Nikos Mantzaris analyzed the prerequisites for environmentally and economically sustainable electrification of sectors with a high carbon and economic footprint during a panel titled “Energy and Climate Change” at the conference “Addressing the Climate Crisis in the Mediterranean,” organized by CLIMPACT – National Network for Climate Change.
From an environmental sustainability perspective, Mantzaris emphasized that electrification heavily depends on the source of electricity. Using fossil gas to meet additional demand, as is currently the case, is not aligned with climate neutrality.
Therefore, the solution lies in renewable energy sources (RES), combined with energy storage, provided they are properly sited and the “energy efficiency first principle” is applied.
Regarding the economic aspect of the energy transition, Mantzaris highlighted that the benefit for consumers will depend on the policy measures adopted.
He then focused on three key sectors with high carbon and economic footprints: transportation, buildings, and industry. Specifically, transportation is expected to become the country’s leading polluter from 2026 onwards. Similarly, buildings require an approach that will prioritize self-production with RES and energy upgrades to homes, ensuring economic benefits are directed to consumers, thus making the transition socially fairer.
Moreover, Nikos Mantzaris mentioned that significant funds are expected to be available for both the building and transportation sectors from the new and existing EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), the Social Climate Fund, and other sources.
Finally, industrial electrification faces challenges such as technological maturity and the high cost of implementing and operating “green” solutions, all while considering the competitiveness of the industry.
Concluding, Mantzaris emphasized that electrification offers significant opportunities and, under the right conditions, can provide a win-win solution for citizens, energy producers, and industry alike. However, its success depends on careful selection of energy sources, proper siting of RES, a focus on energy efficiency, and appropriate policies that ensure benefits for citizens.
Panel Participants:
- Sotirios Karellas, Professor at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), School of Mechanical Engineering, and member of the CLIMPACT network.
- Christos Tourkolias, Scientific Associate at the Center for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving (CRES) / Directorate of Energy Policy and Planning.
- Kostas Balaras, Research Director at the National Observatory of Athens (NOA) / Institute for Environmental Research and Sustainable Development (IERSD).
- Giorgos Tsourakis, Representative from the Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO) / Strategy & System Development Planning Directorate – System Dynamic Security Sector.
- Moderator: Dr. Elena Georgopoulou, Researcher at the NOA / Institute for Environmental Research and Sustainable Development (IERSD).
The CLIMPACT conference was held at the French Institute on February 18-19, 2025. You can watch the full proceedings of the second day here. Nikos Mantzaris’ intervention begins at 5:27:37.