Athanasios Tambakos, member of HELIEV’s Board of Directors and scientific associate at CERTH, presented HELIEV’s work for 2025 and also highlighted the latest developments in the fields of electric vehicle charging and batteries. During the presentation, the following topics were analyzed:
• The role of smart charging systems for electric vehicles (V1G)
• The importance of bidirectional charging (Vehicle-to-Grid / V2G) for energy
system stability and flexibility
• The integration of electric vehicles with the power grid and renewable energy
sources

In parallel, application examples from the Netherlands were presented, where bidirectional charging already contributes to balancing the electricity grid, along with research findings from Northern European countries, illustrating user attitudes and behavior regarding:
• Smart charging
• Participation in grid balancing
• Future use of electric vehicles as energy sources

The discussion emphasized that electromobility is no longer just about transportation, it has become a key pillar of the energy transition and a move toward a more sustainable and flexible energy system.

The meeting was attended by representatives from HEDNO (Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator), the Technical Chamber of Greece (TCG), HELIEV, the University of West Attica, as well as other organizations and stakeholders from the energy and transport sectors, contributing to a substantive and targeted dialogue.

The discussion focused mainly on:
• Emissions and the European targets stemming from the Fit for 55 package
• The challenges that EU member states face in achieving climate neutrality goals
• The tools being developed by the Path2Zero project

Particular emphasis was placed on Path2Zero tools designed to collect, consolidate, and analyze emissions data related to both the energy and transport sectors across all EU member states. Additionally, the development of predictive tools was presented, aimed at supporting policy planning and enabling evidence-based decisionmaking at the European level.

The NSG Meeting highlighted the importance of collaboration between institutional stakeholders, the scientific community, and policy-making organizations as a key factor for the effective design and implementation of actions that lead to a just and sustainable energy and transport transition.

During the workshop, in-depth discussions focused on:

• connection and permitting procedures for new charging points, as well as the need for greater transparency regarding available capacity of the electricity distribution network,

• operational coordination between HEDNO, Charging Infrastructure Operators, and Local Authorities (Municipalities) for the implementation of Electric Vehicle Charging Plans,

• the need for minimum service quality specifications (24/7 user support, maintenance, and SLA per charger category),

• as well as financial instruments and public awareness initiatives in accelerating the uptake of electromobility.

As a key outcome of the workshop, participants agreed on the codification of specific policy recommendations and technical regulatory measures, to be submitted to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and other competent authorities (HEDNO, Local Authorities, etc.). HELIEV continues, with consistency and outward orientation, to act as a bridge between public authorities, the market, and society, with the objective of establishing a reliable, accessible, and sustainable electric vehicle charging network across Greece.

The Minister was welcomed by the Vice President and Acting Chairman of the Board of Directors of CERTH, Dr. Evangelos Bekiaris. Also present during the visit were the Deputy Minister for Macedonia-Thrace, Mr. Kostas Gioulekas, and the Secretary General for Transport, Ms. Despina Paliarouta. The President of the Board of HELIEV, Dr. Kappatos, also attended the meeting.

During the visit, discussions centred on the future of transport in Greece, with particular emphasis to electromobility and sustainable mobility. The focus was on promoting innovative technologies that contribute to developing a greener, more efficient transport system.