Leonhard Birnbaum, E.ON, takes the reins at Eurelectric

Today, Leonhard Birnbaum, CEO and Chairman of the Board Management of E.ON, was appointed Acting President of Eurelectric. Dr. Birnbaum takes the function at a crucial time where high energy prices and supply shortages are topping the political agenda.  

Leonhard Birnbaum takes over the baton from Jean-Bernard Lévy, Chairman & CEO of EDF, whom he has assisted as Vice-President of Eurelectric since June 2021. During his Presidency, Mr Lévy took decisive steps to put renewable and low-carbon electricity at the core of the European Green Deal and setting in stone the electricity sector’s commitment to a climate-neutral economy.  

As said by Jean-Bernard Lévy

“The past years have been extremely challenging for the industry with Covid-19 lockdowns and economic downturn immediately followed by war, supply crisis and inflation. This difficult context confirms that the way forward is accelerated electrification and decarbonisation. Efficient short-term markets combined with long-term investment signals can allow the power sector to deliver the massive renewable and low-carbon investments needed”.

A new vision for the electricity market

A key priority of the Presidency team was to develop a vision for a future-proof market design and investment framework for the electricity sector, which would ensure the vast investments needed for the net-zero transition. The Russian war against Ukraine and its impacts on supply and prices of electricity in Europe has sparked a vivid political debate about the current market design.

One of the first endeavors of Leonhard Birnbaum will therefore be to steer the industry at a time where several member states are seeing market interventions and contribute to the debate on a reform of the electricity market design.

Leonhard Birnbaum said

“The electricity sector is facing unparalleled challenges. We are operating in an extreme environment with high prices, supply disruptions and frequent political interventions in the market. A key priority will be to strike a balance between customer protection and investor certainty.”

He then added

“The decisions we will make in the coming months will be decisive for Europe’s future. They will determine our ability to invest our way out of this crisis to achieve cost-efficient, climate-friendly and secure energy supply and infrastructure to our citizens and industry. I am honoured to take the reins of Eurelectric at this important time.”

In March, Eurelectric’s Board will elect a new Presidency team, composed of a President and two Vice-Presidents which will be effective as of June 2023.  

ENDS 

Note to Editors: 

Eurelectric represents the interests of the European electricity industry. With members in over 30 European countries, we speak for more than 3,500 companies in power generation, distribution and supply, directly employing 970.000 people and having a €627bn turnover. We seek to contribute to the competitiveness of our industry, provide effective representation in public affairs and promote the role of electricity in the advancement of society. For more information, visit: eurelectric.org 

Press Contact: 
Eleonora RINALDI, incoming Press & Media Officer 
Tel: +32 473 401 729 
e-mail: erinaldi@eurelectric.org