Interview of Responsible for Energy and Natural Resources Issues for the New Democracy party.

Considering the country’s unpleasant financial situation, is it really possible to essentially implement green development that is so widely spoken of?

The State must demystify the concept of green development which the current administration has introduced in an attempt to win over votes. If the “green development”, announced by the Prime Minister, is the easy, rapid raising of funds, then such green development will not exist. If green development is a turn towards a proliferation of government officials with investor relations to secure a photovoltaic panel installation and exploitation permit, then there will be no green development.

New Democracy has chosen a different option. Not an option based on circumstances. Not something that is “in fashion” now. We adopt the logic of sustainability, which is the official choice of Europe. The so-called sustainable development. And it is sustainable because it is based on three pillars: Competitiveness, Balance with the Natural Environment and Balance with the Social Environment. Environmental policy without Competitiveness is an extreme obsession and a return to the State. But also Competitiveness without respect to the Environment is a plunder of natural resources.

The concept of Sustainability is a modern, socially liberal approach that “marries” competitiveness and respect to the environment. On the other hand, we ought to stress that the Environment for us is not an “obstacle” to Development. It is a Development Resource, it is social Wealth, which we must respect and make the most of. From this point of view, it is obvious that given the environmental and financial crises, the implementation of sustainability is not just a way out. It is an imperative need.

What in your opinion, right now, is preventing the implementation of green development in our country?

Promotion of a distorted awareness about sustainability. As I said earlier, the State has created an image of sustainable development in society which is a bet for fund raising. Even the current administration uses green development as a means of publicity, without tackling the essential problems.

For instance, no matter how many incentives we offer for power generation using RES, if we do not invest in networks we will not be able to increase their participation in our energy mix.

On the other hand, the decisions of a counterproductive state constitute barriers for energy saving. I would like to remind you that for over a year these decisions about “Saving at home” just lie there.

At this critical stage, both for the economy and the environment, the State cannot just stand like a wall before the demands of society.
It oughts to assist and not to underestimate the good things of previews goverments.

Is the Greek institutional framework on energy and environmental issues in need of great changes or is it moving towards the right direction?

The environmental issues and the challenges, we are facing, are not issues that each country can face alone. In this, there is the need for collective action from all developed countries. And this is where the subsidiarity principle of the European Union comes into play and can fill the gap created by national institutional frameworks. And fortunately, all international initiatives on energy and the environment are transposed into Greek law within the framework of the European Union.

What the Greek State lacks is political will for the uninterrupted enforcement of the law. An example of this is the Directive 2004/35/EC on Environmental Liability issues. However, the State impedes its full enforcement. Presidential Decree 148/2009 is still essentially inactive as the mix of Ministerial Decisions required are still not ready, two whole years after the deadline for the full transposition of the Directive into Greek law.

You realize that the adoption of European actions is not an institutional framework issue it is rather an issue of essential and honest political will.

What changes would you implement right now in the RES institutional framework?

Law 3851/2010 on the acceleration of RES penetration into our energy balance has just been passed. I am not sure that the law suffices to attain the ambitious goals set by the Ministry of the Environment. I believe that besides the financial aid to producers, there is also the need for significant investments in network modernization and extension. Otherwise, no matter how many laws we pass, we will still fall behind in an area where due to the wind and solar wealth of our country, we could be leaders.

On the other hand, on a national level we must avoid the various impediments that discourage small and large investors. I would like to remind you of the delays in the adoption of the draft law, the numerous corrections in the distribution of the various RES technologies, the imminent requirement of interested investors to submit a bond, etc. These are not strong points for an administration that is really interested in creating a stable investment environment for Renewable Energy Sources.

What is the most appropriate approach to the country’s environmental issues? Should these issues be managed by managers or environmentalists?

I’m not try to evade the question by what I am about to say. I will say it the way I feel it. We cannot have an environment without the economy, just like we cannot have an economy without the environment. We need to make this combination in order to find a balance.

But we should not be mistaken. Social environmental awareness is the only safe way towards a solution to the problems. And this awareness is conveyed through education, innovation and research. In these areas, the current administration has taken no steps.

How would you comment on the Copenhagen Climate Council Summit?

It is clear that the outcomes of the Summit have been poor. And this was no surprise to anyone given the position of the Eastern world.
This, however, should neither disappoint nor discourage us from following in the new efforts initiated mainly by the European Union.

Have you taken, in your day-to-day life, steps towards the protection of the environment?

