Energy storage and hydrogen solutions are completely aligned with Cyprus’s regional ambitions
Energy storage and hydrogen solutions are completely aligned with the regional ambitions of Cyprus, as the Cypriot government promotes the Mediterranean as a green energy corridor between EU and third countries, the Minister of Energy and Energy and Commerce said on Thursday.
In his address to the conference on energy and hydrogen storage solutions in Nicosia, the minister noted that innovative storage solutions are critical to achieving this goal.
He said that we are at a crucial crossroads about our efforts for the green transition. On the one hand, climate change has a profound impact on everyone’s lives and, on the other hand, the whole world, but in particular Europe, is urgently looking for ways to differentiate its energy routes and suppliers, as a result of the energy crisis caused by the war in Ukraine and the current situation.
“Therefore, all countries, including Cyprus, are dynamically reshaping their energy strategies to reflect new geopolitical realities, secure their energy supplies and face the need for affordable energy,” he said.
Within this global context, Cyprus, Mr. Papanastasiou, who is isolated energy, added, faces its own energy challenges that require customized solutions. We are, he observed, at a decisive moment in the evolution of the energy landscape of Cyprus. Our high dependence on imported fossil fuels, coupled with the lack of interconnections with mainland Europe or neighboring countries, has historically led to increased energy costs and significant vulnerability in price fluctuations and supply disorders.
Noting that Cyprus has made significant progress in the development of renewable energy sources, despite the various challenges it is facing, the minister said the country has developed integrated political contexts aimed at enhancing energy security, autonomy and geopolitical stability. The revised National Energy and Climate Plan for 2030 sets ambitious goals, including a minimum rate of 33% renewable energy (RES) in gross final energy consumption, he noted.
As Cyprus increases its dependence on renewable energy, Mr Papanastasiou said, faces the challenge set by the intermittent nature of RES, demanding strong measures of stability of the system. He noted that energy storage systems and hydrogen solutions are necessary and that energy storage is not only a technical solution but also a strategic asset in the country’s energy security.
The minister noted that while storing energy, Cyprus at the same time explores its potential in the field of hydrogen as a complementary solution. He announced that on February 28, 2025, a public consultation began on the Cyprus National Hydrogen Strategy, which will remain open until March 31, 2025.
So far, through a technical assistance funded by the European Commission under the RepoRereu initiative, the research has brought several decisive findings that fundamentally guide the national hydrogen strategy.
It is noteworthy that immediate electricity is the most appropriate option for Cyprus, especially taking into account the renewable energy potential of our island, he said.
In addition, the gradual introduction of hydrogen into the transport sector by 2030 has been determined to be the optimum and more cost -effective method for hydrogen integration into our country’s energy mix. According to estimates by the National Plan for Energy and Climate, he said, we expect the gradual import of truck and bush buses by 2030.
In addition, “we recognize the need for an integrated regulatory framework, which we intend to complete by 2027,” he said.
Recognizing the significant challenges related to the development of the hydrogen sector in Cyprus, the minister explained that they include the lack of critical water, as the production of green hydrogen through electrolysis requires significant amounts of pure water (9 to 15 kg of water per 1 kg of green hydrogen), the technology required.
Finally, Mr Papanastasiou said that energy and hydrogen storage solutions are completely aligned with our regional ambitions, as we promote the Mediterranean as a green energy corridor for EU countries and third countries. For this reason, “innovative storage solutions will be critical for our success,” he noted.
Source: KYPE