MED9 Energy Ministerial Meeting participants committed to transforming Mediterranean into energy hub

Nine Mediterranean member states of the European Union are moving forward in the effort to strengthen their energy cooperation and transform the Mediterranean region into a hub for the transfer of green energy, with a Joint Declaration during the 2nd MED9 Energy Ministerial Meeting in Larnaca.

Cyprus hosted the Meeting under the chairmanship of the Minister of Energy, Trade and Industry, George Papanastasiou.

The Meeting was attended by the Ministers of Energy and their representatives of France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Malta, Portugal and Slovenia, as well as representatives of the European Commission and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

In the Joint Declaration, presented during the Press Conference by Papanastasiou, the vision of transforming the Mediterranean region into an energy hub for the development of green energy was confirmed, the realisation of which requires coordinated efforts among the members of MED9. Doing so "will bring significant benefits to the region, including economic growth, job creation, further integration of EU member states into the internal market and increased energy security for the Union and the region," the Joint Declaration added.

In addition, these actions can help some of the MED9 members achieve their individual renewable energy targets set by the EU, as well as contribute to their re-industrialisation through competitive renewable energy prices.

In the Joint Declaration it was decided to also explore the creation of synergies between national licensing procedures for renewable energy projects. Doing so will facilitate the development of potential cross-border projects while minimizing the administrative burden for investors, the Statement notes.

At the same time, these actions will contribute to the protection and preservation of the unique characteristics of the region's ecosystems, species and natural heritage.

The Joint Declaration acknowledges the wealth of knowledge and insight generated through various analyses and studies related to the development of a Mediterranean Green Energy Hub, which will connect EU countries and third countries. "We commend the efforts of the European Commission, including DG NEAR, to promote this important area and we look forward to further exploring the existing reports and findings related to this initiative," said the Energy Minister.

With the signing of the Joint Declaration, declarations were made.

Papanastasiou informed, in particular, that the projects that are in progress for each member country were put on the table at the Meeting. As he said, these are pilot programs, while particular emphasis was placed on the challenges that arise for RES projects, especially when concerns a maritime area.

The Minister of Finance of Croatia, Ante Šušnjar noted that strengthening the cooperation of the EU members is important and that energy cooperation in particular is crucial for sustainable development. "Security can only be built through cooperation and the green energy transition is the key to energy security," he reiterated.

The Minister of the Environment of Slovenia, Bojan Kumer, expressed his country's commitment to continue its efforts in the Mediterranean region for which he said that the geostrategic position is ideal to become a green energy hub.

Joan Groizard, CEO of the Spanish Energy Agency (IDAE)., said that Mediterranean countries should be at the forefront of opportunities for green development. "We are more vulnerable as countries to climate change, he said, and that "the green transition can be the answer", to then express Madrid's will to continue the development of cross-border energy connections.

Greece focused on wind energy and its projects, on behalf of which its Ambassador to Cyprus, Ioannis Papameletiou, spoke at the Conference. Greece is among the pioneers in this field, he said, an important reason why "continuous and systematic effort" is taking place.

Miriam Dalli Malta's Minister of Energy placed greater emphasis on the determination of the members thanks to which, she explained, the goal of becoming a Mediterranean green hub will be achieved. "Energy is the issue where we can bring, together, innovation," she said to say that at the same time, peace and security in the region is ensured.

Maria João Pereira, Secretary of State for Energy of Portugal, spoke of an important step stating that it is not only a question of energy but also of climate action, resilience and economic development. Portugal has advanced renewables, she said, to comment that member countries discussed common challenges as well as the need to strengthen infrastructure to maximize potential and cooperation.

In her own statement, Federica Ferrari Bravo, Ambassador of Italy to Cyprus described the country as a "proud activist" of the green transition. "We are here to share good practices and contribute to the common goal", he said, to complete by talking about challenges but also opportunities through its implementation.

Julien Deruffe First Counselor, Embassy of France in Cyprus, spoke about the prospects in terms of cross-border connections and the need to improve procedures. Among them, the challenges in offshore renewable energy sources. Finally, he emphasized the need to study the steps for a green transition so that it can be implemented.

The Press Conference was preceded by discussions and an exchange of views between the Ministers on the creation of a hub in the Mediterranean for the transfer of green energy between European and third countries. The second part focused on finding synergies between the MED9 in the licensing of cross-border green projects, a key condition for fulfilling the countries' shared vision of creating an energy hub in the Mediterranean.

(Source: InBusinessNews)