Under the provisions of Law 9/2013 of 9 December on transparency, access to public information and good governance, and in order to enable the publication of data and facilitate the fulfillment of these obligations of active publicity, the “Fundación Centro de Investigación Cooperativa en Energía Alternativas CIC energiGUNE Fundazioa” makes this Transparency Portal available to the public.

1- Institutional Information

Creation

The Basque Foundation for the Development of Energy Technologies-ENERLAN, CIC energiGUNE´s genesis, was born as a private and permanent foundation, created by public deed on 31 October 1996 by the following founding trustees: Iberdrola, MCC, Sener, ldom, Babcock-Wilcox, the Department of Industry of the Basque Government, the Provincial Council of Alava and the Basque Energy Agency (EVE). It was added to the Register of Foundations by virtue of the Ordinance of 14 September 1998 of the Regional Minister for Justice, the Economy, Labour and Social Security, which entered the so-called "Basque Foundation for the Development of Energy Technologies" in the Register of Foundations of the Basque Country.

At the end of 2006, the Basque Government decided to create a new Cooperative Research Centre (CIC) in the field of energy technologies. The design of this Centre was framed within the 3E-2010 Plan of the Basque Country´s energy policy, and the Science, Technology and Research Plan (2007-2010), as well as the needs detected in the framework of the Strategic Plan of the Energy Cluster.

At a meeting of the Foundation´s Board of Members held on 9 July 2007, it was agreed to modify the Foundation´s name and adapt its Statutes to become the entity that will undertake the objectives and actions assigned to CIC energiGUNE.

The Foundation is inscribed in the Basque Country Foundations Register under number F-59, having been classified by virtue of its purposes in Section 1 of the same Register, relating to teaching and research foundations.

Our original statutes and subsequent amendments can be consulted at the following link: Link

Functions that it develops

The aim and purpose of the foundation is the promotion and development of all scientific research and technological development activities of interest for the industry in the field of energy technologies and the coordination with other entities for the encouragement of the energy technology strategy of the Basque Autonomous Community.

For more information

Applicable regulations

The Foundation operates in the exercise of its functions by its Statutes, by Law 9/2016, of 2 June, on Foundations of the Basque Country, as well as by Decrees 100/2007 and 101/2007, of 19 June, which approve the Regulations of the Protectorate of Foundations and the Registry of Foundations of the Basque Country, respectively.

The Foundation also operates in its contractual activity by the Law 9/2017, of 8 November, on Public Sector Contracts, which transposes into Spanish law the Directives of the European Parliament and Council 2014/23/EU and 2014/24/EU, of 26 February 2014, in which framework it is considered a contracting authority that does not have the status of a Public Administration.

The Foundation has been accredited as a Technological Scientific Agent integrated in the Basque Science, Technology and Innovation Network, in the category of Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) in accordance with what is specified in Article 22.2 of Decree 109/2015 of 23 June, which regulates and updates the composition of the Basque Science, Technology and Innovation Network.

1.2- Governing bodies and organizational structure

The highest governing body of the Foundation is the Board of Members.

1.3- Remuneration

No one of the board of members receives any compensation for his or her position as an employer, either in salary or expenses.

2- Economic information

2.1- Annual Accounts

The "Fundación Centro de Investigación Cooperativa en Energía Alternativas CIC energiGUNE Fundazioa" submits its annual accounts to an audit. The foundation deposits its accounts in the Foundations Register where they are available for consultation.

All the latest information on the entity´s financial situation can be found at the following link: More information.

2.2- Grants and subsidies received

2.3- Signed contracts and agreements 

Access to contractor´s profile

If you do not find the information you are looking for in the Transparency Portal, you can submit your request for information by email (administracion@cicenergigune.com) or by post to the following address Fundación CIC energiGUNE, Albert Einstein nº 48, 01510 Vitoria - Gasteiz, Álava.

3-Strategic plan

The Strategic Plan of CIC energiGUNE constitutes the main instrument for planning and guiding the scientific, technological and organizational activities of the center. Through this document, the strategic priorities, medium- and long-term objectives, and the lines of action that guide the development of the institution in the field of energy technologies are defined.

The Strategic Plan is aligned with the public policies on science, technology and innovation of the Basque Country, as well as with European and international strategies related to the energy transition, decarbonization and sustainable development. Within this framework, the center directs its research activity toward promoting advanced technological solutions that contribute to improving energy storage solutions.

Information regarding the current Strategic Plan and its main lines of action can be consulted at the following link: More information.

4-Complaints channel

4.1 Introduction

CIC energiGUNE, as a research organization, is firmly committed to the principles of transparency, honesty, responsibility, and regulatory compliance. In order to uphold these values, the institution has established an Ethical Channel, which constitutes a formal mechanism for reporting potential irregularities or behaviours that may violate applicable regulations or the organisation’s Code of Conduct.

This channel allows employees, collaborators, and any individuals or entities related to the centre to report suspicions or evidence of misconduct while ensuring the confidentiality of the reporting person and the appropriate handling of the information received. The procedure described in the document establishes the rules and principles governing the functioning of this internal reporting system.

The Ethical Channel forms part of the organisation’s compliance and crime-prevention framework and is aligned with the applicable legal requirements, including Spanish Law 2/2023 on the protection of whistleblowers and the fight against corruption, as well as provisions of the Spanish Criminal Code related to corporate criminal liability.

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4.2 Principles of the Ethical Channel

The functioning of the Ethical Channel is based on a set of fundamental principles designed to ensure its effectiveness, impartiality, and legitimacy.

