Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry Permanent Secretary, Marios Panayides, has stressed need to enhance collective planning for the development of electricity networks, particularly in regions lacking interconnections such as Cyprus.

Representing Cyprus at the informal EU Energy Council held in Brussels on April 15 and 16, Panayides stressed the importance of addressing issues related to the expansion of electricity networks.

The Council exchanged views on strengthening planning for network development to achieve the EU's climate targets, while ensuring the resilience and security of electricity systems and infrastructure. Funding mechanisms and suitable financial tools, the efficiency of licensing procedures, and the role of standardization in the timely implementation of necessary infrastructure were also discussed.

Panayides stressed the significance of collective planning for network development, emphasizing the need to consider local peculiarities, especially in systems lacking connections like Cyprus. He highlighted the importance of adequate protection for networks and other critical infrastructure, utilizing modern technologies.

Furthermore, he stressed the importance of financing tools with the involvement of national competent authorities. Finally, he expressed support for the role of standardization in accelerating infrastructure development, as well as the efficiency and interoperability of energy systems among EU member states.