**Title: Cyprus Must Look Beyond Diesel and Natural Gas, Says Damianou**
**Cyprus Mail**
**Date: [Insert Date Here]**
In a recent visit to the Cyprus Institute’s PROTEAS research facility in Pentakomo, Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou emphasized the urgent need for Cyprus to transition away from reliance on diesel and natural gas for its energy needs. This statement was echoed by Cyprus Institute president Stavros Malas, who underscored the importance of developing sustainable energy storage solutions alongside renewable energy generation.
During the visit, Malas articulated that neither diesel nor natural gas can serve as long-term solutions for Cyprus' energy challenges. He pointed out that as a geographically isolated island, Cyprus must explore innovative and sustainable ways of generating and storing energy to avoid becoming a country that produces excessively expensive electricity.
"Neither the fuel we have now, diesel, nor natural gas are long-term solutions," Malas stated. He called for immediate planning and action to ensure a transition to more sustainable energy sources, highlighting that the future of Cyprus' energy landscape depends on the decisions made today.
The PROTEAS facility, described by Malas as “a miniature version of Cyprus as it should be,” serves as a testing ground for various renewable energy technologies and energy storage systems. It is designed to allow researchers to develop and test solar technologies under the unique climatic conditions of Cyprus, with a focus on concentrated solar thermal energy.
Damianou praised the PROTEAS facility as “a living example of what Cyprus wants to become,” noting its role in demonstrating the island's potential to become an innovator in the energy sector rather than merely a consumer. He expressed optimism that Cyprus could attract innovative companies capable of developing solutions that align with the evolving energy landscape.
"The reason I am here is to see and examine, as a government, these innovative solutions being implemented at PROTEAS," Damianou remarked during his tour of the facility. He was accompanied by Constantinos Kleovoulou, the director of research and innovation at the deputy ministry.
The research conducted at PROTEAS is not limited to energy generation but also encompasses efforts to address climate change. The facility has garnered interest from various companies, some of which have incorporated heliostats into their research initiatives at PROTEAS, showcasing a commitment to advancing renewable energy systems.
As Cyprus navigates its energy future, the insights gained from the PROTEAS facility could play a crucial role in shaping policies and strategies aimed at fostering a more sustainable and economically viable energy sector. The collaborative efforts between the government and research institutions like the Cyprus Institute are essential in steering the nation towards a greener, more innovative energy paradigm.
In conclusion, the calls from both Malas and Damianou highlight a pivotal moment for Cyprus as it contemplates its energy strategy moving forward. The emphasis on renewable energy and sustainable practices may not only address current energy needs but also position Cyprus as a leader in energy innovation within the region.