Conference on Shaping Europe’s Sustainable Energy Future with Hydrogen
Date: April 29, 2025
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 efforts face critical challenges, hydrogen is emerging as a key solution for a sustainable energy future. But how will the European hydrogen market evolve, and what role will Greece play in shaping its trajectory?
This high-level conference will bring together experts from academia, industry, and policy to explore hydrogen’s opportunities and challenges for decarbonization. Discussions will focus on the current state of hydrogen technologies, their potential to transform energy systems, and the essential actions needed to build a sustainable and resilient hydrogen economy. The event will foster collaboration and share insights that support Europe’s path toward a low-carbon future.
Organizers
The conference is hosted by the Athens University of Economics and Business in collaboration with:
- Department of Technology, Management, and Economics, Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
- 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
With the support of:
- European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists (EAERE)
- INZEB, National Coordinator of the EU Climate Pact in Greece
Agenda
09:00 – 09:20 | Welcome Remarks
Prof. Vasilios Vasdekis, Rector, Athens University of Economics and Business
Prof. Ioannis Emiris, President and General Director ATHENA Research Center
09:20 – 09:40 | Opening Keynote
Prof. Phoebe Koundouri, Athens University of Economics and Business & Technical University of Denmark; President, World Council of Environmental and Resource Economists Associations; Chair, SDSN Global Climate Hub; Director, AE4RIA & Sustainable Development Unit, Athena RC
Prof. Yannis Ioannidis, President of the Association for Computing Machinery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (video)
09:40 – 10:00 | Keynote Speech
Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Former Minister of Climate Change and Environment, UAE
Topic: Hydrogen can be the last Meter of Decarbonization
10:00 – 11:10 | Expert Speeches
Prof. Christos Zerefos – Secretary General, Academy of Athens; Climate Envoy for Greece
Topic: Power renewables – the Aquila perspectiveProf. Marie Münster – Department of Technology, Management and Economics, DTU
Topic: Uncertainties in the Development of PtX in EuropeTheis Utoft Madsen, PhD Candidate – DTU
Topic: The implications of variable renewable energy expansion and biomass utilisation for producing renewable fuels in Europe- Dr. Ioannis Kountouris – Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and Blue Power Partners
Topic: Renewable Hydrogen and Ammonia Production: Location-Specific Considerations and Competitive Market Dynamics in Europe
11:00 – 11:30 | Coffee Break
11:30 – 13:00 | Panel Discussion: European Hydrogen Ecosystem – Europe and Greece
Moderator:
- Prof. Phoebe Koundouri, Athens University of Economics and Business & Technical University of Denmark; President, World Council of Environmental and Resource Economists Associations; Chair, SDSN Global Climate Hub; Director, AE4RIA & Sustainable Development Unit, Athena RC
Panelists:
- Spyros Economou – Director General, Eunice Hydrogen Technologies
- 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)
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.
