Spanish energy company Acciona Energia said it has acquired Cable Energía, the operator of the Shell Recharge electric vehicle charging network in Spain and Portugal outside Shell service stations. The move marks a significant step in Acciona’s strategy to scale up its presence in the electric mobility sector.
Cable Energía was founded in 2018 by engineers Jesús Nieto and Ignacio López, who will remain in leadership positions under the new ownership. The company currently manages 396 operational charging points across high-traffic areas such as restaurants, shopping centers, supermarkets, hotels, and major highways on the Iberian Peninsula. An additional 321 charging points are either under construction or pending grid connection.
“This acquisition represents an important step in our electromobility strategy,” Acciona Energia said in a statement. The company plans to integrate the Cable Energía network with its broader infrastructure initiative, which includes the rollout of 1,000 new charging points in Spain announced in 2024. These installations will offer a mix of AC and DC charging capabilities, with over 400 chargers delivering between 100 and 120 kW.
Shell, which took over Cable Energía in 2022, framed the sale as part of its long-term strategy to optimize its mobility and convenience operations. “This transaction is in line with Shell’s strategy of continuous improvement of the Mobility & Convenience network and targeted investment in public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in key markets of the energy transition,” said Patrick Carré, Senior Vice President Mobility for Europe and Africa at Shell. He emphasized that the company is not exiting the Iberian market. “Drivers on the Iberian Peninsula will continue to have access to a wide range of Shell mobility products offered by our partner Disa,” Carré added.
Following the acquisition, Acciona Energia will operate a combined network of more than 4,000 charging points, including infrastructure from third-party providers. The company is currently building what it calls “the largest on-street charging hub in Madrid,” as it aims to position itself at the forefront of the region’s electrification push.