“In the next period we accelerate the green transformation of the economy, as the only reliable solution to protect the Environment and at the same time reduce energy costs for everyone. New programs, such as the one of 300,000 photovoltaics up to 10kV on the roofs of households, small businesses and farms, or the replacement of old water heaters with new technology solar ones, follow the very successful ones that have already been implemented».

This was stated by the Minister of Environment and Energy Kostas Skrekas at the meeting of the board of directors of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEA).

At the center of the discussion were the actions of the government to deal with the effects of the international energy crisis in the economy and the proposals of the business world for its better management.

“During its tenure, the government was called upon to face a series of crises that affected society and the economy. The rise in inflation as a consequence of the health crisis was exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Realizing the effects of the price increase, the Greek government took measures much faster than other European countries. With resources mainly coming from the taxation of the surplus revenues of energy production and supply companies exceeding €9 billion, we have managed to absorb up to 90% of the price increase” said, among other things, Mr. Skrekas and added:

“In the next period we accelerate the green transformation of the economy, as the only reliable solution to protect the Environment and at the same time reduce energy costs for everyone. New programs, such as that of 300,000 photovoltaics up to 10kV on the roofs of households, small businesses and agricultural holdings, or the replacement of old water heaters with new technology solar ones, follow the very successful ones that have already been implemented. The government has proven that supporting society as well as entrepreneurship is its main priority. We will continue this policy for as long as necessary, for the benefit of the entire Greek society».

The president of EBEA, Sofia Kounenaki Efraimoglou, in her speech, referred to the energy crisis facing Greece, like the whole of Europe, which is testing the endurance of businesses and households. Although there are optimistic estimates, the president of EBEA stressed that the environment remains uncertain and does not allow safe predictions and room for complacency. He stressed that Europe should prepare for the coming winter, which may be as or even more demanding than the last one. Further strengthen market correction mechanisms to guard against speculative games and extreme prices. It needs to focus on the joint purchase of natural gas to maximize the purchasing power of its members.

“In our country, so far we have managed to withstand the pressures caused by the energy crisis. The support measures taken by the State have clearly contributed to this – but also the efforts and abilities of businesses, in managing another crisis”, Mrs. Efraimoglou continued and pointed out that in addition to the restraint of prices during the current period, the ” key” to managing both the energy and climate crises is diversifying the country’s energy mix, with an increase in clean energy production. “We place particular emphasis on the encouragement and support of businesses, for the installation of self-production systems from RES. Because in this way, we can ensure immediate environmental and economic benefits. We will give businesses the opportunity to reduce their energy footprint, limit their costs, but also take advantage of the possibilities provided by the net metering system. In this direction, there can be more facilitation interventions, in matters such as financing, simplifying and speeding up the procedures for licensing and connecting to the system».

Concluding her speech, Mrs. Efraimoglou noted that the business world recognizes that the energy crisis is international and requires management that exceeds the capabilities of the country, at the same time recognizing the substantial effort that has been made so far on the part of the State and underlined that the Greece must turn this crisis into an opportunity: to strengthen its energy security, but also its geopolitics