Conference on Shaping Europe’s Sustainable Energy Future with Hydrogen 

Conference on Shaping Europe’s Sustainable Energy Future with Hydrogen 

Date: April 29, 2024
Time: 09:00 AM – 13:00 EEST
Location: Athens University of Economics and Business, Greece | Antoniadou Amphitheater – Athens, Greece

About the Conference: As Europe's decarbonization journey faces challenges in gaining momentum, hydrogen emerges as a pivotal commodity, offering a promising solution. How might the future European hydrogen market evolve, and what role will Greece play in this dynamic landscape? Bringing together experts from academia, industry, and policy, the event will offer a platform for discussion on the opportunities and challenges hydrogen presents for decarbonization. Participants will examine the current state of hydrogen technologies, their potential to transform energy systems, and the actions needed to build a sustainable and resilient hydrogen economy. The conference aims to foster collaboration and share insights that support Europe’s path toward a low-carbon future.

The conference is hosted by the Athens University of Economics and Business in collaboration with: the Department of Technology, Management, and Economics, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), the Sustainable Development Unit, Athena Research Center, SDSN Global Climate Hub, SDSN Europe, Alliance of Excellence for Research and Innovation on Αephoria (AE4RIA), MAIA EU Project  

Draft Agenda

09:00 – 09:10 | Welcome Remarks

Prof. Vasilios Vasdekis, Rector, Athens University of Economics and Business

09:10 – 09:20 | Opening Remarks

Petros Varelidis, Secretary General, Natural Environment and Waters, Ministry of Environment and Energy (TBC)

09:20 – 09:40 | Opening Keynote

Prof. Phoebe Koundouri, Athens University of Economics and Business & Technical University of Denmark, Chair, SDSN Global Climate Hub, Director, AE4RIA & Sustainable Development Unit, Athena Research Centre

09:40 – 10:00 | Keynote Speech

Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Former Minister of Climate Change and Environment, UAE

10:00 – 11:15 | Expert Speeches 

  • Prof. Jeffrey Sachs – President, SDSN, Columbia University
  • Prof. Christos Zerefos – Secretary General, Academy of Athens; Climate Envoy for Greece
    Topic: Power renewables – the Aquila perspective
  • Prof. Marie Münster – Department of Technology, Management and Economics, DTU
    Topic: Uncertainties in the Development of PtX in Europe
  • Theis Madsen, PhD Candidate – DTU
    Topic: Pathways for Pan-European Energy System Decarbonization: The Effect of Emission Policies on Emission Target Alignment
  • Dr. Ioannis Kountouris – DTU
    Topic: Hydrogen production in the local and European context

11:50 – 11:45 | Coffee Break

11:40 – 13:00 | Panel Discussion: European Hydrogen Ecosystem – Europe and Greece

Moderator:

  • Prof. Phoebe Koundouri, Athens University of Economics and Business & Technical University of Denmark, Chair, SDSN Global Climate Hub, Director, AE4RIA & Sustainable Development Unit, Athena Research Centre

Panelists:

  • Spyros Economou – Director General, Eunice Hydrogen Technologies (TBC)
  • Prof. Dogan Keles – Head of Energy Economics and Modeling Section, DTU
  • Prof. Sofoklis Makridis – University of Patras
  • Dr. Anastasia-Maria Moschovi – Head of Research & Innovation Department, MONOLITHOS
  • Vincent Pirot – Sales Manager, Middle East, Anglo Belgian Corporation NV (online)
  • Dr. Despina Tzoulaki – Senior Manager, Hydrogen & Biomethane Expert, Energy Department, Grant Thornton (TBC)

13:00 – 14:30 | Lunch Break

Post-Conference Workshop (By Invitation Only) 14:30 – 16:00

Following the conference, an in-person workshop will be held, organized by the ATHENA SDU team under the auspices of the MAIA Project (Horizon EU). MAIA is a Horizon Europe ‘Coordination and Support Action’ designed to amplify the impact of climate change research and innovation projects funded under Horizon Europe and Horizon 2020.

These workshops are dedicated to engaging citizens and Pan-European organizations in climate action and resilience. They aim to foster dialogue between researchers, policymakers, businesses, and civil society, enabling collaborative discussions that identify priority objectives and innovative solutions.

Through knowledge exchange and best practices sharing, the workshop will enhance the key topics discussed during the Hydrogen Conference, strengthening Europe’s commitment to a sustainable energy future.

Registration Information

Participation in the conference is free, but prior registration is required. To secure your spot, please register here or contact us at communicationsDep@aueb.gr  for more details.