The upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union will provide an important platform for Cyprus which intends to contribute to a stronger and more resilient Energy Union by promoting improved infrastructure, enhanced digitalisation, lower energy costs, and reduced energy poverty through renewable deployment and efficiency measures, Permanent Secretary of Energy Ministry Marios Panayides said on Thursday.
He was addressing, on behalf of the Minister of Energy a conference entitled ‘Towards a Greener Future, European Innovation for Sustainable Cyprus’ in Nicosia, with the participation among other, of the Embassies of the Netherlands and France.
He said that “Cyprus’ aim is clear, to support a European Union that advances the energy transition while ensuring that no household, enterprise, or citizen is left behind.”
Panayides noted that Cyprus remains “fully committed to its European obligations, including the achievement of climate neutrality by 2050, adding that progress to date is encouraging as the biennial progress report for 2022 and 2023 shows positive movement across our obligations, and preliminary data for 2024 indicates that renewable energy has exceeded 21% in final energy consumption and reached 24% in electricity generation.”
He also said that a critical challenge for Cyprus is the integration of higher shares of renewables into an isolated electricity system, referring to significant developments which are underway such as additional storage projects.
Energy Ministry Permanent Secretary also noted that electricity interconnection with neighbouring states remains a strategic priority as ending energy isolation will increase security of supply, support deeper renewable integration, and strengthen Cyprus in the wider regional energy framework.
In parallel, he added, natural gas will continue to serve as a transitional fuel over the next 15 to 20 years. Cyprus’ reserves have the potential to contribute to the quantities required in the European market during this period.
Panayides concluded by saying that a secure and sustainable energy system requires coordinated action.