Natural gas is a ‘bridge’ to clean energy — Pilides

Cyprus sees the Eastern Mediterranean gas findings as a means for sustainable growth and a vital tool in the transition towards clean energy, the Minister for Energy, Commerce and Industry Natasa Pilides said at this year’s East Mediterranean Gas Forum’s ministerial meeting.

“We are also ready and look forward to discussing policies and actions through the EMGF that will help make our region a frontrunner in the transition towards Green energy and sustainable growth,” Pilides stated.

“Certainly in this complex equation of achieving our zero emissions goal, natural gas will play an important role as a bridge fuel which will allow us to move swiftly and efficiently to greener and eventually completely clean forms of energy,” the Cypriot minister added.

This year’s event was notable for the first time inclusion of the European Union and World Bank as observers.

“I would like to welcome the European Union and World Bank who as from today, and after member countries reach consensus, will be joining the forum as observers,” Pilides commented.

“Through your representatives attending today’s meeting I thank both institutions for the significant technical and financial support already provided to the forum’s activities,” she added.

The entirety of ministers present hailed the inclusion of the European Union and World Bank, highlighting that it signifies the growing stature of the forum as a regional and international body.

The East Mediterranean Gas Forum currently counts eight member countries, three observers, and thirty-two gas industry advisory committee members.

Another noteworthy inclusion in this year’s event was the participation of Beth Urbanas, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia and the Americas at the Office of International Affairs in the US Department of Energy.

“As the US government’s representative here today, I want to affirm the United States’ strong support for this institution,” Urbanas said.

“The goals of the EMGF align well with President Biden’s agenda to tackle the climate emergency, including commitments to achieve a carbon pollution freeze power sector in the US by 2035, and a net-zero economy by 2050,” she added.

Pilides explained that Cyprus is in favour of the gas forum expanding its membership, provided that any new member has common ground with all current member states and that there is mutual respect and adherence to the law.

“Cyprus, of course, has been advocating the importance of the EMGF’s inclusivity from the outset and continues to do so. To this end, this forum is open for any East Medditeranean country to apply for membership  and for any other organization, regional or international, to apply to join as an observer,” Pilides said.

“If, of course they share the same values and objectives as the EMGF, as well as the willingness to cooperate on the basis of international law for the security of the whole region and welfare of its people,” the minister added.