Iberdrola SA has presented its strategic roadmap for 2025-2028, outlining a €58 billion gross investment plan that represents a 30% increase compared to the 2021-2024 period. The Spanish utility company unveiled the strategy during its Capital Markets Day in London, emphasizing a shift toward regulated network businesses and long-term contracts to enhance business stability and provide greater visibility to investors. The plan focuses heavily on markets with stable regulatory frameworks, with 85% of investments directed toward countries with 'A' credit ratings.

The investment allocation shows a clear geographic concentration, with the United Kingdom emerging as the primary destination with €20 billion, followed by the United States with €16 billion. The Iberian Peninsula will receive €9 billion, Brazil €7 billion, and other EU countries plus Australia €5 billion. This distribution strategy aims to balance growth opportunities with regulatory maturity, targeting markets where the company has identified specific projects and established operational presence.

Financially, Iberdrola projects reaching €18 billion in EBITDA by 2028, representing a €3 billion increase from 2024 levels. The company also targets an adjusted net profit of €7.6 billion for 2028, up from the record €5.53 billion achieved in 2024. A key aspect of the strategy involves reducing exposure to spot electricity prices, with the goal that 75% of EBITDA will be decoupled from energy price volatility by 2028. Regulated networks are expected to contribute 55% of operating results under the new plan.

Shareholders will benefit from the company's commitment to distribute approximately €20 billion in dividends over the four-year period. Iberdrola has established a dividend floor of €0.64 per share and will maintain a payout ratio between 65% and 75% of profits. The company's flexible remuneration program also includes share buybacks. Partners will contribute €8 billion to the investment plan, bringing Iberdrola's net investment to €50 billion, with €37 billion specifically allocated to expanding regulated network assets to reach €70 billion.

London's Metropolitan Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of an 85-year-old man who was allegedly assaulted by a fellow patient at Charing Cross Hospital in Hammersmith. Andrew Farmer, from Ealing in west London, sustained serious injuries during the incident on September 18 and died a week later on September 25, according to police statements released Wednesday.

The investigation centers around an altercation between two patients at the west London hospital, with authorities confirming that 70-year-old Anatoliy Podmazko, of no fixed address, was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with grievous bodily harm on September 20. Podmazko is scheduled to appear at Isleworth Crown Court on October 17 as the case progresses from initial charges to a full murder investigation.

Detective Inspector Kirsten Hadleigh, who is leading the investigation, emphasized the sensitivity of the case, stating: "Our thoughts remain with Andrew's family and friends at this undoubtedly difficult time. We remain in close contact with Andrew's loved ones and are keeping them up to date with the progress of our investigation." The police continue to make enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault and subsequent death.

Andrew Farmer's partner of 60 years, Paul Wrigley, paid tribute to the deceased, describing him as "my partner through thick and thin for 60 years" and noting his academic achievements as "an Oxford First" who had deep interests in opera, Devon topography, and helping the underprivileged. Wrigley remembered Farmer as "scholarly but with a wry sense of humor" in a statement released through the Metropolitan Police, concluding with "Rest now, my dear friend."