Hans-Paul Breuckner (CEO Boston Consulting) to OT: Greece can become RES hub

The CEO of Boston Consulting, Hans-Paul Breuckner, spoke exclusively to OT in Davos.

Mr. Breuckner is participating in the works of the World Economic Forum while he was also invited to the Greek pavilion of the Greek House Davos. As he mentioned to OT, Greece can turn into an energy hub of renewable energy sources within the next decade. He is also much more optimistic about the course of the global economy.

1) We are in the midst of the energy crisis, what can we expect from here on Mr. Breuckner?

We are in the middle of the energy crisis, but the crisis has really given us an opportunity to move faster into green energy. Apparently the high prices are now hurting a lot of people in several countries. They have hit several countries and the world.

2) Are renewable energy sources the key to move more easily into the era of zero pollution

There are several ways to get there. First, states must proceed to reduce the energy they consume. Many processes can be done optimally. Many businesses can operate more efficiently. Many traditional industries, such as cement factories, can optimize the way they operate. We can save a lot of energy. The second, of course, is renewable energy. Wind, solar energy has become really competitive, really economic and we need to make sure that many more wind turbines are installed, many more solar panels are installed on roofs of houses, industries and we need to definitely speed up the processes. Today, their installation is time-consuming, there are many obstacles and difficulties with legislation. We need to speed up the process. If we do, we will gain a lot

3) Can Greece become a renewable energy hub?

You have a lot of sun, a lot of wind, a long coastline, I definitely believe that Greece will become an exporter of electricity within the next 10 years.

4) Depression clouds are around the world. What are your predictions for the economy in 2023?

I’m more of an optimist. Certainly in Europe there will be a slowdown of 1% or 2%. In one or more quarters in some countries there will be a recession, but it is good to see how consumption and investment are quite resilient. Of course the increase in interest rates has increased the cost of investments, we see it in the construction industry, in the real estate industry. But Europe I think will be fine, momentum in the Americas will be stronger and emerging markets will be stronger, China will come back, South Asia will be stronger. You may hear, here in Davos, from many people saying, “My God, this is tragic, this is a multi-layered crisis.” Yes, the truth is that we have many challenges to face, we will have to roll up our sleeves and get through it – and I am sure we will.