The share of renewable energy in Cyprus in the period of 2015 – 2021 has increased at a faster pace compared with the EU average, Marios Panagides, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy has said.

Speaking at the 13 assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) held at Abu Dhabi on 13-15 January, Panagides said that according to the latest data the shares of renewables in Cyprus rose by 5.2% in the period of 2015 – 2021 compared with the EU average of 3.7%.

According to press release, addressing the assembly, Panagides stressed the importance Cyprus places on energy infrastructure for renewables and welcomed the initiatives undertaken by the Organisation.

Cyprus also participated in the launching of a joint initiative by IRENA and the UN aiming at the increase of renewables in the installations of UN peace keeping forces internationally.

Speaking during the ceremony, Panagides referred to Cyprus’ actions to facilitate licensing of renewable energy projects such as the One-Stop Shop operating in the Ministry of Energy.

Moreover, UN Peace Keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICIP) representative Joel Cohen thanked Cyprus for its support noting that the force has installed 600 kilo watts for the needs of the UN Mission in Cyprus and it intends to continue investing aiming to cover 80% of its needs with renewable energy.

Cyprus’ proposal to host a joint conference next Autumn was accepted both by IRENA and the UN, the press release added.