Preparations for the creation of the Energy Institute (EnIn), a new independent think tank focused exclusively on Cyprus' energy sector, are at an advanced stage. According to information obtained by Politis, official announcements are expected in September during a special presentation event.
The new institute aims to fill a longstanding gap in public debate on energy policy, operating as an independent scientific and technocratic body that will submit evidence-based proposals to the state and contribute to the planning of the country's energy transition.
According to the same sources, former Energy Minister George Papanastasiou and energy expert Charalambos (Charles) Ellinas, an associate of the Atlantic Council's Global Energy Center, will play a prominent executive and active role within the institute. The team of technocrats will also include Christos Tsingis, who has extensive experience in the renewable energy sector, as well as academics and other specialised scientists.
The institute will have working groups dedicated to renewable energy sources, hydrocarbons and natural gas, drawing on the expertise of specialists in each field.
Scientific documentation
The Energy Institute will operate as a non-profit, politically independent organisation, aiming to promote long-term energy planning based on scientific evidence and the public interest.
Its mission will be to formulate proposals on the development of renewable energy sources, electricity storage systems, conventional generation units, energy communities and the utilisation of natural gas reserves.
Particular emphasis is expected to be placed on self-generation and self-consumption electricity systems for households and businesses, as well as on addressing longstanding issues related to licensing procedures, the operation of the electricity network, transmission substations and cooperation among all the stakeholders involved, including the Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority (CERA), the Transmission System Operator, the Distribution System Operator and the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC).
Emphasis on hydrocarbons
The development of natural gas reserves within Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone will also occupy a central position in the institute's work.
The key assessment is that, despite natural gas being recognised as a transitional fuel in the National Energy and Climate Plan, there is still no comprehensive strategy linking the development of hydrocarbons with the electricity market, renewable energy sources, the Emissions Trading System (ETS) and electricity interconnections.
Within this framework, the institute plans to develop advanced energy models combining electricity, natural gas, storage and carbon emissions in order to assess different scenarios for the utilisation of the reserves, whether for domestic use or export.
At the same time, it proposes the use of modern methods such as game theory to strengthen Cyprus' negotiating position with international energy companies, neighbouring states and European organisations. It also advocates the creation of a risk-management framework that takes into account geopolitical developments, energy price volatility and technological change.
The institute's plans also include promoting Energy Communities, the use of household waste for energy production, the exploration of pumped-storage projects and the development of floating renewable energy installations.
