The energy transition is moving forward, but for it to be successful and fair, it needs genuine public participation and social acceptance. This was the central message of Ioanna Souka, energy policy analyst at The Green Tank, in her interview on Naftemporiki TV.
Public participation and local communities
Ioanna Souka stressed that “renewable energy projects must be designed with transparency, open dialogue, and consultation with local communities.” Citizens are showing growing interest, as demonstrated by the rapid development of energy communities and self-production projects – now exceeding 1 GW of installed capacity. However, regulatory and technical barriers, such as the shift from net metering to net billing and the lack of available grid capacity, continue to hold back further growth.
Energy storage – a critical infrastructure
Curtailments of renewable energy production could be reduced with sufficient energy storage systems, Ioanna Souka noted. Despite plans for 4.7 GW of storage projects and strong investor interest, progress remains slow. Accelerating these developments is essential for a smooth path to climate neutrality.
Alarming increase in fossil gas use
Ioanna Souka also pointed to the worrying rise in fossil gas use, which has had a significant impact on CO₂ emissions. In 2024, Greece recorded the largest increase in fossil gas consumption in the EU (+30%), mainly for producing electricity that was exported to neighboring countries. The trend is continuing into the first half of 2025, with implications for both emissions and wholesale electricity prices. “The key question is under what terms these exports are taking place and how Greek consumers are being protected,” Ioanna Souka emphasized.
The new Social Climate Fund
With the launch of the EU Emissions Trading System 2 (ETS2) for the buildings and road transport sectors from 2027, the EU is establishing the Social Climate Fund to protect households, especially the most vulnerable, Ioanna Souka explained. “ETS2, like ETS1, is essentially a carbon market. For every ton of CO₂ emitted by fossil fuel suppliers, they pay carbon tax, which will ultimately be passed on to consumers. A ‘fund’ is created where the revenues from auctions are collected,” she said.
Greece is expected to receive around €4.8 billion, while according to an analysis by The Green Tank and Facets, total available resources – including other related revenues – could reach €15 billion. To access these funds, each Member State must develop a strategy outlined in its Social Climate Plan. Greece submitted its plan for public consultation in early July, and The Green Tank submitted comments. While the plan is moving in the right direction, it remains general, lacking clear costings and targeted measures to address energy and transport poverty.
Society in the green transition
Ioanna Souka expressed cautious optimism about the growing awareness in Greek society, particularly among younger generations, of the climate crisis. “The path to climate neutrality is set. The question is under what terms it will happen, and whether citizens will be an integral part of it, ensuring that social justice is embedded in the green transition,” she concluded.
Watch the full interview (in Greek) as broadcast on Naftemporiki TV on August 11, 2025, here.