I will answer a little differently. I am not happy with the extent to which I have taken steps towards protecting the environment. I would have wanted to have done more.

As I would have also wanted to contribute even more in the small community I come from, Schimatari, which suffers from the greatest environmental crime in the country, the pollution of the Asopos River.

I will be able to tell you that I am satisfied only when I see the studies for the full control of the liquid waste from all industries in the area and a complete depollution plan being implemented.

Interview of Ioannis Glinos Mayor of Korthi in Andros.

Mr. Glinos, what is the stance of the Municipality of Korthi regarding the Renewable Energy Sources (RES)?

One of the major goals of the Municipality of Korthio has been and still is the use of “green” electric energy generated from renewable energy sources (RES) without the emission of carbon dioxide. In this way, the Municipality of Korthio will try, from its side, to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases aiming to contribute to the worldwide effort of attaining the goals of international binding conventions such as the Kyoto Protocol, the environmental policies of the European Union, and also the Covenant of Mayors to which the Municipality of Korthio is a party, and which envisages results beyond the EU goal in energy, 20% CO2 emission reduction by 2020. Furthermore, similar ecological obligations stems from the 2008 Sustainability Award which has been awarded to our Municipality by the Network of Sustainable Islands “DAFNI”, based on evaluation by special scientists of the National Technical University of Athens. Simultaneously, the deployment of RES will greatly benefit the Municipality both in terms of new employment positions and financial oportunities, as these kind of investments can play a decisive role for its financial autonomy. Of course, it is a prerequisite the localization of the wind generators and photovoltaics to be subjecting in to strict environmental criteria and also any environmental concerns to be major factors taken into consideration in the decision making process.

Which do you think is the best solution for the energy problem of Greece andof Andros as well from the point of view of the Local and Regional Government? 

It is certain that there are neither magical solutions nor wizards that can solve the serious problems of the country, and this of course applies equally to energy. Any solution must be based on a detailed analysis of the current situation, the use of all available resources, human and non-human, exhaustive consultation to secure the greatest possible consent of the society, and of course it requires hard work and persistence. Specifically with regard to the energy problem we have to act at different levels at the same time. Firstly and most importantly, we have to adopt an energy saving attitude by means of both rationalizing our needs and taking advantage using the state-of-the-art technology. As regards energy generation, maximum efforts must be made to make use of available resources such as the wind, the sun, precipitation, as well as modern methods such as those that exploit the energy of waves or sea currents. All these, however, will be the result of reliable studies focusing on the social benefit and respect for the environment.

In the upcoming elections you are a candidate for the whole region of Andros. How will you manage the development of wind parks, given that there are also some projects that do not respect the environment and the local communities? 

The development of wind parks in Andros, besides everything else, can generate a financial resource of vital importance for the new Municipality, which can contribute to an unprecedented financial robustness. It is true, of course, that of all proposed projects (and it must be pointed out that for the time being they are still proposals), there are some which may not meet the minimum environmental requirements, a fact which remains to be shown by the anticipated strategic environmental assessments. It must be clarified that any energy investment on the island will be based on certain inviolable principles: protection of the environment, respect for the historical and cultural heritage of the island, social consent, and benefit assurance. Regarding their localization, it should be noted that the Municipality of Korthio respecting the environment of the area under its responsibility has promptly suggested zones where RES technologies would not be installed, and such zones have been accepted by the Council of State and are included in the localization design. At island level, this will be performed by means of the implementation of the General Urban Plan which is among our top priorities.

The Municipality of Korthi is one of the few municipalities in Greece that have entered into the Covenant of Mayors of the European Union about environmental issues. How did this praiseworthy event occur?

The participation of the Municipality of Korthio in the Covenant of Mayors is the natural consequence of the Municipality’s environment friendly policy until this moment. Since September 2006, the Municipality of Korthio has been a member of the Network of Sustainable Islands of Aegean, “DAFNI”. The goal of “DAFNI” is to promote sustainability actions on its member islands and certify after their implementation. “DAFNI” also promotes international cooperation on the above issues. The Municipality of Korthio received in 2008 the “Sustainability Mark” for the sustainability actions implemented as a member. The foundation in 2008 of the “Ios Aegean Energy Office” and the participation of the Municipality of Korthio in the Covenant of Mayors is part and a result of this participation.

How will the Municipality benefit from the Covenant of Mayors and what are its objectives?

