Stella Zacharia, CEO of Optimus Energy, appeared on Plug into Green on OPEN TV with journalist Thodoris Panagoulis, in an interview that shed light on the deeper and hidden aspects of the energy transition, the challenges of the market, and her vision for the future of energy in Greece.
Ms. Zacharia described the past decade as a period of radical “energy transformation,” not merely transition. As she explained, the energy sector is changing simultaneously on technological, institutional, and operational levels, with new rules, integrated markets, and increased complexity for all stakeholders. Greece, she noted, has made remarkable progress toward green investments and growth, but the real challenge now lies beyond installation: within the energy markets themselves and their operational mechanisms. “The integration of European markets means that no country operates in isolation. Decisions must be made in real time and executed on technologically efficient tools,” she emphasized.
Referring to the role of Optimus Energy, Ms. Zacharia explained that the company was the first to be established in Greece with the purpose of representing renewable energy plants in the power markets. “Renewable sources can no longer remain passive players. Every day, we are responsible for accurate production forecasting, imbalances management, and the commercial integration of assets into the markets. If we don’t do our job correctly, both the system and the investments are at risk,” she underlined. With a portfolio exceeding 4.5 GW of renewables and flexible load, Optimus Energy has evolved into a key energy optimization player, investing in technology, risk management, and compliance with international standards.
The discussion also turned to the final cost for end consumers, an issue of universal concern. Ms. Zacharia explained that “the energy cost is not only the cost of production, but the sum of all the operations that keep the lights on” from capacity availability charges to compensations from live grid operation. “Generation is just one part of the complete equation. For it to be truly effective, it must be properly managed,” she added. She also pointed out that energy storage represents the next critical step still pending for Greece. “The full development of storage, both battery systems and pumped hydro, will complete the puzzle of the energy transition.” In this context, she highlighted the flagship projects of the GEK TERNA Group, such as the 150 MW battery system and the pumped storage project in Amfilochia, which serve as benchmarks for the next phase of the energy system.
Commenting on the challenges of the energy transition, the CEO of Optimus Energy stated that “everyone involved must constantly adapt and evolve.” As the first and largest aggregator in Greece, the company operates at the forefront of developments and is often called upon to find solutions that later guide the entire market. “The challenge is to accept that markets are in continuous transformation and to remain flexible in our processes,” she noted.
She also made special reference to Greece’s position on the European energy map: “Our country has drawn Europe’s attention in investments. More than 50% of demand is already covered by renewables, and this percentage will continue to rise in the coming years.” She further highlighted Optimus Energy’s international collaborations with companies such as enspired (Austria) and emsys (Germany), which bring cutting-edge know-how to the Greek market, particularly in areas such as Virtual Power Plant (VPP) systems and algorithmic optimization of storage assets.
The interview concluded with a look toward the future: “Our vision has always been to optimize Greece’s energy future, orchestrating seamlessly all the assets we represent, removing complexity bearing our clients, and supporting the system operator,” said Ms. Zacharia.
“Given the company’s growth rate and the continuous expansion of our portfolio, it’s safe to say that by 2030 Optimus Energy may be managing approximately 25% of the total energy produced in Greece,” she added.
Optimus Energy is not limited to the representation of generating assets but leads the way by investing in flexible energy solutions and remote management technologies that enable real-time responsiveness to market signals and the active participation of assets in live trading activities. The installation of renewables was only the first step. The next one is smart management, optimization, and orchestration of the new energy reality.
In case you missed it 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QL2T-vGP54c
