As we bid farewell to 2023 we cannot help but look back and highlight some important milestones reached over the last 12 months. Achievements are equally spread over a number of areas including the completion of major research and studies, the launching of the Institute’s Advisory Services, the undertaking of the third series of seminars on Energy & Geopolitics and the staging of important events all over SE EuropeOn the research front the completion and presentation of IENE’s study on the introduction of CCUS technologies in Greece and SEE is a major achievement in view of its complexity and the participation of five major supporting companies as project partners. Other studies included the “ Energy & Employment” which although it focused on Greece it showcased important lessons which are applicable in most countries in SE Europe. Major events held in 2023, apart from IENE’s standard annual conferences,in Athens and Thessaloniki, included the “SEE Energy Outlook 2022” presentation at the Tirana Polytechnic University and the “ Fuelling the Energy Transition with Nuclear” which took place in Budapest and was jointly organised with the London-based New Nuclear Watch Institute.
The Institute’s Advisory Services had a head start last July following the successful launching of a € 5.0 million Green Bond for a Cyprus-based photovoltaics firm for which IENE acted as Verifier in cooperation with the London based Climate Bond Initiative. More work in this area is in progress while the Institute is actively examining the expansion of its Advisory Services remit so as to include a broader range of subjects, including energy efficiency audits for urban and suburban areas, energy barometer type of studies for industry and governments etc.
Looking ahead, 2024 starts with the Institute having its plate full in terms of major studies and research, the planning of events in the region - including conferences and colloquia in Bucharest,Tirana,Istanbul,Sofia and Nicosia- and organisation of a number of educational courses covering the regional electricity and gas markets, energy efficiency for practising engineers, and energy management principles for non energy executives. Next year is crucial for research work on account of the work undertaken for the next “ SEE Energy Outlook” which is scheduled for publication in the second quarter of 2025.
Exciting opportunities are awaiting us in the coming year. The year starts with a social gathering at the prestigious Athens Club on the evening of January 24 where the traditional New Year “ cake cutting” event will take place and where a number of energy industry dignitaries have been invited to address the Institute. The IENE Lifetime Achievement “Prometheus” prizes will also be awarded on this occasion to a number of individuals who have excelled in their field of work in the energy sector. More on that will become known early in the new year.
Meanwhile, the IENE Team is sending to all Institute members and their families and to its numerous friends it’s warmest wishes for a happy,joyous and prosperous new year.
