Green corridor for energy, Cyprus’ top Med9 priority

Cyprus, as the 2024 president of the Med9 group of Mediterranean EU countries, is focusing on transforming the Mediterranean into a green energy corridor, according to Energy Minister George Papanastasiou.

Addressing the Climate Crisis in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East conference, in Larnaca, Papanastasiou said all parameters of the common vision were discussed during the Med9 ministerial conference held on September 23 in Cyprus.

Papanastasiou said everyone is now witnessing climate change, manifesting in floods, wildfires and extreme weather phenomena, with experts believing the region is in the process of turning into a climate change hotspot.

The minister said the eastern Mediterranean offered unique opportunities for the development of an energy model, which will turn it into a green energy hub, connecting EU and other countries.

The implementation of such an idea, Papanastasiou said, included a complex grid of energy policies and the development of necessary infrastructure, which would simultaneously address environmental challenges and would facilitate international cooperation.

Papanastasiou added that it would also enhance energy security among connected countries.

Cyprus’ energy strategy is aligned with these goals, concentrating on reducing electricity costs, ensuring a stable energy supply, and advancing energy transition.

While the country is committed to increasing renewable energy use, natural gas is seen as a key transitional fuel on the path to climate neutrality.

Papanastasiou also stressed that each country in the region has its own renewable energy potential and starting point. Therefore, a tailored Mediterranean energy strategy could help foster regional peace, welfare and cooperative efforts to combat climate change.