Roberta Tagliabue In recent years, Europe has embarked on a crucial journey towards the energy transition , a process aimed at reducing carbon emissions and ensuring the competitiveness of European industries. With the ever-changing geopolitical landscape and growing pressure to adopt green technologies, the choices the European Union makes in this decade will be crucial to its economic future.
The recent PKEE Energy Day 2025 event, held in Brussels, highlighted the importance of a balanced approach between environmental ambitions and economic needs. The clear recognition that emerged was that the energy transition must serve the economy, rather than vice versa.
The energy sector as a pillar of European industry
The energy sector is the beating heart of Europe's industrial competitiveness.
Transformation in energy generation and distribution is essential to enable other sectors, such as steel and chemicals, to decarbonize. In this regard, Konrad Wojnarowski, Poland's Deputy Energy Minister, emphasized that energy is crucial to the development and competitiveness of nations.
The challenge of energy transformation
Wojnarowski described the transformation of the energy sector as a significant technological and financial challenge, highlighting the importance of maintaining an adequate pace of change and supporting innovation.
He also reiterated that cooperation between governments, industry, and academia is crucial to building a secure and sustainable energy future.
Flexibility: the key to a new energy era
The transition to a renewable energy system requires not only increasing production capacity, but also a profound rethinking of how energy is produced, managed, and consumed. Dariusz Marzec, president of the Polish Electricity Association, has described flexibility as the "holy grail" of the energy sector.
Marzec stated that it's not simply a matter of continuously generating electricity, but rather of producing it when it's actually needed, while maintaining affordable prices. The sector's mission is therefore to increase competitiveness and ensure energy security for all consumers.
Balance between sustainability and economic reality
The message is clear: the clean energy transition must integrate environmental ambitions with economic reality. Europe cannot afford to consider decarbonization as an isolated objective; it must be embedded within a comprehensive industrial strategy. The choices made now will shape the future of European industry.
Strategic investments and the role of consumers
For the energy transition to be successful, it is necessary not only to invest in infrastructure, but also to ensure regulatory stability and consumer engagement. Grzegorz Lot, CEO of TAURON Polska Energia, highlighted the importance of dynamic tariffs that encourage consumer flexibility. Through these tariffs, customers can save money by adapting their consumption to market conditions.
Towards a more resilient energy future
The energy transition is also a strategic necessity for Europe's economic autonomy and security. Marek Lelątko, Vice President of ENEA, stated that market- and customer-oriented investments are essential to ensure both stable supply and affordable prices. Furthermore, the adoption of renewable technologies and storage systems are essential to ensuring a secure energy supply.
Future perspectives
Progress is evident: the energy sector is responsible for 30% of emissions in the EU, but has already contributed to reducing 75% of emissions in the Emissions Trading System. However, it is necessary to continue pursuing ambitious targets. The EU's economic transformation will only be possible if the energy sector manages to decarbonize safely and sustainably, creating favorable conditions for investment.
The recent PKEE Energy Day 2025 event, held in Brussels, highlighted the importance of a balanced approach between environmental ambitions and economic needs. The clear understanding that emerged was that the energy transition must serve the economy, rather than vice versa.