Solarplaza Summit | Greece

Costas Caralis is leading Hive Energy’s activities in Greece having bring into mature stage more than 500MW of projects for Hive, among them the first emblematic investment of exceptional importance in Greece combining Solar, Storage and Green Hydrogen. Costas has been in Solar industry since 2008 and before joining Hive Energy, he worked in C-level positions focused on strategy and growth in multinational corporations in Greece for SGS, Schuco International and Solarcentury, while currently holds the position of Managing Director in Hive Energy Hellas a subsidiary of Hive Energy in Greece and a board member of Grunkraft S.A. Costas holds a Master degree in Mineral Resources engineering and a Master in Business Administration.

Stelios Psomas is a leading Greek PV consultant and lobbyist. He started campaigning for PV in Greece already in 1995 (as a Greenpeace energy & climate campaigner). Since then he has pushed for the introduction of support schemes for PV and the opening of the market through his role as a policy advisor for the Hellenic Association of Photovoltaic Companies (HELAPCO). He has been actively involved in the introduction of feed-in tariffs, self-consumption support schemes, auction schemes and long-term energy planning in Greece. In particular, he was involved in the drafting of most of the PV-related legislation in Greece, and has also acted as an advisor to the banking sector, facilitating the financing of PV systems.

Dr S.Kapellos is a graduate of the Chemical Department of the University of Athens (UOA), Greece (1986). In 1991 he received his PhD on the field of Physical Chemistry from the same Institution. The research was a collaboration between UOA and the Michigan State University (MSU) Physical Chemistry Teams. In 1993 he was hired by BP Hellas SA as Chemist in the Perama Lubricants and Fuels Quality Control Chemical Laboratory. Since then he had the opportunity to be positioned at various managerial posts within the BP Hellas Organization: Quality, Health, Safety and Environment, Human Resources, Customer Services, Pricing and Credit. In 2004 he moves to Northern Greece as Retail Fuels District Manager North.In 2007 when BP Solar is established, Dr. S.Kapellos is appointed as the leader (CEO) of the new organization, in order to setup the new business.In 2010 he moves to ELPE Renewables (100% owned by ELPE Group), developing and managing the Renewables portfolio of the Hellenic Petroleum Group. He currently holds the position of the Operation and Development Director of the company, being at the same time BoD member. Τhe current RES portfolio of ELPE Renewables is 130 MW of photovoltaic projects and 25 MW Biomass, of which 10 MW PV in operation and another 9 MW PV project under construction. A 6.8 MW wind park was acquired in 2013.Dr.S.Kapellos has published several scientific articles in international magazines during his academic career. He has written a number of articles on subjects related to Safety, Hygiene and Environment and in the last years on Solar Technology and Energy Policy for newspapers, relevant magazines and e-media.Since 2008, he has been an elected member of the board of the Hellenic (Greek) Association of PV companies (HELAPCO) and since April 2013 Chairman of the board of the Association.

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Eleni Zafeiratou is leading the development of renewable energy and storage projects, including route-to-market strategies for Greece and other Balkan markets at Interphoton Investment Group. Previously, she has worked in the academic, public and private sectors. She devoted part of her professional career to the European Commission, initially at DG Energy in the Economic Analysis and Financial Instruments unit, working on energy modelling and scenario analysis. Eleni worked extensively in the field of Hydrogen and Fuel Cells as Knowledge Management Officer at the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, where she contributed to a wide range of EU-funded projects while reviewing, analysing and disseminating results and collaborating with the EU Joint Research Centre (JRC) to further advance hydrogen technologies. Eleni holds a Civil Engineering diploma from NTUA and an MSc from UCL in Environmental Systems Engineering. Furthermore, she has been awarded a PhD from UCL Energy Institute. As a researcher, she applied advanced modelling methods to effectively implement secure, affordable, and sustainable electricity on the Greek islands. She has been an author and co-author of several publications in Scientific Journals and Conferences.