Independence
All reports must be investigated with maximum objectivity and independence, avoiding conflicts of interest and ensuring that decisions are based solely on the facts gathered during the investigation.

Zero tolerance for misconduct
CIC energiGUNE maintains a strict policy of zero tolerance for any behaviour that violates legal requirements, internal policies, or the organisation’s ethical standards.

Confidentiality
The system guarantees that all information received through the channel will be treated with strict confidentiality. Access to the information is limited to the individuals responsible for managing and investigating the report.

Objectivity and integrity
The investigation process is conducted with impartiality, integrity, and professional rigor, ensuring that decisions are taken on the basis of evidence and without bias.

Prohibition of retaliation
Any form of retaliation against individuals who report concerns in good faith is strictly prohibited. Protection measures include maintaining the confidentiality of the whistleblower’s identity and preventing any negative consequences within the workplace as a result of the report.

4.3 Description of the Ethical Channel

The Ethical Channel is an internal communication mechanism that allows for the secure, confidential, and, where appropriate, anonymous reporting of potential irregularities or breaches of internal policies and regulations.

Its main objectives are to prevent unlawful or unethical behaviour, detect breaches of the Code of Conduct, correct irregular situations, and strengthen the organisation’s internal control system. In addition, it demonstrates CIC energiGUNE’s commitment to implementing an effective corporate compliance and crime-prevention framework.

4.4 Bodies Responsible for the Operation of the Channel

The supervision and management of the Ethical Channel are entrusted to the Ethics Committee, which acts as the responsible body for ensuring the proper functioning of the system.

The Ethics Committee is composed of the Compliance Officer, the Director of People, and the Legal Manager. Operational management of the channel is delegated to the Compliance Officer, who coordinates the reception of reports, their registration, and the supervision of the corresponding investigations.

4.5 Conducts That May Constitute an Incident

An incident refers to any conduct that may involve a breach of the Code of Conduct, internal policies or procedures, professional ethical standards, or applicable legislation. It also includes situations that may negatively affect the reputation or integrity of the organisation.

Such conduct may be carried out by employees of the centre as well as by external stakeholders, including suppliers, subcontractors, consultants, or other collaborators.

4.6 Persons Who May Use the Channel

The Ethical Channel may be used by any person connected to CIC energiGUNE who becomes aware of a potential irregularity.

This includes employees, researchers, external collaborators, suppliers, partners, and any other stakeholders related to the activities of the centre. In order to be protected under the system, the report must be made in good faith and based on a reasonable belief that the information provided is true.

The organisation guarantees that individuals using the channel will be protected against retaliation and that their identity will remain confidential throughout the process.

4.7 Procedure for Submitting a Report

Rorts may be submitted through different communication channels.

The main reporting mechanism is an external digital platform designed specifically for whistleblowing systems. This platform allows reports to be submitted securely and confidentially, either anonymously or with identification.

Employees may also communicate concerns verbally to members of the management team or directly to members of the Ethics Committee.

For a report to be properly assessed, it must at least include a clear description of the facts being reported. It is also recommended to include additional information such as dates, individuals involved, the department or area concerned, and any supporting evidence.

4.8 Processing of the Report

Once a report is received, the procedure follows several steps.

First, an acknowledgement of receipt is sent to the whistleblower within a maximum of seven working days. The report is then formally registered in the Ethical Channel system.

An initial evaluation is conducted to determine whether the report meets the minimum requirements for processing. The report may be rejected if it lacks sufficient information or if the facts appear manifestly unfounded.

4.9 Investigation Phase

If the report is accepted, an investigation phase begins. The investigation may be conducted internally by the Ethics Committee or externally by independent experts if specialised knowledge is required.

The investigation may include interviews with the whistleblower, statements from the individuals under investigation, confidential interviews with witnesses, and the analysis of internal documentation or electronic records.

In certain cases, precautionary measures may be adopted, such as temporarily transferring the individuals under investigation, modifying their responsibilities, or suspending them while the investigation is ongoing.

4.10 Communication with the Persons Under Investigation

Individuals who are the subject of a report must be informed of the investigation within a maximum period of one month from the receipt of the report.

They will be informed about the existence of the investigation, the facts attributed to them, and their rights during the process. Under no circumstances will the identity of the whistleblower be disclosed.

4.11 Conclusion Phase

Once the investigation has been completed, a final report is prepared summarising the facts investigated, the evidence analysed, and the statements gathered during the investigation.

The report includes the investigator’s conclusions and may recommend continuing with disciplinary proceedings if the infringement is confirmed, closing the case if insufficient evidence exists, or adopting corrective or preventive measures.

4.12 Resolution of the Procedure

The final report is submitted to the Ethics Committee and the Management Committee.

If an infringement is confirmed, the final decision may be taken by the Delegated Committee of the Board of Trustees, which has the authority to confirm sanctions, request additional investigations, or adopt disciplinary and corrective measures.

4.13 Registration and Retention of Information

All communications received through the Ethical Channel are formally registered, and the entire investigation process is documented.

Personal data are processed in accordance with data protection regulations and are retained only for the time necessary to complete the investigation and any related procedures.

4.14 False or Malicious Reports

Reports must always be submitted responsibly and in good faith. Deliberately false or malicious accusations may be considered a serious misconduct and may lead to disciplinary sanctions.

4.15 External Reporting Channels

In addition to the internal Ethical Channel, individuals may also report irregularities through external channels managed by competent public authorities or regulatory bodies. These mechanisms provide additional guarantees for whistleblowers and allow certain types of misconduct to be reported directly to the appropriate authorities.