Under evaluation several proposals of companies for pilot projects of hydrogen production from Renewable Energy Sources and especially solar energy
The prospects of Cyprus as a know-how base for the production, storage and transport of Green Energy, and in particular hydrogen, occupied a conference organized by ETEK and TEPAK, on ​​Saturday, in Limassol, entitled “Cyprus Energy Vision 2030”.
< p>On behalf of the Minister of Energy, Giorgos Papanastasiou, the First Officer, Nasia Kalaika, referred to the National Plan for Energy and Climate for the years 2021-230, which elaborates five dimensions of the Energy Union and sets the national goals as well as the political and necessary measures to achieve the national energy and climate obligations for 2030.
He also recalled that, in an effort to develop a National Strategy for hydrogen and its introduction into the energy mix, the Ministry of Energy secured, in May 2022, technical support from the European Commission, while the resulting study presents an overview of the prospects for the development of hydrogen in the Cypriot energy system, reflecting the strong support of the EU Hydrogen Strategy and the REPowerEU initiative, taking into account the specificities of Cyprus.
To facilitate the Green Transition of Cyprus, he continued, a national governance system has been created to monitor progress and make decisions on the necessary measures, while in this context, a technical committee is operating, chaired by the Energy Service of the Ministry, the which has been tasked with defining measures to promote the use of hydrogen in Cyprus.
Ms. Kalaika expressed her certainty that, once the necessary data is established, the Ministry will be able to proceed as quickly as possible with the plans to introduce hydrogen into the country's energy mix.
Finally, he indicated that several company proposals for pilot projects of hydrogen production from Renewable Energy Sources and especially solar energy are already under evaluation.
A welcome address was delivered, among others, by the Deputy Minister of Shipping, Marina Hatzimanoli, who stated that “our firm commitment to sustainable development has led us to chart a bold path, which not only paves the way for a greener shipping industry, but also aims to position Cyprus as a hub of knowledge for the production, storage and transport of green fuels and especially hydrogen”.
He noted that the privilege brought by the great maritime heritage and the contribution of the shipping industry to the country's economy, entails an even greater responsibility, since we must ensure that our maritime activities are aligned with a sustainable transport model.
“The urgency of addressing climate change and its far-reaching effects on our planet cannot be overstated,” said Ms Hatzimanoli, adding that “the shipping industry is responsible for less than 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet the its contribution plays a key role in mitigating climate change, with the International Maritime Organization aiming to reduce shipping emissions by 40% by 2030 and reach zero emissions by 2050.”
The ambitious target for the Green Transition, he continued, includes innovative technologies, regulatory reforms and a firm commitment to renewable marine fuels, with hydrogen at the forefront as it is seen as promising for the shipping industry and one of the future ship fuel options.
Our vision extends beyond the use of hydrogen on Cypriot-flagged ships, said the Deputy Minister, noting that the goal is to turn Cyprus into a world leader in the production, storage and transportation of green fuels.
< p>A representative of CERA and ETEK as well as the Mayor of Limassol Nikos Nicolaidis also addressed a greeting, while presentations on hydrogen production and storage followed.