Evangelos is Aurora’s Head of Southeastern Europe, based in Athens. While at Aurora, Evangelos has gained extensive commercial due diligence experience in renewable energy and storage asset investments across Europe and Australia. He managed Aurora’s multi-client study on hydrogen and has also advised major developers and infrastructure funds on the business case of battery, pumped-hydro and compressed-air storage technologies. Before joining Aurora in November 2017, Evangelos spent 4 years at Imperial College London as a Research Associate at the Centre for Environmental Policy and a consultant with Imperial Consultants. He also co-authored the book ‘Energy Innovation for the 21st Century’. Evangelos holds a PhD in Engineering (Energy Systems) and an MSc with Distinction in Sustainable Energy Systems from the University of Edinburgh, and an MEng in Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Gerasimos is an accomplished Electrical and Computer Engineer with a specialization in energy markets. He holds an MEng degree from National Technical University of Athens and an MSc in Future Power Networks from Imperial College London, a world-class university, solidifying his expertise in the field. With a wealth of experience amassed at Statkraft, a prominent player in the European energy markets, Gerasimos garnered extensive knowledge in energy management, renewable trading in spot market and optimization of storage facilities. His pivotal contributions have been instrumental in driving battery energy storage integration and active participation in both wholesale and ancillary services markets in the United Kingdom. Since 2022, Gerasimos has been an integral part of the Trading Department at Optimus Energy, Greece’s first and largest renewable aggregator. He spearheads the seamless participation of the RES portfolio in spot markets, effectively minimizing balancing costs while adeptly mitigating volumetric and price risks associated with market exposure, whilst leading the trading solutions for the upcoming assets like energy storage and demand response. Beyond his professional engagements, Gerasimos has authored several research papers and co-authored the book ‘Industrial Demand Response: Methods, best practices, case studies and applications’ for the Institution of Engineering and Technology. His dedication to advancing energy expertise is encapsulated in his personal motto, ’Empowering Energy Transformation for a Sustainable Future’, which underscores his commitment to a greener world.

Phoebe Koundouri is Professor in Economics and Director of ReSEES Laboratory at the School of Economics of the Athens University of Economics and Business, part-time Research Professor at the Department of Technology, Management and Economics of the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), and Director of the Sustainable Development Research Unit at ATHENA Information Technology Research Center. She holds a MPhil and a PhD in Economics from the University of Cambridge, and has held academic positions at the University of Cambridge, University College London, University of Reading, and London School of Economics. She is recognized as a pioneer in innovative, human-centric, interdisciplinary systems for the sustainable interaction between nature, society, and the economy. She has published 15 books and more than 500 scientific papers, co-edited a number of prestigious academic journals, organized numerous international scientific conferences, supervised more than 30 PhD students, and gave keynote speeches and public lectures across the world. In 2019, she was elected President of the European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists (EAERE) and she is now chairing the World Council of Environmental and Natural Resource Economists Associations (WCERE). She is the director of the Alliance of Excellence for Research and Innovation on AE4RIA, linking the research and innovation work of 5 research centers, 5 innovations accelerators and numerous science-policy networks, with more than 200 researchers and 100 large interdisciplinary competitively funded projects involved. She is chair of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Global Climate Hub and co-chair of SDSN Europe, with 2000 universities involved. She is elected member of Academia Europea, the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, the World Academy of Art and Science, and member of the InterAcademy Partnership Board . She is commissioner for the Lancet Commission on COVID-19 Recovery and invited member of the Program on Fraternal Economy of Integral and Sustainable Development of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. In 2022, she received the prestigious European Research Council Synergy Grant and in 2023, she was awarded the Academy of Athens Excellence in Science Award, awarded every four years. She is member of the Nominating Committee for the Prize in Economics Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, the Royal Swedish Academy of Science.

