"We support projects like the electrical interconnection between Europe and Africa through the interconnection of Egypt with Cyprus and Greece, and Israel's proposed electrical interconnection with Cyprus and the European grid," a State Department spokesman said in response to a question from Greek correspondents in Washington. These projects, he stresses, will be a precursor to the energy transition in the region and in Europe. At a time when Europe's energy security is, more than ever, a matter of national security of states, he points out.
In this context, he expresses the determination of the US to strengthen its relations in the region and to promote green energy technologies.[BRP]Regarding the statements made by Amos Hawkstein on the EastMed pipeline during an interview with Turkey's TRT World, the State Department clarifies that "he was a private citizen (he held no office) when he made those statements". Responding to a question from Greek correspondents in Washington, a State Department spokesman clarified that Mr. Hockstein fully supports strengthening the energy interconnection between the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe through Greece.
Regarding Washington's reservations about the economic and environmental viability of the East Med, the spokesman explained that Mr. Hockstein and the U.S. believe it would be more useful to focus efforts on electricity interconnection options. "We remain focused on energy security and interconnection in the Eastern Mediterranean. Electricity interconnection with Europe will energetically connect the Eastern Mediterranean countries with Europe, enabling future exports of electricity from renewable sources, strengthening the countries in the region. Consistent with U.S. climate priorities, the United States is looking critically at new fossil fuel infrastructure projects to ensure that U.S. support is not directed to carbon-rich sources and does not lead to future discredited investments as we accelerate the transition to clean energy."
In this light, the State Department spokesman explained that the US supports a number of projects that can ensure energy security and diversification in the medium term. "We support a number of existing projects that contribute to energy security and diversify natural gas supplies, such as the Alexandroupolis Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) and the interconnections with Bulgaria and North Macedonia, which will be completed much earlier and at a much lower cost than the East Med gas pipeline."
Source: APB
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