The revision of the National Plan for Energy and Climate 2030 is expected to be completed by the end of June, Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, George Papanastasiou, said on Thursday.

Papanastasiou, who was speaking during a press conference organised for the "Save Energy, Greenbiz & AquaTech Expo 2024", said that his Ministry is working with other relevant Ministries to complete the revision of the National Energy and Climate Plan 2030. He noted that the final plan, which "will be ready by the end of June", will set out the measures and policies based on which Cyprus will achieve its new climate and energy targets by 2030.

He added that priority is given to reducing energy demand in the country, with an emphasis on building renovations, as well as combatting energy poverty.

Referring to the Ministry's grant schemes for energy saving, he noted that citizens are showing great and growing interest. Specifically, in 2023 over 21,000 applications were submitted, compared to 12,000 in 2022 and 7,000 in 2021, while for the first three months of 2024 the number of applications is already approaching 10,000.

Addressing the press conference, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Dr. Maria Panayiotou, referred to the Ministry's policy on the conservation of natural resources and the promotion of water technologies and environmental protection.

"Just yesterday, the Council of Ministers approved the National Investment Plan for Water Projects, which was drawn up for the first time and includes 33 water and wastewater infrastructure projects," she said, noting that their cost is expected to reach €722 million. At the same time, she added that another 60 projects are under study, with an estimated value of €445 million.

"Promoting the application of smart farming methods and encouraging the adoption of innovative technological solutions through targeted policies and grant programmes are vital elements in addressing the challenges, ensuring the sustainability and future prospects of agricultural production", she continued.

The "18th Save Energy, Greenbiz & AquaTech Expo 2024" will be hosted by the Cyprus Employers & Industrialists Federation (ΟΕΒ) at the City of Dreams Mediterranean in Limassol, between April 12-14 April, while the two Ministries will participate with a stand.

The exhibition will be open on Friday April 12, between 5pm and 9pm, and on the weekend April 13-14 from 10am to 9pm. The 3rd professional conference "Sustainable Business Development: Implementing the National Strategy - Opportunities and Challenges" will take place on the morning of Saturday, April 13.