Has a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from NTUA since 1992. He obtained an MBA from the University of Portsmouth, UK and holds a PhD from NTUA completing in 2019 his doctoral dissertation in the field of Wholesale Electricity Market Operation and Renewable penetration. During his professional career he has held upper managerial positions in large companies in the field of FMCGs, such as in the multinational Sara Lee Household & Body Care Hellas and Karamolegos Bakery Industry and was active in collaboration with Katselis Bakery Industry in the fast-growing business sector of organized catering and food retail. Since 2006 he is active in the electricity market field through developing centralized photovoltaic plants. His company, a pioneer in the industry, completed and interconnected to the grid one of the first PV plants in April 2008. Furthermore, as a consultant, enjoys deep experience, especially in the field of wholesale electricity market and renewables. His clientele includes large corporations such as SPI Energy, EYDAP, Attica Finance Consulting, Interphoton Group, Intertrade Hellas, EasyPower etc. He is a member of the list of referees and arbitrators of RAE. He has been elected to the Board of the Hellenic Association of PV Energy Producers since 2009, while since 2011 he is the President for five consecutive terms.

George Roulias was born in Athens, Greece and started working in his family business making confectionary products in Greece, Africa and Middle East. In early 2000 he left the family business to form a JV with Virgin Entertainment Group UK where he served as a Managing Director for nearly a decade, from1999 to 2009. In 2009 he decided to make a swift to his career and move to Renewable Energy Sector at the time European and Greek solar markets began to explode. He participated as Business Development Director in Inet Energy SA a Greek EPC company until 2011. He also founded his third company, Glensol Energy Ltd an independent provider of renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions for public and private sector based in Greece and operating in EMEA region. The company has built its presence in South East Europe with a proven track record of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in Greece, Cyprus and Romania. The company is expanding its activities in Middle East and Africa through a network of local partners. The boundless potential of Renewable Energy exploitation and the preservation of sustainable development have become the cornerstones of his abiding interests.

Guy worked as quality, safety and project manager for Hydrogenics from 1999 to 2007. During this period he was closely involved in the development of the alkaline electrolyser and the first R&D models of the PEM electrolyser. Between 2007 and 2019, Guy worked as operations director for a large EPC company active across Europe in the development, construction and operation of PV plants, where he gained extensive experience in PV and built an extensive global network of specialists. In 2019, he founded his own company, Navitas Projects, where he provides technical and financing consultancy for renewable energy projects in Europe.

Nikos Giannoulis has been Head of PD in Greece at Sens Lsg Gmbh since 2022 supporting the development of the Greek market portfolio for the company. He has been working in wind and solar industry holding various roles with local and international developers for the last 13 years in the markets of Greece and Cyprus. His professional experience is ranging from Greenfield Project Development, Project Financing, Market Analysis, M&A, Operation and Asset Management. Giannoulis holds Diploma in Electrical Engineering from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Masters in Sustainable Energy Technologies from Southampton University, and an MBA from Imperial College London.

Epistimi Oikonomopoulou is a Senior Associate at the international law firm Clifford Chance. Her practice focuses on Antitrust and Energy regulatory matters, and she is a key member of the firm’s Clean Hydrogen Taskforce. She studied civil engineering at NTUA, holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Sydney and did an LLM in Energy Law at Queen Mary University of London. Before joining Clifford Chance, Epistimi worked at the EBRD, the European Parliament and the European Commission’s Directorate General for Energy at Units related to the internal energy market and the development of energy infrastructure projects. She is a qualified lawyer in Australia (NSW) and Ireland and admitted to the Paris Bar.

Stella is a Senior Associate in the CMS Power, Renewables & Clean Energy team specializing in energy transactions and energy regulatory matters along the entire electricity value chain. She advises leading energy companies on PPAs and other power offtake arrangements, related EU and UK energy regulatory frameworks​, and renewable electricity project development. Over the last years she has worked with corporates on PPAs relating to projects across Europe and with governments on PPA-related frameworks, including removing barriers to boost local PPA markets. Stella has worked in top-tier law firms in London, Brussels and Athens. She is admitted to practice in New York State and Greece.

Alexis Simintzis is a Senior Consultant at FTI Consulting in Brussels and a member of the Energy and Industrials Practice, specialising on European power and gas regulatory frameworks. Over the last years he has advised utilities, financial investors, project developers and large energy-intensive industries on their public affairs and regulatory strategy towards EU stakeholders. His assignments range from analysing regulatory and market developments for clients active across the power and gas value chain, to providing timely policy intelligence and day-to-day counsel on key legislative files such as the ongoing reform of the EU electricity market design. Alexis holds a Master’s degree in International Energy from Sciences Po Paris.

