Decarbonization and Competitiveness – Securing the CEE’s Industrial Future Amidst Volatile Energy Prices
Date: 21. January 2026, 09:15-15:00
Location: Corvinus University of Budapest, Gellért Campus
The cost of energy impacts, among other factors, the competitiveness of industries and economies. The price paid by industrial consumers is not a direct derivative of wholesale market fundamentals but contains various additional elements such as the cost of current and future infrastructure (network and possibly generation), taxes and policy levies (and exemptions from them). High fossil gas prices – especially in electricity systems with insufficient flexibility – together with policy levies allocated on electricity is a key barrier to the electrification of industries. Electrification that is the key vehicle of decarbonisation and energy efficiency. How to create competitive industries in the CEE region in an environment of high and volatile energy prices? What are the necessary conditions for industrial electrification?
The conference will focus on the role of energy price in industrial competitiveness, including wholesale price formation, accessibility and cost of networks, and policy choices on levies; showcase strategies of energy-intensive industries to maintain their competitiveness; and delve into technology and policy solutions to increase the competitiveness of CEE businesses.
Participation is free for students and employees of Corvinus University of Budapest.