By participating in the Covenant of Mayors, the Municipality of Korthio aims to continue the process towards sustainable development by promoting energy policies alongside with European Union programs aimed to reduce CO2 emissions, energy distribution safety, to reduce dependence on the import of fossil fuel and to increase energy production from renewable energy sources. The main pillars of the energy design of the Municipality are the promotion of renewable energy sources, the improvement of energy efficiency in urban infrastructures and buildings and sustainable urban mobility. Given its obligation under the Covenant to include the entire geographical area of the Municipality in the Action Plan, this will include actions that are not limited to the public but also extend to the private sector. The main goals of the Action Plan of the Municipality of Korthio are summarized next:
- Infiltration of Renewable Energy Sources into the energy balance and mainly, exploitation of the significant wind potential of the island.
- Energy saving in infrastructures and municipal lighting by increasing the energy efficiency of the equipment.
- Energy saving in buildings by promoting energy saving actions in hotels and municipal buildings, as well as by informing the inhabitants, at residential level.

Have you taken any steps in your daily life towards protecting the environment?

It is necessary to take all steps to protect the environment because we have to leave a sustainable environment to our children and grandchildren. Through the actions we take today and not tomorrow we must teach our fellow citizens and our children the correct way to protect the environment.
Some of the actions I take in my everyday life are:
- I have replaced the light bulbs in my house with environment friendly bulbs.
- I try to move around on my bicycle as much as possible.
- I participate in the recycling programs of the Municipality.
- In my amateur agricultural activities I implement organic culture methods, namely I do not use chemicals and I use organic fertilizer (compost), etc.

*Τhis interview was taken before the election of Mr. Glynos as the Mayor of Andros.

Interview of Deputy Minister οf Environment, Energy and Climatic Changes Ministry.

What is your vision for Greece’s energy map?

It is necessary to plan our future, with regards to energy, using explicit parameters; employing social consensus, environmental sensitivity and developmental perspectives. Today, more than ever, a realistic basis for the review of energy data and perspective is necessary. This addresses the country’s secure energy supply, domestic energy production, our relations with supplying countries and compliance with our Inter-national and European commitments for the Energy-Climatic change pair.

Greece, in the framework of the planned broader energy strategy, pursues seven (7) objectives:

-Differentiation between energy sources and energy transmission channels, including the differentiation of fuel types.

-Reinforcement of energy interconnections and infrastructures.

-Deepening of the dialogue between producing and consuming states and close cooperation between European countries and international organizations related to energy issues.

-Transparency in energy market operations.

-Reduction of energy demand and consumption with the adoption of energy performance and savings measures.

-Promotion of Renewable Energy Sources and green energy systems.

-Transfer of technology in the energy domain. 

Our country’s energy deficit increases the pressure to exploit domestic energy sources and to this direction research and production constitute the basic tools for the implementation of a nationally correct energy strategy. Soon, we will be able to submit the Legislative initiative for the creation of an Authority for the Management of State Rights in the domain of hydrocarbons exploitation. We all realize the definitive effect that this will have for Greece, if the indications related to the existence of deposits prove to be real.

The recent announcement concerning the investment from Qatar is of utmost importance. It refers to a combined cycle Power Production Station, a Liquid Natural Gas (LΝG) Regasification Station, a container transshipment Station and Algae Greenhouses for the absorption of emitted carbon dioxide. This is anticipated to create approximately 1.500 new jobs, while the country’s annual current transactions balance will benefit with a minimum of 400-million Euros.

We are looking to exploit the advantages of the country’s geo-political location and establish its position as an energy node and energy transit center, in the broader South-Eastern Europe and Eastern Mediterranean region. This is an explicit strategic choice served diligently and responsibly on our part.

We are promoting the procedures for the materialization of oil and natural gas pipes. We submitted to discuss with the Ministers’ Council, the Government Bill concerning the Burgas – Alexandroupolis oil pipe, taking into consideration the opinion of the local community.

The interconnecting Turkey – Greece – Italy (ITGI) pipe and the Greek – Bulgarian Branch, (IGB), constitute the new energy channel allowing Greece to materialize the advantage offered by its unique geographical location. Through this pipe, it will be possible to transfer gas quantities from Caspian and Middle East countries to Europe, through Turkey.  

We strive, systematically and methodically, to achieve a secure, long-term energy plan ensuring the competitiveness of our national economy and the minimization of environmental effects caused by energy activities, based on social consensus supporting technological evolution and employment. The challenge is hard, but it can be won.

Which steps have been taken regarding Renewable Energy Sources (RES) issues since the beginning of your governance?

