From soaring energy prices to uncertainty in energy security, the need for accelerating green investments plays once again a pivotal role in energy transition at regional and national levels. The EU has suffered from the consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine due to its high dependency on natural gas and seeks pathways that speed up the energy transition. For this reason, the EU mobilized various funding mechanisms that will enhance the integration of clean energy technologies such as Wind and Solar, and alternative fuels such as hydrogen and consequently preserve the socio-economic prosperity of the EU citizens.

Driven by the facts and our intention to apply rigorous analysis to the most pertinent topics of energy economics, the HAEE team is launching the second Issue of "In Focus" series, which is dedicated to the EU’s energy investment in the light of the new geopolitical landscape.

The second issue entitled “Accelerating Energy Transition Investments” reviews the current state-of-play in the Energy sector and is followed by information on key investment schemes, such as the REPowerEU and RRF, as well as strategic plans at the national level, including Greece’s NECP, the Ten-year Network Development Plan of IPTO and developments on the Decarbonisation Fund of the Greek Islands. At a technology level, we are focusing on three key emerging solutions: hydrogen, batteries and offshore wind, and present key developments in the respective investment activities. Given both the uncertainty of the period as well as the complexity of allocating the aforementioned investments, this Issue emphasizes on key threats and opportunities.

Last but not least, we would like to thank our Members - National Bank of Greece, Independent Power Transmission Operator, Enel Green Power, EDF Renewables & Schneider Electric - for offering their invaluable input and bringing their expertise to the new In Focus issue.

Please click here to download the full report.