Teresa Ribera, the government’s third vice president and minister responsible for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, accused Repsol CEO Josu Jon Imaz of defending a speech aligned with denialism and reactionism about how Europe is handling the energy transition to fight climate change. The exchange occurred as Ribera addressed Imaz’s remarks during conversations reported by Europa Press and shared with La Sexta, where she expressed respect for the CEO but called his message about rethinking the energy transition increasingly disappointing and populist.
The minister highlighted a point from a panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Imaz argued that Europe’s decarbonisation strategy rests on an ideological approach and urged policymakers to rethink energy policy. Ribera underscored the undeniable impact of burning hydrocarbons and fossil fuels on quality of life, extreme weather events, and climate security, noting that millions of deaths occur globally each year as a consequence of climate-related factors. She charged Imaz with advancing policy views that she described as less about evidence and more about demagoguery, a line she said undermines the practical steps needed to confront climate change.
Ribera stressed that the transformation should not abandon prudence. She argued that the goal is to move away from fossil fuels gradually, preserving energy security for people while continuing to create opportunities in the economy. Energy must serve the well‑being of homes and communities, she said, not stand as an end in itself. She also suggested that Imaz’s comments amount to a backlash against climate policies that are essential to progress, even as he personally acknowledges their necessity.
She acknowledged the reality that refiners can be efficient and compliant with current environmental standards, yet insisted that the broader trajectory requires breaking fossil fuel dependence. This, she said, is a conclusion that many global players, including big producers and large energy consumers, reached at international gatherings like the recent summit in Dubai. She criticized what she called a form of technological neutrality that assumes emissions can continue without fundamentally changing energy choices, calling such positions a kind of wordplay rather than a plan that produces tangible change. It is, she argued, time to sit down and implement real measures rather than debate terminology.
Imaz Defends an Inclusive Vision of the Transition
In Davos, Imaz presented himself as advocating for a comprehensive and inclusive view of the transition. He noted that an approach missing broad participation and careful consideration of jobs could jeopardize the entire effort. The CEO referenced Repsol’s role as a major employer with multiple refineries in Spain and warned that pushing decarbonisation too fast could threaten industrial employment and the quality of production. The dialogue suggested a balance between decarbonisation aims and safeguards for workers and communities affected by the shift toward cleaner energy.
Imaz also argued that decarbonisation does not equate to electrification alone, emphasizing that electrification is an important component but not the sole solution. He pointed to the necessity of integrating diverse technologies and strategies to reduce emissions while maintaining reliable energy supplies. The discussion reflected a broader industry concern: that environmental goals must align with economic stability, job preservation, and energy security for consumers in Europe and beyond. This stance resonated with several observers who insist that policy design should account for practical realities on the ground plus the pace at which change can realistically occur. [Citation: Davos Forum discussions on energy policy and transition]