Greece enters the next stage of the energy transition which is to follow closely the developments in the region and to be actively involved in major infrastructure projects.

Τhe electricity sector is transitioning towards greater share of renewable energy technologies. 

During this period, academics and representatives from EU and industry had one more reason to deal with developments in the sector: ΗΑΕΕ successfully held its 3rd Annual Conference, at Wyndham Grand Athens, (3-5 May 2018).

Τhis year's Conference titled “Energy Transition: European & Global Perspectives” included papers on circular Economy, challenges, investment opportunities and technological innovations in the energy sector, policies and measures towards a Europe Energy Road-map to 2050, global and EU climate policy and emission trading schemes etc.

Τhe 3 day event was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment & Energy. Mr. Giorgos Stathakis, Minister of Environment & Energy, addressed the Conference saying that "The 3rd HAEE Annual Conference has the potential to promote international dialogue for our common aim: to decouple economic growth from CO2 emissions and resource depletion".

What to remember from the 3rd HAEE International Conference

• Τhis year's Conference titled “Energy Transition: European & Global Perspectives” included papers on circular Economy, challenges, investment opportunities and technological innovations in the energy sector, policies and measures towards a Europe Energy Road-map to 2050, global and EU climate policy and emission trading schemes etc.

• The Conference hosted 25 panels, 60 papers and more than 400 participants from all around the world. Representatives of Universities, major Energy Companies and Institutions of more than 24 nationalities, addressed the most up to date topics on energy related subjects and proposed solutions for the development of the global energy potentials.

• The 3 day event was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment & Energy. Mr. Giorgos Stathakis, Minister of Environment and Energy, addressed the Conference saying that "The 3d HAEE Annual Conference has the potential to promote international dialogue for our common aim: to decouple economic growth from CO2 emissions and resource depletion".
• During the Conference, the presidents of the Turkish and Greek affiliates of IAEE, Dr. Gürkan Kumbaroğlu, Professor and Director of Energy Policy Research Center at Bogazici University and Dr. Kostas Andriosopoulos, Professor and Director of the Postgraduate Research Centre for Energy Management at ESCP Europe Business School, agreed to co-organize annual, rotating, bilateral or international Energy Conferences in Istanbul and Athens, starting this year with a Conference in Istanbul.

• Among the Speakers of the Conference were:

-Michalis Verroiopoulos, Secretary General, Ministry of Environment & Energy

-Fofi Gennimata, Leader of the Movement for Change

-Kostas Skrekas, MP, New Democracy Party, Head of Energy, Environment & Climate Change Sector; frm. Minister of Development and Competitiveness

-Giorgos Arvanitidis, Member of the Parliament B’ Thessaloniki, Director of Environment & Energy Sector - Democratic Coalition

-David Knapp, IAEE President 2018; Chief Energy Economist; Editor, Oil Market Intelligence

-Patrick Gougeon, Emeritus Professor, ESCP Europe Business School, France; frm. Dean

-Geoffrey R. Pyatt, Ambassador of the United States of America to the Hellenic Republic

-George Kremlis, Honorary Director, In charge of circular economy in islands, European Commission

-Nektaria Karakatsani, Member of the Board of Commissioners, Regulatory Authority for Energy

• Chambers, such as the American-Hellenic, the Italian-Hellenic, the Spanish-Hellenic, the Franco-Hellenic and the Russian-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce were among the Strategic Partners of the Conference, along with ESCP Europe Business School, the Research Centre for Energy Management, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the World Energy Council - Global Gas Centre, the AIEE, the Hellenic Association of Chemical Industries, the Master in Business Administration-MBA of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and Audencia Business School.

• Nikolaos Chatziargyriou, Chairman & CEO, HEDNO, was awarded from the Board of HAEE, for his long-standing contribution in the field of Power Systems & Smart Grids, during the Conference.

Speakers' Highlights 

Kostas Andriosopoulos, Professor of Finance & Energy Economics, ESCP Europe Business School; Chairman, HAEE

Kostas Andriosopoulos, the Conference Host, talked about the 3rd International Conference's topics and the future plans of the energy sector in Greece and Europe and welcomed the regional and international organizations, industry and business associations, academics and Member States, to discuss the policy changes on the electric, natural gas and renewable energy market with associated impacts on the use, development, and pricing.

David Knapp, IAEE President 2018; Chief Energy Economist; Editor, Oil Market Intelligence

David Knapp addressed the Conference, emphasizing on the International initiatives.

"There is much to be done to end our reliance on oil. The energy transition is a long process. We have been trying for 40 years through international conferences and we will keep trying", said Mr. Knapp.

Patrick Gougeon, Emeritus Professor, ESCP Europe Business School, France; frm. Dean

"Energy transition is a global issue and needs to be done in a coordinated manner. The same applies to the carbon emissions. Governments have to decide what they want to do taking into consideration the geopolitical risk", said Mr. Gougeon.

Geoffrey R. Pyatt, Ambassador of the United States of America to the Hellenic Republic

"Energy and Greece’s role as a European energy hub, is therefore a central part of the U.S. strategy to build up Greece as a pillar of regional stability", said Mr. Pyatt.

Fofi Gennimata, Leader of the Movement for Change

"The strategy, the priorities and strategy for the Movement for Change is set out in accordance with the objectives for Climate and Energy and the new 2030 framework including EU-wide targets and policy objectives for the period 2030-2050", said Mrs. Fofi Gennimata.

Eleni Myrivili, Deputy Mayor of Athens for Urban Nature, Urban Resilience & Climate Change Adaptation

"Recent studies show that the city of Athens faces risks from extreme temperatures. As local Government we have limited competence and we need to work and better collaborate with other levels of Government", said Mrs Myrivili.

Gerassimos Thomas, Deputy Director General, DG Energy, European Commission  

"We have proposed the doubling of the Structural Funds for the Energy Sector. We have to invest in the energy efficiency. It will require major investments estimated at €200 billion annually", said Mr. Thomas.

Kostas Skrekas, MP, New Democracy Party, Head of Energy, Environment & Climate Change Sector; frm. Minister of Development and Competitiveness

"Our main concern is the infrastructure investments in the energy sector. Energy is catalyst. We need a plan and political will", said Mr. Kostas Skrekas.

Giorgos Arvanitidis, Member of the Parliament B’ Thessaloniki, Director of Environment & Energy Sector - Democratic Coalition

"Europe is resolved to meet the 2030 and 2050 targets and seeks new production models and a different perspective. Τhat requires a change in attitudes and practices", said Mr. Arvanitidis.

Michalis Verroiopoulos, Secretary General, Ministry of Environment & Energy, Greece

Mr. Verroiopoulos focused on the national strategy for energy, the development of the internal energy market, the energy efficiency and the optimum use of renewable energy sources.

"Greece needs to develop a consumer-centered sustainable system", said Mr. Verroiopoulos.

George Kremlis, Honorary Director, In charge of circular economy in islands, European Commission 

Mr. George Kremlis presented the development model for the Greek case. His address was focused on the importance of Circular Economy in environmental, economic and social level, the sustainable development and the opportunities to hold business and industry activity in Greece.

Click here for the Gallery of the Conference.