Q & A with Stanislav Kostka - Energy Traders Europe Board Member

What sparked your interest in pursuing a career with Energy Traders Europe?

I’ve always wanted to contribute to the wider energy trading community. I firmly believe markets deliver value for Europe as a whole and I enjoy working with professionals from across the continent to try and improve them.

What aspects of energy trading particularly appeal to you?

The free market, equal conditions, transparency, efficiency, effectiveness, economic theory in practice.

What surprised you when you entered energy trading?

The sheer scope of the work. How much there is to learn – whether that’s about the local, regional or European-wide market. How quickly the rules change and how detailed they are, and how important all the different parts of a trading business are in making things run smoothly.

If you could be whisked away tomorrow to your dream holiday destination, where would it be and why?

Almost anywhere with the right people. Or alternatively, I’d like to go to space!

What role do you envision energy traders playing in driving the transition to a more sustainable energy future?

Traders help make the transition happen. The market will take whatever targets are set and find the best way of delivering them. That’s one of the greatest strengths of what we’ve created in Europe.

If you could have dinner with one historical figure, who would it be? 

Winston Churchill

What about someone who is alive today? 

Elon Musk

What’s your favourite movie?

I don’t have one in particular, but in general I enjoy sci-fi. If I were to pick a Czech one it would be Pelísky (Cosy Dens).

As a Board Member, what key responsibilities do you hold to effectively contribute to the association's success?

I’m a member of the finance sub-committee and I try and make sure the association is run efficiently. I bring a commercial perspective to the Board and am never afraid to challenge the status quo! The best ideas come from good discussion.

What do you bring to the Board?

Knowledge, experience, devotion, engagement and energy.

If you were to write an autobiography, what would be an apt title that captures your essence and experiences?

You can achieve anything you put your mind to.   

How do your personal values and beliefs align with Energy Traders Europe’s values?

I’m always motivated to keep improving the system and to find better ways of doing things. That’s what makes a good trader and a good trade association. I think you can see that in Energy Traders Europe’s efforts to standardise contracts and data flows and integrate Europe’s markets. 

How do you stay abreast of the latest industry trends, developments, and market dynamics to ensure informed decision-making?

There’s a lot of information out there – so it’s important to be able to filter what really matters. It helps that I have a great team around me.

What sources of information, analysis, and expertise do you rely on to stay ahead of the curve in the energy trading landscape?

Reading the right books and websites, and talking to the right people in business. Being a member of Energy Traders Europe!

What are your strategies for effectively managing stress and maintaining a balanced life amidst demanding responsibilities?

• We should always confront problems and find solutions, instead of avoiding them. 
• Acknowledging that success and mistakes are part of life and business.
• Planning.

What are some of your favourite hobbies or activities to unwind and relax?

Mountain biking, traveling and manual work.

How has the evolving energy landscape, including the transition to renewables and geopolitical tensions, impacted the European energy market?

It has demonstrated the importance of political commitment and good regulation, as well as showing just how important energy is to our lives and, through the energy crisis, it proved what a flexible and powerful force for good Europe’s energy market is.

What major trends are shaping the European energy sector in 2024, and how are these trends influencing trading strategies?

The EU elections, the war in Ukraine and wider geopolitical tensions, the challenges of integrating renewables and creating flexibility and the impact of ‘crisis’ measures introduced over the past few years. I’ll keep our trading strategies private I think!

How do you see the future of the European energy market, and what potential challenges and opportunities do you anticipate?

The common EU energy market is a great idea – there’s a job to do to make sure everyone sees that.
An integrated European market needs strong leadership and joint action. We’ve seen too many recent interventions in national markets that haven’t considered the wider consequences and which will harm customers. We need to work towards further consolidation and efficiency, rather than fragmentation.

Where did you grow up? 

Western Bohemia 

What was your first job? 

Summer job: Waiter 

Full time: Power Trader