Pioneering the Future of Energy: The HELLENiQ ENERGY Center for Sustainability and Energy at Alba Graduate Business School

A landmark initiative in Greece’s energy and sustainability landscape was unveiled with the launch of the HELLENiQ ENERGY Center for Sustainability and Energy @ Alba Graduate Business School. The official inauguration, held on March 4th at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, marked a pioneering collaboration between academia and industry, bringing together key stakeholders from government, academia, business, the financial sector, energy organizations, and regulatory authorities.

A Hub for Research, Innovation, and Policy in Energy and Sustainability

The Center aspires to create a dynamic ecosystem that bridges academia, business, government, and society—driving scientific research, business excellence, and policy engagement to address economic, environmental, and social challenges. This groundbreaking partnership is the first of its kind in Greece, uniting a major energy corporation with a leading academic institution to foster thought leadership and shape the future of energy.

Leading the Center’s efforts is a distinguished Steering Committee, including: Professor Kostas Andriosopoulos, Director of the Center, Dr. Kostas Axarloglou, Dean of Alba Associaiton, Yiannis Kostopoulos, former CEO of Hellenic Petroleum , alongside other esteemed experts.

Industry and Academic Leaders on the Center’s Impact

The President of The American College of Greece, Dr. David G. Horner, underscored the significance of the initiative:“Since the economic crisis, ACG has actively developed programs to strengthen the Greek economy. We are proud to support this forward-thinking collaboration, which has the potential to drive meaningful growth and impact.”

Speaking on behalf of HELLENiQ ENERGY, CEO Mr. Andreas Siamisis highlighted the strategic importance of this collaboration:“HELLENiQ ENERGY’s partnership with Alba Graduate Business School is part of a broader commitment to fostering innovation and academic research in Greece and beyond. The energy sector is at the heart of green and sustainable development, and this Center of Excellence will enhance dialogue, contribute to policymaking, and equip the next generation of executives with the skills needed for the industry’s transformation.”

Echoing this sentiment, Alba Dean Dr. Kostas Axarloglou emphasized the Mediterranean region’s growing role in the energy sector:“Our vision is to make this Center a leading hub for the energy ecosystem, fostering a holistic and objective approach to energy challenges while supporting Greece’s transformation into an energy hub.”

Advancing Knowledge, Shaping Future Leaders

Director of the Center, Professor Kostas Andriosopoulos, outlined its mission:“We aim to redefine the energy dialogue through a holistic approach to energy transition—bridging academia, industry, and policymakers. Our focus will be on applied research, sustainable innovation, and executive education, positioning the Center as a catalyst for knowledge and excellence in the field.”

Inaugural Event and Expert Panel

The event featured remarks from Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy Alexandra Sdoukou and European Investment Bank Vice President Ioannis Tsakiris, followed by a high-profile panel discussion on 'Energy Transition Challenges' with:

• Nikos Tsafos, Special Advisor to the Greek Prime Minister on Energy Issues
• Dr. Tatiana Mitrova, Researcher, Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University
• Dr. Derek Bunn, Professor of Decision Sciences, London Business School
• Yiannos Kontopoulos, CEO, Athens Stock Exchange Group

This new Center sets a bold precedent for energy research and collaboration in Greece, poised to drive impactful change in the industry.

Learn more about the HELLENiQ ENERGY Center for Sustainability and Energy @ Alba