Simon Munkler

Policy Specialist Energy and Buildings

Simon Munkler is a Policy Specialist at EPICO in Berlin, working on German and European climate and energy policy with a focus on the building and energy sector.

His work spans key areas including energy systems, building decarbonisation, emissions trading, hydrogen, as well as regulatory and implementation questions at EU and national level. He is particularly engaged in the interaction between climate policy instruments, market design, and sectoral transformation pathways, with a strong focus on the buildings sector and its integration into the wider energy system.

Prior to joining EPICO in 2025, Simon worked for a Brussels-based non-profit organisation, contributing to EU-funded research and innovation projects on sustainable buildings, energy communities, and low-carbon urban development. He holds an MSc in Urban Studies from the Université Libre de Bruxelles and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and a BA in Geography from Goethe University Frankfurt. His academic background combines urban development, financial geography, energy and heat planning.

Areas of expertise

Climate and energy policy, buildings and heating, hydrogen and energy system transformation

Languages

German, English, French

Education

M.Sc. in Urban Studies from Vrije Universiteit Brussel/Université Libre de Bruxelles

B.A. in Geography from Goethe University

Publications and Blog Posts

Publications

Reformvorschlag für die Gebäudeenergiestrategie

The EU ETS 2 at the Crossroads: Evaluating Reform Options

Strengthening the EU ETS 2 through Revenue Frontloading

Energie- und Klimapolitische Neuausrichtung für die 21. Legislaturperiode: Strukturelle Reformen umsetzen, Privatkapital mobilisieren, Effizienz steigern

GEG-Reform: Eine Analyse der Optionen - EPICO - Energy and Climate Policy and Innovation Council

Electrifying Energy Intensive Industries: Ramping Up Hydrogen Production and Steering it Toward Industrial Decarbonisation - EPICO - Energy and Climate Policy and Innovation Council

Media Mentions and External Publications

Podcast

The Jolt (Atlantic Council)

Simon joins The Jolt podcast to discuss a new report on ETS 2. The episode explores the different reform options currently under debate — and the arguments for and against each. Listen to the episode.

Op-Eds

Table.Media

Energy or emissions: Why the GEG needs a pragmatic middle way. Read the op-ed.

Tagesspiegel Background

A head start for the climate: How frontloading can save ETS 2. Read the op-ed.

Media Contributions and Quotes

energate

Pressure on the European Commission to reform ETS 2 is increasing. Read the Article.