Synergies are necessary in order to address climate change and ensure a green transition, President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, told a conference in Nicosia, on Friday, titled "Progressing in green transition: advancing the clean energy agenda through industrial applications of solar energy".

The conference was organized by the Cyprus Institute, in collaboration with the European Commission Representation in Cyprus, the Office of the Commissioner for the Environment and the Embassy of Spain, the country at the helm of the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU.

The House President said that we need to invest in science and collaborate with scientists in order to understand how important it is to proceed and take the proper decisions. The scientists are already sounding the alarm, she said. Regarding the green transmission she noted that we are already late in "taking the proper decisions."

She noted that in the context of the clean energy agenda, synergies among policy makers, scientists and the industry are crucial in order to implement comprehensive strategies and practical solutions towards a sustainable future.

The vision for a green transition has been based on the concept of collaboration and collective efforts since its inception, she said.

Referring to "Fit for 55" Demetriou said that it includes a legislative package "we need to proceed with. We cannot keep paying taxes because we didn’t manage to achieve our goals."

The Commissioner for the Environment, Maria Panayiotou, in her address, said that in an era where climate change poses a significant threat to the planet the need for a swift transition to RES has never been more pressing. However, she underlined that it is crucial to acknowledge that green transition should also include the principles of circular economy and the reduction of electricity consumption.

"While we champion solar energy, we must also consider the life cycle of solar panels. The International Renewable Energy Agency projects that by 2050 solar panel waste could reach approximately 78 million tonnes globally. This highlights the importance of effective recycling and repurposing strategies for the solar PV panels, turning a potential environmental challenge into an economic opportunity", she said.

Panayiotou noted that the governance program of the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, lists green transition as a top priority for the Republic of Cyprus and the speeding up of this process is essential for the economy and society in general. "Cyprus has committed itself to a green transition that not only promotes environmental sustainability, but also fully utilizes the economic benefits of renewable energy", she said.

The Head of the European Commission Representation in Cyprus, Myrto Zambarta, said that the timing of the present conference is good, as the world discusses the subject in COP28m which is held in Dubai. She noted that the EU is leading this effort and aims to be a leader not only in setting targets for environmental protection but also in green growth.

The Ambassador of Spain to Cyprus, Gabriel Ferrán Carrión, said that Cyprus and Spain, due to their geographical situation in the Mediterranean, benefit from the sun as a source of energy.

The green transition and renewable energy have been high in the priorities of the Spanish presidency, he said, noting the importance of strengthening the EU's strategic autonomy, and reducing vulnerabilities in energy supply.

Professor Stavros Malas, President of the Cyprus Institute, noted that Cyprus and Spain have a strong collaboration and the two countries face different challenges but have common goals, in relation to research opportunities in solar energy.