to raise funds online through dedicated platforms, such as Enerfip, by engaging contributors to finance a specific project.

Through this interview with Silvia Pérez Ríos, Corporate Marketing Director at Umbrella Global Energy, we provide an overview of the challenges and opportunities in renewable energy financing in Spain via responsible investment.

Can you briefly introduce Umbrella Global Energy and its mission?

Umbrella Global Energy has over 20 years of experience in the photovoltaic sector and acts as a platform for innovation, investment, and development of integrated solutions for the energy transition. We invest across the solar energy value chain—storage, technology, and electromobility—with a holistic approach from production to distribution and smart energy management.

Our mission is to accelerate the shift toward a more sustainable and efficient energy model, generating a positive impact on both the environment and society. We pursue this through our core values: constant innovation, sustainability, human-centered strategy, and corporate ethics based on integrity, transparency, and responsibility.

How does Umbrella differentiate itself from other renewable energy developers in Spain?

Our key differentiator is our integrated and synergistic vision of the energy sector. Umbrella’s unique business model allows us to create value at multiple stages of the energy transition, maximizing opportunities and leveraging operational and technological synergies.

Through our three main divisions—Umbrella Solar (IPP), Turbo Energy (smart storage), and Umbrella e-mobility (EV charging infrastructure)—we deliver innovative solutions with a holistic approach, positioning us as a reliable player with a strong track record in project development and a commitment to innovation.

Why did you choose Enerfip to finance your projects?

Enerfip offers an alternative, agile, and transparent way to fund renewable energy projects. It also allows for open and participatory citizen involvement in the energy transition.

For us, it’s not just about diversifying funding sources—it’s about creating impact beyond financial returns. Having individual investors who feel part of the project builds trust and legitimacy, which clearly enhances the acceptance of our initiatives.

How many projects have you co-financed with Enerfip, and what is the total investment?

To date, we have co-financed several projects with Enerfip, mobilizing a total investment of over €13.7 million.

This collaboration has accelerated the development of strategic assets such as the Gibraleón solar plant in Huelva, deployment of new EV charging points across Spain via Umbrella e-mobility, Turbo Energy’s international expansion in the U.S., and growth of our solar and BESS project portfolio in countries like Chile, the UK, and Eastern Europe.

Can you highlight a project financed with Enerfip?

One of our most emblematic projects is the Gibraleón solar park in Huelva: a 4 MWp photovoltaic plant with an estimated production of 6,300 MWh per year. Its operation will avoid approximately 750 tons of CO₂ annually—equivalent to taking over 300 cars off the road or the CO₂ absorption of about 50,000 trees.

The Enerfip funding campaign was decisive in launching construction and making a project possible that concretely contributes to decarbonizing the region’s energy mix.

Has responsible investment impacted the project’s visibility or acceptance?

Yes. Citizen investment creates a positive dynamic around the project. It changes local perception of large energy infrastructure and fosters local engagement. When citizens invest, they take a greater interest, follow the project’s progress, and feel proud to actively contribute to tangible progress.

What advice would you give a developer hesitant to open projects to citizen investment?

We would say: just try it! Opening projects to crowd investment is not just financial—it transforms the project into a collective adventure. It builds trust, strengthens legitimacy, and improves social acceptance from the start. It’s not just about raising funds; it’s about rallying support for the project.

Enerfip makes this process simple and secure, making it much easier to take the first step!