Athens Ambassador Erciyes calls for regional cooperation for renewable energy
Türkiye's Ambassador to Athens Çağatay Erciyes said that regional co-operation for renewable and clean energy is not only an opportunity but also a necessity.
Speaking at the 10th Green Energy Investment Forum organised by the Centre for Energy Policy and Development (KEPA) of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, which coordinates the Green Energy Network of the Organisation of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), Ambassador Erciyes made evaluations on the need for renewable and clean energy, the steps taken by Türkiye in this regard and regional cooperation.
Erciyes stated that climate change has pushed renewable energy to the top of the world agenda and pointed out that the urgency of renewable energy has increased even more after the Covid-19 outbreak and the Russia-Ukraine war.
Stating that renewable and clean energy is an indispensable element for the energy security policy of all countries in terms of diversity of energy resources, Erciyes said, "It is our responsibility to increase co-operation in this field. This cooperation should include countries and private sectors. In this context, regional co-operation is not only an opportunity but also a need."
Erciyes pointed out that Türkiye ranks 1st among the BSEC countries, 5th in Europe and 12th in the world in terms of renewable energy installed capacity and stated that the amount of energy obtained from hydroelectric, geothermal, solar and wind energy currently corresponds to 54 per cent of Türkiye's installed capacity.
Emphasising that Türkiye is a reliable partner that always contributes to the energy security of the region with its comprehensive energy infrastructure, Erciyes stated that Türkiye is a pioneer in strengthening regional cooperation on renewable energy and transition to green energy sources.
Erciyes emphasised that the Natural Gas Interconnector agreement signed between Türkiye and Greece in 2002 has been successfully implemented and this is a good example of regional cooperation.
