Sara Aagesen, who has been the State Secretary for Energy since 2020, is set to become Spain’s new Minister for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge. She will also serve as the third Deputy Prime Minister, taking over from Teresa Ribera, according to official sources from Moncloa.
The change comes as Ribera prepares to take on a new role as a Vice-President of the European Commission under Ursula von der Leyen. Teresa Ribera’s nomination as Vice-President of the European Commission was recently confirmed after negotiations between the three major political groups in the European Parliament. Ribera’s confirmation is expected to be formally approved next week. Her new position will strengthen the European Commission’s focus on climate and environmental policy, marking a significant shift in her career.
An experienced technocrat takes the helm
Born in Madrid in 1976, Sara Aagesen brings substantial technical expertise to her new role. As chemical engineer with a specialisation in environmental sciences from the Complutense University of Madrid, she has been part of the Ministry for Ecological Transition since 2018. Initially appointed as an advisor, she played a crucial role in shaping Spain’s Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) for 2021-2030 and the Long-Term Strategy for 2050.
Aagesen’s career has been deeply intertwined with Spain’s climate and energy policies. She joined the Office for Climate Change in 2002. There she developed key initiatives for climate action and energy transition both domestically and on the international stage. Her expertise spans greenhouse gas emission analysis, energy scenario planning, and the development of measures to mitigate climate change.
International Credentials
Aagesen has also been a leading negotiator for Spain at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Furthermore, she has collaborated with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) since 2002. Her international experience includes advisory roles within the UN’s Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), as well as with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).
Her new position at the forefront of Spain’s green transition will leverage her extensive background in energy and environmental policy. In 2013, she was awarded the Cross of the Civil Order of Environmental Merit by Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Environment. This was in recognition of her contributions to the field.
A new direction for Spain’s climate agenda
As she steps into her new role, Aagesen is expected to continue Spain’s ambitious climate agenda. Her focus will be on energy transition and the demographic challenges facing the country. Her technical background and extensive experience suggest that she will provide continuity. At the same time, she will also bring a fresh perspective to Spain’s efforts to lead in European environmental policy.