Session II – Energy justice and the industry competitiveness: a mutually beneficial partnership

What this episode covers

Previous years have seen tremendous advancements in the rollout of new socially-driven technologies aimed at empowering citizens to become prosumers. As the ‘yellow vests’ movement highlights, citizens are asking for more social justice and argue that industry remains the privileged player. At the same time, some EU industries protest that current energy and climate policies may hinder their competitiveness and investment attractiveness. Europe’s Energy Union has left a legacy for the next mandate – a legacy which has the potential to allow for Europe’s full decarbonisation. For this to happen, it is time to close the policy book and start implementing measures that are socially just and inclusive while maintaining the competitiveness of Europe’s industry sector. What can be done to ensure that industry remains competitive while avoiding a social backlash? Are current policies effective in supporting the integration of citizens within energy systems or do we have to move in another direction? How can we ensure a level playing field so that all actors – companies and citizens – can benefit from the transition to a low-carbon economy? SPEAKERS Olivier Biancarelli, Executive Vice-President of Impact and Customer Solutions at ENGIE; Chief Executive Officer of Tractebel Stephanie Brancaforte, Executive Director at Change.org, Italy Olivier Grabette, Executive Vice-President of the Réseau de Transport d'Électricité (RTE) Mark Radka, Brand Chief of Energy, Climate and Technology in the Economy Division at UN Environment Maria Spyraki MEP, Member of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy at the European Parliament MODERATOR Dharmendra Kanani, Director of Insights at Friends of Europe

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