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In a heated exchange over Cyprus' energy policies, Kyriacos Hadjiyiannis, the president of the House Energy Committee, has stirred controversy by suggesting that the government’s stance on solar energy might be driven by a hidden agenda. His claims have raised eyebrows, as he argues that the state is preventing households from using solar power to its full potential, all while keeping the country reliant on expensive and polluting fossil fuels.
In a recent appearance on Alpha News, Hadjiyiannis accused state authorities of blocking efforts that could allow solar panels to continue producing electricity even when disconnected from the grid. He said that, despite the technology’s ability to provide free electricity for homes, authorities are refusing to allow this. "The government encouraged people to invest in solar panels, but now they aren't adjusting the systems to make this feasible," Hadjiyiannis pointed out.
This feels like we are being steered toward maintaining our dependency on fossil fuels.Why else would the government limit the effectiveness of solar panels if not to protect the oil and gas industry
He didn't stop there—his comments quickly shifted to a much more serious accusation. The energy official hinted at what he called a "dark intention" behind the restrictions. According to Hadjiyiannis, it seems like some people may want to maintain the sales of traditional, polluting fuels, such as oil and gas, by limiting the effectiveness of renewable energy options like solar power.
The Solar Dilemma
Hadjiyiannis' remarks come at a time when Cyprus, like many other countries, is trying to increase its reliance on renewable energy sources. The government's previous push to get more citizens to invest in solar panels was lauded as a step in the right direction, with slogans like "Solar Panels for All" encouraging widespread adoption. However, Hadjiyiannis claims that despite these optimistic messages, the infrastructure isn’t being adapted to accommodate the increased demand for solar energy.
He raised concerns over the lack of adjustments to the country’s power grid, which he says is struggling to keep up with the energy needs of households generating their own electricity. He also highlighted outdated machinery at the Electric Authority of Cyprus (EAC), which he argues is ill-equipped to handle the necessary shifts toward more renewable energy.
What’s Really Going On?
But it’s not just the grid’s shortcomings that have Hadjiyiannis worried. The official hinted at something far more serious: a possible "dark intention" to maintain the flow of revenue from conventional fuels. He expressed frustration that, even during times when solar power is disconnected from the grid, households should still be allowed to use the energy their panels generate. However, Hadjiyiannis claims that authorities are denying this right.
"This feels like we are being steered toward maintaining our dependency on fossil fuels," he said. "Why else would the government limit the effectiveness of solar panels if not to protect the interests of the oil and gas industry?"
A Growing Frustration with Government Action
Hadjiyiannis’ comments have sparked debate, particularly among those who believe Cyprus should be doing more to shift away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy. His call for action is not just a critique of solar energy restrictions but a plea for a broader reevaluation of Cyprus’ energy policies. He emphasized that citizens who have already invested their savings into renewable energy should not be left with empty promises.
With Cyprus struggling with issues like prolonged droughts and increasing electricity demand, Hadjiyiannis warned that the country could face serious energy shortages unless the government changes its approach. "We need to start taking real steps now, or we’ll face a future where we can’t meet our own energy needs,” he said.
