Dr Stella Tsani Wins 2025 EUSEW Award for Bridging Research and Policy in Sustainable Energy
Key Insights
Greek academic Dr Stella Tsani has been honored with the 2025 European Sustainable Energy Award for her work in linking energy research with actionable policy.
Tsani emphasizes Greece's challenges in transitioning from lignite dependency to renewable energy while addressing socio-political hurdles like energy poverty.
She highlights Greece's progress in sustainable energy policies, including renewable licensing reforms and energy communities, but calls for better implementation.
Tsani advocates for public engagement and youth involvement in energy transitions, stressing interdisciplinary education and ethical responsibility for future energy professionals.
Greek academic Dr Stella Tsani has been awarded the 2025 European Sustainable Energy Award in the Woman in Energy category for her groundbreaking efforts to connect rigorous research with practical policy in the clean energy transition. Combining academic expertise with high-level policy engagement, Tsani has shaped evidence-based recommendations to advance sustainable energy in Greece and beyond.
In an interview with Ceenergynews, Tsani shared insights into her motivations, Greece's energy challenges, and the role of public engagement in the transition. "My journey into sustainable energy was shaped by a deep-rooted interest in how economics can serve people and the planet," she explained. Witnessing Greece's energy vulnerabilities firsthand, Tsani was driven to address the structural inefficiencies and environmental impacts of traditional energy systems.
Greece faces significant hurdles in its shift to sustainable energy, including reliance on lignite, fragmented governance, and energy poverty. Tsani noted the importance of balancing decarbonization with regional equity, particularly in fossil-dependent areas like Western Macedonia. "Strengthening participatory governance and empowering local communities are crucial for a just transition," she emphasized.
Despite challenges, Greece has made strides in sustainable energy policies. Tsani pointed to reforms simplifying renewable licensing and the development of energy communities as positive steps. However, she stressed the need for better implementation and a coordinated strategy integrating environmental, economic, and social dimensions.
Public engagement is central to Tsani's vision for the energy transition. She advocates for education, transparency, and mechanisms like energy communities to involve citizens in decision-making. "A fair, inclusive process is necessary for lasting change," she said. Tsani also highlighted the role of youth, describing the next generation of energy professionals as interdisciplinary, ethically driven, and digitally savvy.
Reflecting on her achievements, Tsani cited her contributions to global reports like UNEP’s GEO-7 and her mentorship of students through initiatives like GY-Energy. "Meaningful change happens when knowledge, values, and people come together," she concluded.