Stella Tsani, Associate Professor at the Department of Economics of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, who promotes research and action in the field of energy and sustainability, is one of the three finalists in the European Sustainable Energy Awards 2025, in the “Woman in Energy” category.
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The awards ceremony will take place at the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW2025), which is the largest annual event in the EU dedicated to renewable sources and efficient energy use in Europe. The nomination recognizes the importance of economics for the energy transition.
Ass. Professor Stella Tsani’s work is driven by a deep curiosity about how economies function and how economic choices impact society and the environment. “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.
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
The European Sustainable Energy Awards recognise outstanding individuals and projects for their innovation and efforts in energy efficiency and renewables. The 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 green technologies and solutions towards a fair and just transition for people and competitive businesses.
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