Newsroom / CNA
Cyprus is on track to meet 40% of its energy needs through solar power by 2030, according to Francesco La Camera, the Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). La Camera stressed the significance of interconnecting energy grids among different countries, particularly in the Mediterranean region, to meet energy demands and maintain system balance.
IRENA has been collaborating with Cyprus to assess its transition to renewable energy, exploring not only solar but also offshore wind and interconnectivity with other Mediterranean nations. La Camera emphasized the importance of modernizing grid infrastructure, implementing supportive policies, and complying with European Union regulations to promote renewable energy.
Storage technologies play a crucial role in enhancing interconnectivity and flexibility within the grid. La Camera highlighted projects like the Euro-Asia Interconnector, connecting Israel, Cyprus, and Greece, as a means to enhance energy distribution at a lower cost. He also stressed the importance of physical infrastructure, workforce training, and institutional capacity development in Cyprus.
Renewable Energy Addresses Energy Price Volatility
La Camera highlighted the role of renewable energy in addressing challenges related to fluctuating energy prices and enhancing energy stability. He noted that recent energy price fluctuations signaled the need to move away from fossil fuels. La Camera emphasized that renewables are the most cost-effective way to generate electricity globally, providing affordability for consumers.
Transitioning from centralized fossil fuel-based systems to decentralized renewable energy systems is essential. La Camera highlighted the shift from a centralized to a decentralized energy system as a key component of this transition.
IRENA's Advancements in Renewable Energy
IRENA's mission is to support and promote renewable energy deployment, providing knowledge and data on renewables and supporting global targets for renewables. La Camera noted that IRENA plays a significant role in building consensus on global targets for renewables at international events like COP28.
Challenges in Transition to Renewables
La Camera outlined common challenges in the global transition to renewable energy, including the need for modernized and interconnected energy grids, supportive policies and legal frameworks, institutional capabilities, and a skilled workforce in the renewable energy sector. He stressed the need for changes in university curricula to prepare the workforce for the evolving energy landscape.
For Europe, strengthening and modernizing the grid system is essential for flexibility and balancing the system. La Camera highlighted the potential of interconnection, stating that "there's no doubt that interconnection is the future." He also emphasized the role of various renewable energy technologies and the importance of a mix of technologies, combined with energy storage and modernized infrastructure, to build a resilient and sustainable energy system.
