TL/DR –
So the Mediterranean crew wants to turn their sunny shores into a green energy powerhouse, focusing on offshore wind and solar — bye-bye red tape, hello investors! They’re calling for the EU to put on its thinking cap and map out the region’s renewable potential ’cause the climate clock is ticking fast. Spain says the Med needs to lead the energy transition since they’re the first to feel the heat, and Greece is like, “We’re adding 17 gigawatts of wind power by 2050, catch us if you can!”
LARNACA, Cyprus (AP) — Officials from nine southern EU countries said they’re focused on offshore wind and solar energy to make the Mediterranean a renewable energy hub and battle climate change.
Energy ministers from Cyprus, Slovenia, Malta, Croatia, Greece, Italy, France, Portugal, and Spain announced joint renewable energy projects with less red tape.
They urged the European Commission to study the region’s renewable potential for actionable plans, revealed at the MED9 Energy Ministerial in Larnaca.
George Papanastasiou, Cyprus’s energy minister, mentioned offshore green energy due to limited land. Pilot projects in shallow waters will help shape future efforts. Wave energy and floating solar units are also in the mix thanks to abundant sunlight.
Spain’s Energy Agency head Joan Groizard said Mediterranean countries must lead the energy transition due to their vulnerability to climate change.
Challenges include connecting offshore wind and solar facilities to onshore power grids and transmission to other countries.
Greece’s ambassador to Cyprus highlighted the Aegean’s high wind power potential, aiming for 2 GW by 2030, 10 GW by 2040, and 17 GW by 2050.
Italy’s ambassador to Cyprus stated: “Affordable green energy is also a powerful tool for peace.”
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Original Story at apnews.com
