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Commerce Minister, EU energy head discuss post Mari energy challenges, 2012 presidency
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CYPRUS’ energy challenges following the Mari blast, as well as the island’s upcoming EU presidency were discussed in a meeting yesterday between the Commerce Minister and the EU’s visiting Energy Commissioner.
In addition to the agenda and preparations for Cyprus’ presidency in July 2012, Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger and Commerce Minister Praxoulla Antoniadou discussed the aftermath of the July 11 blast which killed 13 and knocked out the island’s main Vassilikos power plant.
The duo also talked about renewable energy sources and the need to create an electricity surplus. Antoniadou said the Commissioner showed a keen interest in all matters discussed.
Both officials visited Vassilikos power station to discuss funding possibilities for energy development, and met Electricity Authority of Cyprus representatives on site.
The Commissioner said the European Union might be able to co-fund or advise Cyprus on investment opportunities to help with restoring power production, which was halved after the blast.
He added he was not responsible for structural funds, but could contribute his expertise on energy matters.
One of the EU’s priorities is creating an internal energy market, Oettinger noted, adding that the bloc needed to assess Cyprus energy laws and how the island could be part of the European energy market.
The EU officer also touched on the high-profile exploratory offshore gas drilling operation in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone, which is currently being undertaken by Noble Energy.
“Now’s not the time for announcements, but for serious diplomacy,” Oettinger said when asked to comment on Turkey’s challenge to the drilling, adding they were in communication with the government on the topic.
The Commissioner yesterday also met the island’s energy regulator and the presidents of the House Commerce and Finance Committees.
Few statements were made available on the contents of yesterday’s meetings, which Oettinger described as “informational”.
