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Email: Joachim.schmitz@epico.org
Joachim Schmitz-Brieber is EPICO's Director for Energy and Industry in Berlin.
Joachim is an economist and public policy specialist with over fifteen years of experience in various positions in Germany and internationally. He regularly participates in panel discussions and policy debates on industrial transformation, our future energy and climate policy, and the future shape of the electricity market, with a particular focus on Germany.
Joachim is particularly interested in market-based, innovative approaches to climate actions, industrial decarbonisation, and reforming electricity markets, such as the market integration of renewables via Power Purchasing Agreements (PPA).
Before joining EPICO, Joachim held various positions at the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action, where he worked inter alia on an industrial power price, better regulation, and industrial policy. He was also seconded to the Office of the Federal President of Germany. Previously, Joachim was a consultant for the International Labour Organisation (ILO), based in Geneva.
Joachim studied in Germany, the Netherlands, and France. He holds a Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of Maastricht and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the Hertie School of Governance. He is also pursuing a Professional Doctorate focusing on the decarbonisation of energy-intensive industries.
Areas of Expertise
German Energy and Climate Policy, German Industrial Policy
Languages
German, English, French, Dutch
Awards
Named one of Germany’s top talents under the age of 40 in the public sector - ranking by the weekly Capital
Education
- M.A. in Economics, Universiteit Maastricht
- M.A. in Public Policy, Hertie School of Governance
Publications & Blog Posts
Publications
Prioritäten für eine Flexibilitätsagenda für das deutsche Stromsystem
Resilienz der deutschen Lieferketten nach der Zeitenwende
Leitlinien für eine Carbon Management Strategie 2.0
Central vs. hybrid capacity markets: What’s in it for flexibility?
Technologieneutrale Flexibilitätsstrategie für den deutschen Strommarkt
Accelerating EU industry competitiveness: Paving the way for the next policy cycle
Blog Posts
A deep dive into Draghi's recommendations
Media Outreach & External Publications
Podcast
- The Jolt (Atlantic Council)
Joachim Schmitz-Brieber on Germany’s post-election energy and climate potential. Listen to the episode
- #82 Redispatch – Aktuelles aus Energiewirtschaft und Klimapolitik
Joachim Schmitz-Brieber on the challenges and opportunities of German energy policy. Listen to the episode
Guest Contributions
- energate messenger
"Structural reforms are lacking" – guest article on the necessary changes in the electricity market. Read the article
- Tagesspiegel Background
"Rethinking competitive industrial electricity prices" – opinion piece by Joachim Schmitz-Brieber. Read the article
Media Coverage & Citations
- Tagesspiegel Background
Analysis by EPICO and Aurora shaped the final session of the PKNS. Read the article
A central market design with expansion options is recommended (EPICO & Aurora). Read the article
EPICO and Aurora study cited in discussion on flexibility gaps in the German electricity market. Read the article
- Handelsblatt
EPICO and Aurora propose a pragmatic, market-based capacity mechanism open to further development. Read the article
- energate messenger
A study by EPICO and Aurora highlights the need for a technology-neutral approach to closing flexibility gaps. Read the article
- Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
"Gas-fired power plants alone are not enough" – EPICO warns of supply gaps despite government funding. Read the article
- El Confidencial (Spanien)
"Germany’s plan to revive its industry may bypass EU rules" – commentary by Joachim Schmitz-Brieber. Read the article
For media and press requests, please contact Michela Sandron (EU Media) or Agata Gurgenidze(German Media).