Teresa Ribera, candidate for the executive vice-presidency of the European Commission for the Clean, Fair, and Competitive Transition, faces a series of challenges and expectations in her new role, a topic that sparked extensive debate in the European Parliament.

In her appearance before the Environment, Economic Affairs, and Industry Committees, Ribera emphasized her commitment to the European Green Deal and the decarbonization of industry, promising support for European companies to compete in the global market.

“It’s a positive and welcome speech in Europe, where Ribera has a good image, but in Spain, her policies haven’t been as inclusive,” Carlos Martín Graña, Operations Manager at ENERJOIN.

In an interview with Energía Estratégica España, the analyst shares his opinion on the statements made by the Third Vice-President, highlighting the achievements based on renewable energy penetration but emphasizing the “lack of negotiating capacity she had as minister,” which will be put to the test if she secures the position in the European Commission.

Among the key points, Ribera presented her vision for greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for 2030 and 2040. These goals include a 90% reduction compared to 1990 levels and carbon neutrality by mid-century.

In response, Graña considers that maintaining this kind of messaging at the European level “is a suicidal goal for the European Union,” stressing the long-term economic consequences of these commitments.

Leaving aside the debate over the DANA (the Spanish cold drop storm) and focusing on the energy market, nuclear energy and the debate on the balance of the energy mix were other aspects that stood out in Ribera’s speech.

During her intervention, she defended the choice of energy mix as a national prerogative.

However, she did not explicitly address the nuclear plant closure timeline as she does in Spain, which has raised questions due to contradictions.

“It’s incredible that she doesn’t talk about the nuclear issue in Spain, where her stance has been an anti-nuclear crusade, yet she has shown openness to plans from other countries that even aim for nuclear expansion,” comments Graña, who believes that, unlike her proposal in Europe, the nuclear sector has not been given enough attention in Spain, which has been one of her negotiating flaws, “prioritizing renewables without considering their contribution,” as the analyst explains.

An energy transition with ups and downs

Martín Graña believes that Ribera’s main challenge has been to create a balanced energy transition in Spain. While he notes that the share of renewables in the energy mix has increased, the executive criticizes the lack of planning to match generation rates with industrial consumption.

“Ribera has focused on renewable energy generation but has ignored the balance with consumption,” he emphasizes.

Among the unmet expectations, he points out that the low cost in the wholesale market has not translated into competitive final rates for consumers and industry.

“It’s paradoxical that in a country with one of the largest renewable revolutions underway, we don’t have the lowest energy bill in Europe,” he comments.

What can Ribera bring from Europe to Spain?

With her possible arrival at the European Commission, some hope Ribera will help align European energy policies with the specific needs and challenges of Spain.

Graña believes that, while having a Spanish figure in a high European position is positive, Ribera’s success in Europe will depend on her ability to listen to all sector stakeholders, something that has been lacking in her mandate.

“I believe she will encounter many conflicting positions in Europe and should have negotiated better with distributors, nuclear generators, and industries, not just with the renewable sector,” he says.

At the same time, her experience in transforming Spain’s energy mix, where renewables have reached 50-55% participation, could be an asset for the EU.

“Ribera has been able to change Spain’s energy mix, nearly eliminating coal, and Europe likes that,” says the executive, who also acknowledges that the shift to a green and digital transition approach will be a positive aspect for the Commission.

The impact of a change in European energy policy

Ribera’s candidacy represents, for many, the possibility of deepening the EU’s energy transition, with a vision of circular economy and fair competitiveness in the global market.

However, her success will depend on the approval of the European Parliament and her ability to adapt to a diverse and demanding political environment.

After the hearing, the coordinators of the responsible committees will assess her candidacy and send a recommendation to the Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, who will present the team in a plenary session scheduled for late November.

For Ribera, this new role in the European Commission could signify a shift in her approach and an opportunity to overcome the challenges faced in Spain.

As for her replacement in Spain, there are still only speculations with no confirmation, but for the reference of Enerjoin, “the arrival of fresh blood to Spanish energy politics is positive, but the challenge is great in Europe, where leadership is expected to consider all sectors and build a balanced and competitive energy market.”