Can Europe Survive the Transition To Renewables? Ep201: Nikos Tsafos

How does Europe get cheap energy again? Are climate goals at odds
with the need to remain economically competitive? Are we about to
see an empowered and emboldened Europe, ready to take on China
and the US?


Barely five years into the 2020s, this decade is already shaping
up to be one of the most turbulent since the Second World War. As
we record this episode, the US has just slapped 25% tariffs on
steel and aluminum, prompting swift retaliation from Europe and
Canada.


The energy landscape is just as volatile. While the US seems set
on spending the next four years as a semi-rogue petrostate—acting
as if climate change were an afterthought—China is seizing the
moment. It’s doubling down on EVs and electrification at home,
tightening its grip on clean energy supply chains, and dominating
global exports of solar panels, batteries, EVs, wind turbines,
and even cables. In doing so, Beijing is cementing its status as
the world’s premier electro-state.


This leaves Europe at a crossroads. How does the EU tackle
sky-high energy prices while reducing its reliance on US LNG and
Chinese clean tech? Can it craft a compelling narrative to
counter the rising tide of populism that’s circling ever closer
to the Berlaymont building in Brussels?


To help us unpack these critical questions, we’re joined by Nikos
Tsafos, Greece’s recently promoted Deputy Energy Minister. His
portfolio spans energy and emissions, and he collaborates with
policymakers across transport and industry—not just in Greece,
but throughout the EU.


Thank you to Nikos Tsafos for providing the graphs showing
Greece’s energy transition.


Leadership Circle:


Cleaning Up is supported by the Leadership Circle, and its
founding members: Actis, Alcazar Energy, Davidson Kempner,
EcoPragma Capital, EDP of Portugal, Eurelectric, the Gilardini
Foundation, KKR, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature
Climate Foundation, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information on
the Leadership Circle, please visit
https://www.cleaningup.live. 


Links:


Nikos Tsafos' Website: https://nikostsafos.com

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ letter to the President
of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen regarding the EU
energy market: https://www.primeminister.gr/en/2024/09/13/34887

Energy System of Greece: https://www.iea.org/countries/greece

Yanis Varoufakis: Power, Markets & Power Markets - Ep104:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLbm8fg08hc

Audioblog 14: Generative AI – The Power and the Glory:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwZ2iNh133A