The benefits of sustainable energy were highlighted during a seminar on “New Trends in Sustainable Energy” in Nicosia at the Union of the Chambers of Cyprus Turkish Engineers and Architects on 10 July. The seminar aimed to showcase the EU sustainable energy policy and best practices from EU countries, as well as the current situation in the Turkish Cypriot community. The opening speeches were made by Mr. Arttu Makipaa, Mr. Seran Aysal, and Mr. Hasan Taçoy. 

As part of its long-term energy strategy, the EU has set targets for 2020 and 2030. These cover emissions reduction, improved energy efficiency, and an increased share of renewables in the EU’s energy mix. It has also created an Energy Roadmap for 2050, in order to achieve its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80-95%, when compared to 1990 levels, by 2050.

The EU Aid Programme has allocated  €11.44 million for energy efficiency, implemented between 2008 and 2013, which aimed at improving the monitoring of energy consumption by installing 21,000 remote-controlled electronic meters and by setting up a laboratory for testing and calibration of metering instruments; demonstrating the latent potential of solar power as a key energy source in Cyprus by installing the first solar power plant on the island for a capacity of 1.2 MW; and facilitating the interconnection of the grids. The solar power plant is fully operational since 2011.