Prospects of investments in traditional and renewable sources of energy were discussed during the first session of the Best Invest Congress that was held in Limassol on October 17.
The discussion on energy issues was moderated by Iacovos Ghalanos, Cyprus’ KPMG COO. Other experts participating included: former Cyprus’ Minister of Energy Yiorgos Lakkotripis, Imperio Group co-founder Yiannis Misirlis, former DEFA and ETYFA Chairman Symeon Kassianides, Cyprus Hydrocarbon Company (CHC) Board member and Natural Gas Engineering Programme Director Panos Papanastasiou and Cyprus Association of Renewable Energy Enterprises Secretary Nicos Trikkis.
Panel Discussion "Investment Opportunities in the Cyprus Oil & Gas Sector". Photo: Successful Business
According to Papanastasiou, the Ukrainian war and the current dire situation prevailing in the energy markets has resulted in increased interest in the East Mediterranean gas resources.
«The fact that Europe is desperately looking for new suppliers of gas might provide Cyprus with a great opportunity to develop its own gas field discoveries. With an appropriate investment, «Cyprus would be able to provide up to 15 per cent of Europe’s gas needs,» Papanastasiou indicated.
Kassianides reminded participants of two important events that took place in recent weeks, namely the agreement between Israel and Lebanon to end their long-running dispute over their maritime border, and the inauguration of the EuroAsia Interconnector project.
The former will open the way to offshore energy exploration in the Mediterranean and enable Cyprus to finalise its own maritime border agreement with Beirut.
The latter will connect the Cypriot, Greek and Israeli power grids via what will be the world’s longest submarine power cable totalling over 1,200 kilometres. It will have a 2,000 Megawatt capability and allow Cyprus to export or exchange any excess of renewable energy. «That means Cyprus will be not only an energy user but also an energy exporter which will provide it with an additional incentive to invest in renewables,» Kassianides declared. «It means it is a good time to invest in the energy sector on the island, both in gas and in renewables.»
Panel Discussion "Investment Opportunities in the Cyprus Electricity & Renewable Energy Sources". Photo: Successful Business
Reviewing Investment Opportunities in the Cyprus Electricity and Renewable Energy Sources, Cyprus Association of Renewable Energy Enterprises Secretary Nicos Trikkis spoke of the promising results inherent in the recently inaugurated EuroAsia Interconnector project. «The potential for renewables in Cyprus has changed. Now we can focus more and produce for export as well. This is good news since the cost of producing energy in Cyprus, especially through photovoltaics, is the cheapest in the Europe.»
Former Cyprus' Minister of Energy Lakkotripis was quick to point out that while it was appropriate to welcome the inauguration of the interconnector project there remained the pressing issue of the need to balance the grid.
«The grid has reached its limits. There is no more capacity. That is why you see fewer and fewer permits issued unless they carry storage as well.» The interconnector, he reminded participants, while undoubtedly a significant development, is not expected to complete the connection between Cyprus and Israel until 2027, at the earliest. «That is why something needs to be done about the grid long before that. This is our priority now.»
Property developer and Imperio Group co-founder Misirlis cited the need for green financing to help accomplish more of the improvements needed while spelling out some of the recent measures taken to upgrade airconditioning and heating systems, lighting and so on. «We definitely need green financing, something that we can find in most European countries but not yet in Cyprus. The Central Bank also needs to change provisions for commercial banks so they can introduce less expensive mortgages when they relate to green housing. Only then can we move further in this direction.»
It was up to the state to provide developers with a clear set of the relevant criteria, he said. These should spell out «what is green and what is not» and they should include «a clear set of checks so we understand clearly what we need to deliver.»
Once these parameters are in place, he added, the market will move towards green housing. Moreover, the state, he concluded, should also «provide incentives for investors.»
Panel Discussion "Investment Opportunities in the Cyprus Electricity & Renewable Energy Sources". Photo: Successful Business