When we took over, the reality we faced was rather intimidating, with hundreds of files awaiting a Ministerial decision. From the very first moment, we proceeded with the acceleration of all Ministerial decisions related to already submit applications. We completed a long lasting consultation concerning the new RES Law passed by the Parliament. We created a new statutory framework placing Greece amongst the leading European Countries with regards to the initiatives and procedures for the importation of renewable energy sources in the energy balance. We try to ensure that the residents of every village or Municipality, in which a Wind park is installed, receive specific financial offsets by means of power supply price reductions.

In the next three-year period, we anticipate RES investments to exceed 3 billion Euros.

What exactly delayed the RES law so much, when its basic feature is claimed to be the acceleration of procedures?

For specific Statutes, it is necessary that all opinions are submitted, to find common grounds and to delimit the acceptable framework in which we must act. Public consultation was a mandatory and necessary condition. Moreover, its results clearly demonstrate how useful and beneficial this has been.

In your point of view, does the new law ensure that all authorities involved (forests authority, town planning authorities and archaeology service) will provide their opinion in due time?

I remind you that, the new Law simplifies the procedure for the issuance of a RES production license. We have reduced the time required by 80% and we have created a one-stop service which will function as per the «one-stop shop» model. Its mission is to provide information and the coordinated completion of investor requests, in order for everything to be managed by a single service. Small Renewable Energy facilities are excluded from the obligation to issue a production license and scattered RES applications related to thousands small-medium investors are being promoted. The Preliminary Environmental Assessment and Evaluation and Environmental Terms Approval procedures are uniformly merged, whilst their duration is limited to 8-10 months (from the current 3 years duration). There is the specification of the procedure related to the granting of a right to use shores, beaches or sea areas for works concerning power production using Renewable Sources.

Therefore, I believe, that those actions that will smoothly initiate the procedures have been provisioned.

A lot has been said regarding the fact that photovoltaic elements are no longer a primary objective. What is your opinion?

That’s not true. The Law that has been passed does not reduce the guaranteed price per kilowatt-hour that the producers are paid for the energy injected into the system. The old price is retained, as it was in effect and it is one of the highest prices applicable in the E.U. The benefit is even greater when one considers the high levels of sunshine of our country have.

At the same time, there is a new initiation regarding the procedure for the acceptance of new applications concerning canopies, buildings for farmers too in order of priority. You should not forget that over the last two years the procedure for the submission of applications concerning P/Vs exceeding 20 KW was postponed.

A fixed objective of the Ministry is the uninterrupted and healthy development of the photovoltaic park facilities in our country. We do not depreciate solar energy, which, along with the other alternative energy sources, wind, geothermic, hydroelectric and biomass, contribute to sustainable green development that our country needs and we envision.

What is the “green islands” priority level in your agenda?

The Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climatic Change has as its priority the materialization of the project “Green island  Ai Stratis”, which, in fact, will constitute a landmark project and its results will be used for the implementation of environment-friendly technologies on other, bigger islands. There is a provision to perform significant interventions so as to satisfy, using green technologies, the needs of the island inhabitants with regards to power, heating, cooling and transportations. Through the National Reference Strategic Plan (NSRF) there has been an assurance of funds amounting to 8 million Euros which shall be availed for:

-the materialization of RES and energy storage projects,

-interventions for energy saving and the coverage of thermal and cooling loads using Geothermic Heat Pumps in public buildings and green transportation projects (electric vehicles and hydrogen fuelled vehicles) including the respective fueling stations.

“Ai Stratis” will become the first non-interconnected island in Europe with such a high green energy integration level.

If you had the chance to change something with regards to energy issues with the touch of a magic wand, which one would you choose?

Our attitude as energy consumers. This is because I believe that we must evolve to a civilization whose principle consumption model is based upon the principles of energy saving and the reduction of the quantity of supplying sources needed for the satisfaction of human needs. I would like this magic wand to be able to change an arrogant, gluttonous, greedy, short-sighted and selfish model of both the collective and individual attitude towards the Planet Earth and the natural resources availed by it, to a new model of viable, responsible life with future perspectives.

I would really like this magic wand to remind the inhabitants of this planet on a daily basis of the wonderful image of last Christmas in Copenhagen. The city’s Christmas tree was illuminated not using lights powered by the grid, but by energy supplied by dynamos charged by the pedal strokes of a bicycle, on which each visitor provided his/her own physical and symbolic contribution.