INTERVIEW WITH MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY, MR. COMTE HAJIDAKIS

“44 billion euros of Green Investments planned” – INTERVIEWER BY MINISTER OF THE MINISTER OF THE ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY, MR. COMTE HAJIDAKIS

Efficient waste management, fossilization and electrification are among the Ministry’s plans for the coming period, while the National Energy and Climate Plan foresees green investments of €44 billion. Ο κ. Hatzidakis, stressed, among other things, that we do not deserve to make the world images with piles of garbage in tourist destinations and responded to those who oppose hydrocarbon extraction in the Ionian Sea.

Given the conditions that prevail nowadays, do you think that green growth and addressing the problems that accelerate climate change is a one-way street both internationally and for our country? What are the priorities that the ministry is promoting in this context?

Addressing the causes and consequences of climate change is a priority in many countries around the world, particularly in the European Union. This was also the result of the climate mobilisations in which young people were the main protagonists. The Greek government has responded to the call of the times with the new National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP). Which foresees green investments of 44 billion. euro and is in line with the European Commission’s Green Deal. Our priorities are: The complete de-lignification of the country by 2028 for environmental and economic reasons. A significantly increased penetration of renewable energy sources (RES) in our energy mix of 35% and energy savings of over 38% by 2030. The promotion of a circular economy model with emphasis on integrated waste management and recycling. The dynamic promotion of the electrical interconnections of almost all our islands by 2030. To promote electrification so that in a decade one in three new cars will be electric. And finally, our policy for the protection of biodiversity and forests, areas where we are presenting legislative initiatives in this period.

In a speech at a recent conference you talked about “gas mobility – biofuels – electromobility” as the main pillars of the Ministry of Environment and Energy’s green agenda for transport. What are the ministry’s plans in this direction?

The European Environment Agency recently informed us that premature deaths due to nitrogen dioxide pollution in Greece reached 2,900 in 2019! The government is not closing its eyes to this reality. And that’s why our plans include eco-travel.

For natural gas, which will be a transition fuel towards renewable energy sources, the new NIS provides for the operation of 8 LNG and 55 CNG supply stations in Greece by 2030.

In biofuels, we promote support for domestic producers to stimulate the national economy, and the reform of the regulatory framework in line with the European policy of promoting advanced biofuels. Finally, on electromobility, we have already introduced a series of incentives with the December tax bill and we have also set up an inter-ministerial committee with the participation of the Ministries of Finance, Transport and Environment and Energy with the aim of presenting the necessary legislative initiatives in the first half of 2020.

From the data that you have at your disposal regarding environmental practices, such as recycling and reuse of materials, energy saving, emissions of pollutants, etc., are citizens in Greece environmentally aware? Are there areas where we can do better?

For many of these areas, a look at what is happening in other European countries is enough to see the distance we still have to travel. One example is waste. Where, over the last several summers, images from tourist areas of the country, which were offensive to our culture, made the rounds on the internet. We don’t deserve that! And this is one of the reasons why integrated waste management is at the top of our agenda. Specifically, we are updating the National Waste Management Plan and tendering for 17 Waste Treatment Plants in 2020. We are making a great effort to absorb €940 million. euros from the NSRF. And we are promoting a new recycling stream for food: the brown bin. These are just some of the initiatives that I believe can lead to a paradigm shift in waste management. After all, recent data from the large reduction in the use of plastic bags in Greece show that we can change our habits.

With a plan, determination and a willingness to adopt good international practices, I believe that we can protect and enhance the environment and the unparalleled natural beauty of Greece.

What are the immediate benefits for Greece from the East Med pipeline deal?

EastMed is a pipeline of peaceful coexistence and prosperity for the peoples of our region. With the signing of the agreement for its construction last January in Athens, the states of the region expressed their willingness to promote a project that brings very important benefits to the Greek economy, to the Greek citizens and to the other peoples of the region. It is a project that highlights the important geostrategic role of Greece for regional stability. A project that will contribute to the diversification of gas sources and routes in Greece and Europe, thus increasing security of supply and energy sufficiency.

In recent years there have been several reactions to hydrocarbon extraction in the Ionian Sea. What is your position on this issue, what are the benefits for Greece and how will the protection of the marine area from this activity be ensured?

68% of the country’s energy needs are covered by imported fuels, largely hydrocarbons. At some point in the next few years, hydrocarbons will not have the importance they have today in the energy mix of Greece and other countries. But until then, is it wrong to have, if we can, our own hydrocarbons, instead of importing so much foreign exchange and importing? This is the simple reasoning behind our positioning.