The new Minister for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, Sara Aagesen, inherits a portfolio that has made significant progress in recent years under Teresa Ribera’s leadership, achieving milestones such as a 50% reduction in emissions from the electricity system in just six years.

The country has reached historical peaks, with up to 90% of electricity demand covered by renewable energy at specific moments, a milestone that Ismael Morales Head of Climate Policies at Fundación Renovables, considers key to accelerating the 2030 goals.

“Spain must lead renewable energy penetration in Europe, making these peaks a recurring reality in the short term, and Aagesen is a trusted person for Ribera, with extensive experience, who knows the entire sector and understands the interests of different stakeholders,” said the executive in an interview with Energía Estratégica España.

The former Secretary of Energy takes on the new challenge with a clear vision: “The energy transition is not only an opportunity to decarbonize the system but also to reindustrialize Spain, strengthen social justice, and lead the transformation in Europe,” she stated during her speech at the portfolio handover.

Morales sees the appointment as good news and is confident that Aagesen will maintain Ribera’s team’s ambition: “She has unfinished business that Teresa started, like storage, biogas, and collective self-consumption.”

However, he warns that it will be crucial to observe how key teams are formed, including new secretaries of state and directors general.

He also points to pending issues such as the decommissioning of nuclear plants, a corporate decision that could pose challenges during Aagesen’s term: “Teresa was very anti-nuclear, but we still don’t know Sara’s position. She will have to deal with this issue if companies decide to move forward with closing the plants.”

Hydrogen and Biogas

One of the main focuses of her agenda is the development of renewable hydrogen and biogas, strategic technologies that require careful planning to avoid negative impacts.

Morales warns about the risks of biogas overproduction: “It is crucial to prioritize electrification and limit biogas production to actual demand. Otherwise, methane leaks can exacerbate climate change,” he explains, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a sustainable balance.

Aagesen also highlighted the relevance of hydrogen as a key vector in the energy transition strategy.

“Renewable hydrogen is an essential tool to complement renewables and enhance our industrial competitiveness,” she stated, stressing the need to strengthen local value chains and ensure these technologies drive Spain’s strategic autonomy.

In this regard, Morales highlights hydrogen’s role in decarbonizing high-temperature industrial sectors, although he insists that its implementation must be economically viable and focused on specific applications.

Just Transition

The commitment to social justice is another central pillar of this transition, and it was made clear that energy policies must address energy poverty and promote social cohesion.

Aagesen emphasized that the energy transition must be accompanied by policies that protect the most vulnerable communities, promoting equity across all regions, especially rural areas affected by demographic challenges.

Regarding this issue, the Fundación Renovables representative described: “The Social Climate Fund is essential to ensure that no one is left behind in this process. Housing rehabilitation and access to sustainable mobility are key elements to avoid widening the social gap, and emphasis should be placed on this.”

With clear goals towards 2030, Spain is positioning itself as a leader in the energy transition, integrating advanced technologies such as energy storage, self-consumption, and renewable hydrogen.

Morales concludes that the key to success will be a balanced approach: “The energy transition is not just a technological change; it’s a systemic transformation that must benefit society as a whole,” he affirms.

In this regard, Aagesen stated: “We have the resources, the talent, and the political will to lead this transformation. Now we must turn this opportunity into a fairer and more sustainable model.”