The European Commission highlighted the European Green Deal and sustainable energy planning in Cyprus during a bicommunal webinar held on Tuesday, 23 November 2021, within the context of EU Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) 2021. Organised by the European Commission, the EUSEW is the biggest annual event dedicated to renewables and efficient energy use in Europe. The event was also shared live on EU Infopoint’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ABBilgi/videos/929931701252480 

In his opening remarks Mr. Alain Joaris, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Programme Support Office, emphasised how intercommunal collaboration would have great benefits for the whole island: “The renewable energy potential of Cyprus is very high, with an annual yield of one of the highest in Europe. Renewable energy has many potential benefits, including a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the diversification of energy supplies and a reduced dependency on fossil fuel markets. Having joint efforts in this field between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities would lead to more sustainable solutions throughout the island and is essential to the prosperity of Cyprus as a whole. In doing so, the infrastructures in the two communities will be more compatible, helping to prepare Cyprus for reunification,” he said. 

The webinar, hosted panellists from across Cyprus, who are experts in their field including Anthi Charalambous, Chemical & Environmental Engineer, Specialist on Renewable Energy and Energy Management; Prof. Dr. Serkan Abbasoğlu, Mechanical Engineer, Specialist on Energy; Prof. Dr. Marina K-A Neophytou, Environmental Engineer, Specialist on Climate Change and Energy Design, and Sibel Paralik, Environmental Engineer, Specialist on Solar Energy. Panellists discussed the following topics; existing energy management models, bicommunal joint efforts, possibilities to comply with European Green Deal with necessary modifications and mutually beneficial joint steps in the field of energy by taking into account European Green Deal. 

So far one accomplishment in the field of bicommunal cooperation has been the power grid interconnection within Cyprus. In addition, there is huge potential to improve and increase renewable energy sources in Cyprus such as wind and solar energy. These issues were also discussed at the webinar, not only in the context of intercommunal collaboration but also to bring Cyprus as a whole, closer to complying with the targets set out in the European Green Deal. Making Europe climate-neutral and protecting natural habitats will be good for people, the planet and the economy. 

Following the Q&A session, the webinar ended with a general assessment made by the event moderator Görkem Çelik, Electrical and Electronic Engineer.