The importance of a just energy transition in developing countries cannot be overstated. A just transition is essential for addressing both the environmental imperatives of climate change and the socio-economic needs of vulnerable populations. In developing nations, where the impacts of climate change are most acutely felt and energy poverty remains a significant challenge, transitioning to renewable energy sources must be pursued in a manner that is equitable and inclusive.
We welcome Francesco Starace (former CEO of Enel) to share his insights, in conversation with a Q&A panel. The discussion will focus on key questions including:
- What are the technological solutions for a green energy transition that work today?
- What should be the role of the governments (regulators, investors, subsidisers)?
Drawing from his experience at Enel, Mr. Starace will discuss Enel’s strategy and the EU debate on decarbonisation. In conversation with the panel, the event will explore the challenges facing emerging markets - particularly in Africa - within the broader context of the EU’s decarbonization debate.
All are welcome to attend. Please register, indicating if you will participate in presence or online.
This event takes place as part of the Business and Development in Action (BaDiA) series, an initiative led by Kenneth Amaeshi (Professor of Sustainable Finance and Governance, Florence School of Transnational Governance, EUI), Lorenzo Ciari (Director for Impact - European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD); Visiting Fellow, Florence School of Transnational Governance, EUI) and Umberto Marengo (Strategy Manager at British International Investments; Visiting Fellow, Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, EUI), that seeks to bring representatives from the private sector to the EUI to share their practical experiences in dealing with development challenges, especially in emerging markets and developing economies.
Francesco Starace is the former CEO of ENEL, Chair of the Science Based Targets Initiative and Chair of the Sustainable Energy for All Governance Board. He is an accomplished engineer and manager with over 40 years of international experience, primarily in the energy sector. He earned a degree in Nuclear Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Milan and began his career analysing nuclear plant safety before moving into leadership roles with companies such as General Electric, ABB, and Alstom Power. In 2000, Starace joined Enel, Italy’s largest power company, where he led the renewable energy subsidiary Enel Green Power from 2008. He served as CEO and General Manager of Enel Group from 2014 to 2023, driving the company’s global focus on renewable energy and sustainability. Starace has held numerous influential roles on the global stage, including positions with the United Nations and as Co-Chair of the B20 Task Forces on climate and energy. For his contributions, he has received prestigious awards, such as Italy’s Cavaliere del Lavoro and the Aztec Eagle of Mexico.
Antara Mascarenhas is a Policy Leader Fellow at the Florence School of Transnational Governance, specializing in energy policy and regulatory reform. With experience in Australia’s energy sector, she has worked for the federal government and the Australian Energy Market Operator in senior roles, including Chief of Staff to the CEO. At Florence, her research focuses on government roles in net-zero transitions, particularly through electric vehicle policy. She holds an MPhil from the University of Cambridge and was a Visiting Fellow at MIT.
Isabel Blanco is a Visiting Fellow at the London School of Economics and the Head of Impact at the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). PhD in Economics, Isabel has a deep knowledge of the technologies, regulation and business models of energy and infrastructure sectors. She has extensively participated in strategic planning, regulatory analysis, impact assessment, design and implementation of climate and energy policies, including international negotiations such as the COP. In her current role, Isabel oversees energy and climate investments in over 40 countries. She also sits as an independent Non-Executive Director at the Board of Nordex, a German wind turbine manufacturer with over 7 GW of annual installations.
Ilaria Conti is Coordinator of Strategy and Development at the Florence of School of Regulation and member of the FSR Cabinet. She is an expert in energy markets policy and regulation, with an almost 20 year-experience in EU institutional relations (Head of Strategy FSR - RSC). Her career began in Brussels with roles at Italy’s EU Representation and the UN, later joining the European Federation of Energy Traders. She led the FSR Gas area from 2017 to 2023, focusing on decarbonization and energy integration. Currently, she also leads the FSR's gender project "Lights on Women" and serves as Vice-Chair of UNECE from 2024.