Maarten Wetselaar, the CEO of Cepsa, stated that simplification of regulation is one of the biggest problems for the energy transition, a step that, in his opinion, may support the development of new technologies such as green hydrogen or biofuels.
“Spain has a fantastic chance to lead the world in green energy generation. Because it has sun, wind, and space, it is the ideal enclave in Europe for producing them, but we need to establish a regulatory environment that enables quick implementation “, the director suggested during a business gathering co-hosted by the CEOE and Cepyme.
Similarly, he believes that if the chance is “seized,” the ports of southern Spain may “become the Rotterdam of the future,” exporting renewable energies “to entire Europe,” something that European funding can assist with, according to Wetselaar.
In this vein, the management has identified digitization as a “lever” for the energy transition, since it will, in his opinion, increase the efficiency of energy consumption, which he considers to be “the quickest method to decarbonize the economy.”
Wetselaar discussed some of the major lines of the firm’s 2030 plan at the business conference, a time horizon in which the energy company intends to “lead the production of biofuels and green hydrogen in Spain and Portugal,” as well as decarbonize its own and its clients’ activities.
“The green chemicals that we will make will be critical in decarbonizing industries like aviation, heavy transport, and marine,” Wetselaar said, adding that the business will invest roughly 8,000 million euros to carry out its objective.
Regarding the price of gasoline and the possibility that the government will extend the 20-cent-per-liter bonus that has been in effect since April 1, the energy company’s director stressed that “the measures should be focused on the most vulnerable groups, which are those with the most pressing need” beyond June 30.
The CEOE’s president, Antonio Garamendi, and his Cepyme counterpart, Gerardo Cuerva, were both present for the business meeting.
