Southern EU Nations Eye Mediterranean For Renewable Energy Boom

Nine southern EU member countries are focused on turning the Mediterranean region into a hub for renewable energy such as offshore wind and solar power. They aim to streamline cross-border projects, with a call for the European Commission to study the region's potential and provide data for informed decision-making.

Officials from nine southern European Union member countries announced on Monday their commitment to transforming the Mediterranean region into a renewable energy hub through offshore wind and solar projects. This collaborative effort aims to address climate change and harness the region's abundant natural resources.

The energy ministers and officials from Cyprus, Slovenia, Malta, Croatia, Greece, Italy, France, Portugal, and Spain released a joint statement emphasizing the need to cut red tape to attract investors for cross-border renewable energy projects. They urged the European Commission to conduct a comprehensive study to guide further actions and decisions on green energy initiatives.

During the MED9 Energy Ministerial Meeting in Larnaca, Cyprus's Energy Minister George Papanastasiou highlighted ongoing offshore wind pilot projects and plans for wave energy and floating photovoltaic units. The region's climate and geographical conditions provide a significant advantage for these technologies. Greece's ambassador to Cyprus, Ioannis Papameletiou, noted the Aegean's high wind capacity and outlined ambitious targets for wind power integration in Greece's energy mix, while Italy's ambassador, Federica Ferrari Bravo, stressed the role of affordable green energy in promoting peace.

(With inputs from agencies.)