Our 5 questions with… interview series continues this month with our colleague Gregor Frey.
Gregor, how did you end up working in energy policy?
I have always been interested in topics related to energy policy. My Bachelor’s dissertation was focussed on “resource curse” and “Dutch disease” and it was a comparative analysis of how the State deals with oil and gas revenues in Norway and Saudi-Arabia. For my Master’s thesis, I decided to analyse gas distribution networks and methane emissions. I have done extensive research about the role of DSOs in Italy, Germany and Switzerland. I looked at the regulatory frameworks and incentive systems regarding the mitigation of methane emissions. This was ultimately the link to my current position at Eurogas. Prior to joining Eurogas, I worked in Oslo at the Swiss Embassy of Norway and Iceland. Energy was a constant topic there, due to Norway’s characteristics as a country rich in natural resources, but also due to the current geopolitical turmoil. All those experiences have increasingly fostered my interest in energy policy. My current job at Eurogas is the perfect opportunity for me to be in the middle of the legislative process in a very interesting time. Since I joined the team I’ve been learning new things every day.
What would you advise the “younger you” before starting your job hunt?
Honestly, I am quite happy with my “younger me” and appreciate a lot all the different experiences I gained. I would not do it much differently. Looking back, I think it is very important and beneficial for the personal and professional development to gain as many different experiences as possible. I’m happy to have been able to do this in many different occupational fields, starting at an early age.
If you could share one message with European leaders in a personal capacity, what would it be?
We are all very aware of the current energy crisis and the need for the energy transition to fight the climate emergency. It is extremely challenging but also a big opportunity for Europe. I would ask the European leaders to acknowledge that a just transition is only possible when all the sectors and viable technologies are able to contribute. The particularities among the different States should be taken into account by pursuing a bottom-up approach. This is possible only if we all work together.
What would you like to achieve in the next 5 years in your career?
On the professional side, I would like to become much more knowledgeable and confident in my field, especially in the very technical topics related to gas. I hope to be an expert and learn as much as possible, also in more general topics which are not directly related to gas. The second part is the personal side. I hope to develop and mature skills such as public speaking, expressing myself, debating, improve my language skills, and optimise my personal work processes.
Lastly, what would you like to achieve by retirement?
I want to look back and be proud of myself and of what I have achieved. This means having done something meaningful and impactful during my career. It might be related to energy but could also be in a completely different field. One never knows!
