Christofias: Saving energy a priority in Cyprus

The rational use of energy and incentives to use environmentally friendly sources of energy are among the priorities of this government, President Demetris Christofias said on Friday.
Speaking at the opening of the Savenergy 2010 and Envirotec exhibitions, President Christofias said the government was taking measures to increase the use of renewable energy sources from 1.9% in 2005 to 13% by 2020, and to save energy by 10% by 2016, pointing out that Cyprus was currently 95% dependent on energy, which was above the EU average.
He said that the government's policy to promote renewable energy sources include the use of photovoltaic systems in public buildings, as well as campaigns to raise awareness about climate change.
President Christofias also said that the government's strategy on the environment has already produced successful results by implementing measures to solve the water shortage problem, and announced that legal obstacles have been overcome to establish an integrated water commission.
The president also announced the creation of more desalination plants, which should be ready by the end of 2011, and the installation of water saving systems in public buildings.
Addressing the opening ceremony, the Chairman of the Federation of Employers and Industrialists (OEV) Andreas Pittas said these exhibitions have contributed towards increasing the interest of the citizens in investments in energy saving products and services.
The Director of the Energy Department of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Solon Kasinis, said many EU countries have adopted the Cypriot model on saving energy, and that Cyprus has been praised by the European Commission, adding that efforts were being made to encourage more citizens to use renewable energy sources.