Greek academic driving research and action on the energy-sustainability nexus is a finalist in the 2025 European Sustainable Energy Awards

Often seen as elite ivory towers, academic institutions may hold the answers to some of the key socio-political questions facing Greece and the wider European region. Can economic analysis deliver solutions to the country’s challenges around sustainable energy? Dr Stella Tsani is an academic, bridging research and action around energy and the environment, while investing heavily in the next generation of energy professionals, especially young women.

Driven by a deep curiosity about how economies function and how economic choices impact society and the environment, Stella is an Associate Professor at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. 

'One of our main challenges in the clean energy transition is how to align economic systems with sustainable, low-carbon energy practices,' she explains. 'My work investigates energy policies that provide incentives for sustainable investment and bring renewable energy into existing markets without disrupting economies or communities.'

Connecting scientific research with evidence-based policy making

In order to bridge theory with practice, her aim was to combine rigorous academic research in the clean energy transition and sustainable development with high-level policy engagement – including with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Stella also chose to engage in systematic work on energy transition and sustainable development as co-lead of the Sustainable Development Goals Working Group of the  Global Young Academy, an international society of young scientists  selected for their scientific excellence and commitment to engage with society.

Her work has contributed to practical advances by shaping evidence-based policy recommendations, fostering multi-sector collaboration, and supporting the financial mechanisms needed to drive sustainable energy transitions. Contribution to UNEP flagship initiatives and publications, for example, “will directly influence Mediterranean countries, including Greece, to adopt more sustainable ocean and coastal management practices that intersect with energy policy”. 

'Additionally, my work in clean energy policies and energy scenarios in Greece, Europe and beyond, provides countries with actionable guidelines to improve their clean energy strategies, ensuring both economic growth and environmental protection.'

Generations of sustainability leaders

In a traditionally male-dominated sector, Stella empowers her female students and is thrilled to see them  thrive when they are given the opportunity to set up networks and identify solutions for sustainable energy: 

'What I find most inspiring are qualities such as resilience, intellectual courage, empathy, imagination and the ability to communicate complex ideas in ways that can mobilise action.'

Stella is passionate about education: 

'Empowering the new generation is at the heart of my work. They are the future leaders, innovators, and decision-makers who will carry forward the challenges and opportunities of the clean energy transition… By providing guidance, I aim to inspire the next wave of female scientists, policy leaders, and entrepreneurs in the clean energy sector,' she says.

Stella believes her work on youth empowerment is highly replicable across different European regions, driving the EU’s climate ambitions: 

'By empowering communities, fostering innovation, and promoting the incentives that ensure sustainable energy investments, we can drive the EU closer to its ambitious energy and climate goals.'

EUSEW Awards ​celebrate Europe’s best clean energy projects and leaders 

Stella Tsani is one of three finalists shortlisted for the European Sustainable Energy Awards 2025 ​(EUSEW Awards) in the Woman in Energy category. The award recognises women who lead outstanding activities that, if replicated, help to advance the clean energy transition in Europe. Particular attention is placed on efforts to drive the gender mainstreaming agenda and support equality and equal opportunities in the energy sector. The other finalists are Sophie Loots from Belgium, and Carmen Sánchez-Guevara from Spain.

Sophie Loots is a champion of grassroots energy cooperatives in Flanders. Carmen Sánchez-Guevara is driving efforts to tackle the critical issue of summer energy poverty.

The European Sustainable Energy Awards ​(EUSEW Awards) recognise outstanding individuals and projects for their innovation and efforts in energy efficiency and renewables. The nine finalists have been selected by a high-level jury in three categories: Innovation, Local Energy Action, and Woman in Energy. The finalists will be submitted to an online public vote, which is open until 1 June, and the winners will be announced during the EUSEW Awards Ceremony on 10 June 2025. ​ 

EUSEW 2025 

European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), the​ biggest annual event dedicated to renewables and efficient energy use in Europe, takes place on 10-12 June under the theme of ‘Powering a fair and competitive green transition’. The event will bring together public authorities, industry, NGOs and consumers to promote initiatives accelerating decarbonisation through clean technologies and solutions towards a competitive, fair and just transition both for people and businesses.

Registrations for onsite attendance in Brussels and online participation are  now open.  

For interview requests with the EUSEW Awards finalists or additional media information, please contact ​ mediaeusew [dot] eu