Since 2006, two years after our accession to the EU, the European Commission has given us the first exceptions – derogations from the strict emission limits during electricity production from large oil plants.
Because Cyprus was an electrically isolated electrical system, completely dependent on fuel oil and diesel, without access to natural gas.
Twenty years later, Cyprus remains electrically isolated (and will remain for several more years), dependent on fuel oil and diesel (even though renewables penetrated some hours of consumption, without the possibility of storage, with their own responsibility and that of the state) and without access to imported natural gas. Not even in its own, from its EEZ. And it will take years for natural gas to arrive. It will probably come when in other EU countries it will not be considered a cheap transitional fuel as now, but an expensive (due to fines) fuel, outdated by the green transition. If not forbidden.
Yes, but all the derogations given to Cyprus by the EU had an expiration timetable, explicit or implicit. Will the EU continue to renew the duration of the derogations in Cyprus indefinitely or will it say "enough is enough and no further"? On the other hand, is it legitimate for the Union to tell us "if you had your mind and implemented the decisions in time, doesn't it bother me if you are left without electricity now"? And well, Mrs. EU, you are not responsible for letting them violate the timetables you set?
Obviously it doesn't take her to tell us "buy thieving lanterns" or "find the lanterns you had in the army", I won't give any more extensions. She will give, the column assumes. Friends in Ormideia and the surrounding area should know this. Down here, where we are thrown away, they may at some point tell us "do whatever you want, you are not a normal state, anyway". And it will look bad to us, of course. In crying we are first, together with the brothers.
And judging by the recent statements of the Minister of Energy to "P", the Government knows and understands that if we are to return - without electricity - to the stone age, the EU will give us another extension. Because, in 2029, when the last, supposedly, extension they gave us for the "kotziakares" of Dhekelia expires (not that some units of Vasilikos go back to infection that from the very... upgrade they produce – they do not produce 50-60% of their capacity, when they produce) it is very likely that the numbers do not come out. Electricity will not be enough for us.
Giorgos Siammas, former president of the Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority, said this in his article last Sunday in Fileleftheros: Nightmare scenario for electricity adequacy after 2029. It has been written by "F" and other media many times so far.
And in fact, the nightmare scenario does not only concern '29. It also concerns the years leading up to '29. If the ball lands in the circle that says "serious damage", we sat on the boat, even this year. Either of time or of the other. Everyone who deals with electricity knows this, especially CERA and the independent Transmission Operator, but they are sitting in a cage. They tell you, "if the electricity in the pyroullo is cut off", the EAC will be beaten. Or the Government.
How many people know that the real ones responsible - and responsible for the terrible danger that lurks - are CERA and the independent TSOC?
Some who know who should wake up from their lethargy and take on their responsibilities.
Mr. President, Minister, we must comply at least until 2029. There are ways.
By speeding up procedures, by political decisions that will bypass the requirements of the legislation enacted for normal periods (and the one we are approaching is not normal) or political decisions... very expensive. The responsibility for this situation does not lie entirely with this Government. In fact, a small part of it. But the responsibility to keep the country without electricity will lie with the ENTIRE government, Mr. President. De facto.
