The 12th Energy Symposium tackled the energy crisis, regional turbulence, and the urgent global shift to renewables.

Titled “The Big Decisions on Energy”, the event was held with the support of Hellenic Bank.

During the symposium, participants exchanged views and proposals on natural gas, electricity, and renewable energy sources (RES), seeking solutions to the numerous challenges facing the energy sector.

Addressing the symposium, Andreas Papadopoulos, head of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) unit at Hellenic Bank, highlighted the urgency of transitioning to alternative, more sustainable energy sources.

“These challenges remind us of the pressing need to move towards renewable and sustainable energy solutions,” he stated.

In an an official statement released on Friday, Hellenic Bank stressed that it has “fully embraced the necessity of energy investments, with a particular focus on renewable energy”.

“The bank is leading the transition to a green economy by adopting sustainable operational practices, financing “green” businesses, and actively participating in green initiatives,” it added.

“Hellenic Bank has established specific criteria for assessing social and environmental risks as part of its approval process for new financing,” Papadopoulos explained.

“Additionally, we have a dedicated team specialising in sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) matters,” he said.

The bank said that “its high-quality products and comprehensive services, allow it to provide clients with advice and incentives to enhance their environmental performance”.

Papadopoulos pointed out that “our mission aligns with the goals of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, where the transition to a green economy is one of the five key pillars”.

“This transition is not just a strategic choice; it is the only path to a sustainable future,” he added.

Furthermore, Hellenic Bank noted that it offers a range of innovative financing options, such as the “Green Home” and “Green Car” products, which incentivise environmentally friendly choices by providing more favourable loan terms.

“These financing solutions encourage households and businesses to adopt sustainable practices in their daily operations,” Papadopoulos remarked.

Beyond financial products, the bank said that it is also committed “to fostering a collective approach to sustainability”.

“Sustainable development is not the responsibility of a single sector or institution; it requires collective effort and commitment from all of us,” Papadopoulos said.

What is more, Papadopoulos reiterated the alignment of Hellenic Bank’s mission with Cyprus’ national goals for green growth.

“The enhancement of sustainable development is a shared responsibility,” he said.

“This transition is essential not just for our economy but for ensuring a livable future for generations to come,” he added.

In its announcement, the bank also said that its ESG-focused team plays a vital role in providing clients with cutting-edge products and services designed to improve their environmental performance.

“We are dedicated to empowering our clients with the tools and resources necessary to embrace sustainability,” Papadopoulos said.

Hellenic Bank also said that its participation in the symposium “reaffirmed its dedication to promoting energy investments and sustainable growth”.

“By financing and supporting green initiatives”, the announcement continued, “the bank remains a key player in Cyprus’ efforts to transition to a greener and more sustainable economy”.

“This is not merely a strategy; it is a necessity for a sustainable future,” Papadopoulos concluded.