Ypatios Moysiadis’ early years spent growing up in an industrial coal mining town in Northwest Greece had a profound effect on his career and helped embed a focus on sustainability in all his future ventures. He started working in renewables 15 years ago, capitalising on the legislative introduction of renewable energy incentives. Over the years he expanded his scope into the development, construction and operation of renewable energy assets. This work lead to posts at major British and international organisations like Galliford Try Group, Grupotec, Foresight Group, BayWa r.e. and Voltalia Group, working in several spot markets and countries. Ypatios has worked across the value chain on all major renewable technologies, with emphasis on Solar PV. Today, Ypatios is the Managing Partner of Wattcrop focusing on development of new generation projects internationally and advancement of innovation within the services sector of Renewable Energy. He is a visiting lecturer at Cass Business School London and ESCP Business School Paris, and promotes Renewables as an author and active blogger.

Nasos Plainos is Key Account Sales Manager at LONGi Solar, a leading photovoltaic solar cell and module manufacturer. He has been working in solar industry for 14 years since early 2008 after 6 years in Professional Sports Lighting. Before joining LONGi in 2019, Nasos Plainos has been with Metka Egn, Intrakat and Sense one Technologies in leading roles in Strategic Business Development and Management positions and could significantly contribute to make each of them a number one in their industry sectors. He holds the Bachelor of Science and a HED in Electrical Electronic ENG. degree from Leeds University and Becket University in Leeds / United Kingdom.

Maria is manager at Platis – Anastassiadis and Associates Law Partnership, the law firm associated with EY Greece, where she heads the Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Team. She is an energy and environmental lawyer with a strong transactional background. Maria’s energy practice focuses primarily on renewable energy and clean technologies, energy storage, energy markets and offtake, and infrastructure development. She has significant experience in advising investors, developers and energy companies as well as public-sector entities with regard to acquisitions, project development and financing as well as regulatory matters. In addition, Maria advises on all aspects of environmental compliance and permitting for a wide range of projects and assists clients with emerging environmental and climate law issues. She holds a law degree as well as a Ph.D. in Environmental Law & Economics from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Prior to joining Platis – Anastassiadis and Associates, Maria practiced energy and environmental ­­law with top-tier law firms in Athens. She is an attorney admitted to the Athens Bar Association.

Theodor Tsiolis is the Solution Director at the Representative office of Huawei Digital Power since 2020. Theodor has more than 12 years of experience in the renewable energy sector as a solar solution PV Engineer, Project Manager, system designer and data analysts. He holds and BA in Mechanical Engineering from the University of West Attica.

Peggy Bozou is a Senior Legal Counsel in Aquila Clean Energy Greece since February 2023. Before joining Aquila Clean Energy, Peggy worked at three systemic Greek banks as well as at a distinguished Greek law firm. Her areas of practice are project finance and project development focused on energy and infrastructure. She has been involved in several transactions dealing with drafting coordination and negotiation of complex finance and project documentation. She studied law at the Law School of Athens and holds a Master of Laws in Civil Law from the Law School of Athens and a Master of Science in Strategy, Law and Economics of Energy from the University of Piraeus. She was admitted to the Athens Bar in 1997.

Joerg Plesse is an electrical engineer with nearly 30 years of experience in development and implementation of Wind, Solar and Storage projects in Europe and Latin America(wind and solar PV). Furthermore he worked as Technical Advisor on such projects in Asia and Africa. Within ABO Wind he started in 2019 on implementation of a wind farm in Poland and continued with development of a solar project pipeline in Hungary up to ready-to-build stage. Since end of 2022 he develops stand-alone and PV-hybrid storage projects in Netherlands and Greece. Actually he is involved also in preparation of a German stand-alone storage project for construction.

Edwin founded Solarplaza company in 2004. He is a senior PV expert and started in the photovoltaic solar energy business in 1994. He has experience as a solar energy consultant and project developer in more than 200 PV projects. Edwin holds a Master’s degree in Chemical engineering and previously worked in the Chemical industry before starting his first consultancy company in PV in 1994.