It is obvious that AKEL ignores facts and events concerning the Energy Sector
Despite the contrary impressions they try to create, Cyprus has managed not only to meet its energy targets for 2020, but also to exceed them.
All those who comment on the energy-related sector should be aware that the path to the green transition is not a one-way street and, above all, it is not implemented with oversimplifications and slogans.
But we cannot ignore the challenge, because it is a challenge when it comes from AKEL, which daily criticises unfairly the high prices. We simply recall that it was under the AKEL government that contracts were signed with RES producers for excessively high guaranteed prices, resulting in the budget deficit of the RES and EE Fund in 2015 and 2016.
The result of the decisions taken then is still paid by the Cypriot consumer.
And because criticism should be based on data, we note that in 2012 the penetration of Renewable Energy Sources in electricity generation was only 4.93%, while in 2020 it has almost tripled, reaching 12.04%. In heating and cooling, the corresponding percentage was 21.76% in 2012 and 37.12% in 2020.
Furthermore, our country has achieved a percentage of 17% compared to the mandatory target of 13% set by the European Union regarding the use of RES in final energy consumption for 2020.
Nevertheless, it is our conviction that we must put the controversy behind us and focus on the implementation of our objectives in order to meet the great challenge before us, which is none other than the Green Transition.
The main objectives that the Government is promoting are. The Cyprus-Crete electricity interconnection has been approved for funding of €657 million, the highest amount of funding Cyprus has ever secured from the EU for a project of common interest. Our country, for the first time in its history, is facing a historic development, which is none other than its electrical interconnection with Europe.
- The operation of a competitive internal electricity market within 2022 after decades of efforts.
- The strengthening of the role of consumers in the energy market, through the promotion of the institution of prosumers and Energy Communities.
- The strengthening of the role of consumers in the energy market, through the promotion of the institution of prosumers and Energy Communities.
- Reducing energy costs for households and businesses through horizontal measures.
- Providing incentives to encourage green investments by households, businesses and public bodies, with a particular focus on vulnerable population groups and mountain areas. In 2021, grant schemes worth more than €40 million were announced for energy retrofitting, energy saving and renewable energy use, while the corresponding amount for 2022 exceeds €90 million.
- Promoting new legislation and reforms such as unilateral licensing of renewable energy projects.
- Promoting new energy technologies such as storage and hydrogen.
- Promoting new energy technologies such as storage and hydrogen.
The above objectives have been integrated into the strategy of the Cyprus Tomorrow Plan, which includes, inter alia, reforms to introduce green taxation, open up the electricity market, facilitate energy renovations in buildings, accelerate electric mobility and a wide range of energy efficiency and renewable energy investments targeting households, businesses, municipalities, the wider public sector and non-governmental organisations.
It also includes investments related to the massive deployment of smart meters, energy storage infrastructure, as well as funding for the "EuroAsia Interconnector" project, the electricity interconnection between Cyprus, Israel and Greece, which is expected to boost electricity generation from cleaner sources, in particular from renewable sources.
This is what we should focus on, politicking moderately and creatively.
(PM/EC)
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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