As part of the 10th HAEE Energy Transition Symposium, the Hellenic Association for Energy Economics (HAEE) proudly hosted the 2025 Energy Initiative Awards, celebrating nine exceptional initiatives that are driving the future of energy in Greece and beyond.

In a ceremony marked by the strong presence of political leadership, the Energy Initiative Awards recognized initiatives that exemplify measurable impact, strategic vision, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability, innovation, and public value. Each award category highlighted a key pillar of the transition toward a decarbonized and inclusive energy system.

The award for Financing the Future was presented to the National Bank of Greece for its innovative Energy Baseload Swap (EBS) mechanism. The project exemplifies how creative financial instruments can unlock investment and accelerate the green transition. The award was presented by Nikos Papathanasis, Alternate Minister of National Economy and Finance of Greece and accepted by Vassilis Karamouzis, General Manager of Corporate & Investment Banking at NBG.

In the category Educational Impact, the award went to DESFA “Building Human Capital for Energy Transition: DESFA’s Commitment to Continuous Learning” for its consistent work in developing human capital for the energy transition. As energy systems evolve, education and workforce readiness remain key. The award was presented by Konstantinos Vlassis, Deputy Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports and accepted by Ioannis Gyftakis, Executive Director of HR & Organization at DESFA SA.

The award for Social Inclusion & Accessibility recognized the Regulatory Authority for Energy, Waste & Water (RAAEY) for its “Consumer’s Place” initiative — a project aimed at promoting informed participation and greater social engagement in the energy sector. The award was presented by Iason Fotilas, Deputy Minister of Culture, and accepted by Professor Konstantinos Aravossis, VP and Waste Management BoD Chairman, RAAEY; Professor and UNESCO Chairholder on Green Innovation and Circular Economy, NTUA.

In the category Energy Leadership, the Hellenic Hydrocarbon and Energy Resources Management Company (HEREMA) was honored for “HEREMA’s holistic energy strategy benefits Greece”. The award was presented by Haris Doukas, Mayor of Athens, and accepted by Flora Karathanasi, HEREMA’s Offshore Wind Programme Lead.

The award for Sustainability Excellence was given to “Domokos Biodiversity-Integrated Photovoltaic” Project by FARIA Renewables — a prime example of clean energy infrastructure aligned with ecological stewardship. The award was presented by Professor Kostas Axarloglou, Dean of Alba Graduate Business School and accepted by Thalia Valkouma, President and CEO of FARIA Renewables. 

In Alternative Fuels, the award went to ECO HELLAS for its leadership in developing biogas and biomethane projects across Greece and the Balkans, advancing circular economy practices and renewable gas markets. The award was accepted by Eleni Bairami, Owner and Managing Director of ECO HELLAS.

The category Innovation in Energy honored PROTASIS for the “Integrated Hybrid Energy Management and Control System for Agios Efstratios Island” Project — a scalable solution that demonstrates the role of smart systems in decentralized, renewable-powered communities. The award was presented by Professor Panagiotis Kaldis, Rector of the University of West Attica, and accepted by Vassilis Georgiou, Managing Director of PROTASIS.

In Impactful Energy Solutions, the award was given to Howden Hellas for “Delivering Pioneering Risk Solutions that Drive Renewable Energy Progress in Greece”. The award was presented by Professor George Ioannou of the Athens University of Economics and Business and accepted by Panagiotis Doumas, Director and Member of the Executive and Management Committee at Howden Hellas

Finally, the title of Energy Initiative of the Year was awarded to AKUO Energy for its “crowdfunding campaign supporting the development of four solar power plants in flood-affected Thessaly”, a project that brought together citizens, private sector and local communities to deliver clean energy where it’s most needed. The award was accepted by Konstantinos Ioannidis, Project Manager, and Sara Hernandez Nass, Head of Crowdfunding at Akuo (via video message).

The evening concluded with a group photo of all honorees and presenters, marking not only a celebration of HAEE’s 10th anniversary, but a collective reaffirmation of a shared energy future — one that is innovative, inclusive, and sustainable.

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