24676 - Green Energy and Crete

N. Lygeros
Translated from the Greek by Athena Kehagias

Much of the data in Crete don’t as yet function according to the European Union directives in regards to green energy as such.
We see that there are units which are already too old, and as a result produce heavy pollution.
In other words, the phase change is necessary both at institutional and practical levels.
The new environmental requirements create conditions quite harsh for the current data as long as the natural gas is not put to use.
This means that in actual fact, the concept of the interconnection is necessary, because it ensures a supply which is efficient and stable.
It also enables us to provide energy through the combustion of natural gas for electricity.
Therefore, the natural gas, as a green energy factor, could help Crete in two ways : By providing heating and electricity.
Simultaneously it’s allowing us through the interconnection to avoid the use of aged units.
It is in this context that the electric EuroAsia Interconnector cable comes in, which will begin in 2017 and reach completion in 2020.
We therefore are at a timing which coincides with the needs of Crete.
It is therefore important for us to give them priority, without wasting time on other scenarios which are not functionable, but merely exist for technical reasons, and not of substance.
Additionally, the EuroAsia Interconnector electric cable adds a geopolitical dimension to Crete, as it connects it not only with mainland Greece, but also with Cyprus and Israel.
It is for this reason that the nature of the project is of such importance, constituting a PCI, of the European Commission.
Because the project is not only a matter of distance, but more so topological, since the interconnection allows for the liberation of Crete from the energean isolation and through a green energy factor at that.