Bocconi Hosts the 18th IAEE European Conference on Energy Transformation

From July 24-27, Milan and Bocconi will host more than 400 experts from around the world to participate in the International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE) entitled "The Global Energy Transition Toward Decarbonization: – a multi-scalar perspective and transformation," organized by IAEE in collaboration with GREEN Research Center.

The conference will discuss energy changes, the growing demand for renewable energy, and the transition path to climate neutrality. With the intensification of convergence across sectors and the global focus on the transition to a low-carbon economy, there is a need to reflect on the issues facing the energy sectors in an era of profound transformation from a broader and more comprehensive perspective.

"We are delighted to host the IAEE European Conference at Bocconi. It will be a great opportunity to meet colleagues from around the world and also to bring attention to some of our research on the topic," says Marco Percoco, Conference Chair, and Director of GREEN. "The energy transition offers many benefits, but it is also crucial to consider the knock-on effects, such as the implications on inequality and inflation. Sustainable mobility policies to date have largely proven to be fiscally regressive. For example, income-independent incentives for electric cars generate market distortions and severely affect the middle class. Another relevant issue is the impact of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) in Europe. Although it has added value with steady productivity, it has led to a decrease in employment in some sectors because it forces companies to buy emission allowances to operate. The idea of extending this mechanism to transport as well, especially by sea and air, could trigger a worrying effect on inflation, affecting the weaker sections and reducing European competitiveness in the international market. A third crucial point concerns energy storage systems, and technologies that enable energy storage. Our study of the location of these energy storage points on the Italian grid showed that although they produce social benefits by reducing carbon emissions, they are not yet financially viable for the private sector, and require government interventions to promote their adoption."

IAEE is an independent, non-profit, global membership organization for business, government, academic and other professionals concerned with energy and related issues in the international community.