TRNC Prime Minister Üstel: Turkish Cypriot people's access to clean energy should not be hindered by political obstacles!

In his written statement on the occasion of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) hosted by Türkiye in Antalya, Ünal Üstel, Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), emphasized that the transition to clean energy, energy security and the fight against climate change should include all peoples. Noting that it is unacceptable for the Turkish Cypriot people to be left out of the global climate struggle, Üstel stated that the undersea electricity cable planned between Türkiye and TRNC is of strategic importance for the country's energy future.

Üstel pointed out that the project in question aims to supply electricity from Türkiye and connect the electricity networks of the two countries, and stated that the connection will strengthen energy supply security and increase the use of renewable energy resources.

Underlining that bringing natural gas from Türkiye via pipeline is one of the important steps of energy transformation, Üstel stated that it is aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution by reducing the use of fuel oil in electricity generation and switching to natural gas.

'THE RIGHT TO ACCESS CLEAN ENERGY CANNOT BE LEFT IN THE SHADOW OF POLITICAL DEBATES'

Üstel argued that the isolation imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people makes the transition to clean energy difficult and made the following assessment:

"The right of the Turkish Cypriot people to live in a healthy environment and to have access to clean energy cannot be overshadowed by political recognition discussions. We do not find it right that the needs concerning human health, the environment and future generations should be made dependent on political disputes."

Reminding that the Paris Agreement aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support low-emission development, Üstel stated that blocking energy projects that will provide environmental benefits for political reasons contradicts these goals.

TRNC Prime Minister Üstel emphasized that energy transformation is also important for the uninterrupted operation of hospitals, drinking water supply, continuity of production and citizens' access to reliable electricity at affordable costs.

'I INVITE THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO COOPERATION'

Noting that the environmental impacts, carbon emissions and costs that will be reflected on the consumer in energy investments should be evaluated in the light of scientific data, Üstel concluded his statement as follows:

"I invite the international community to support the Turkish Cypriot people's access to clean energy and to develop technical and environmental cooperation in this field. COP31's clean energy, grid infrastructure and fair transformation goals should also include the Turkish Cypriot people. We will continue to resolutely advance projects that will protect the future of our people, our environment and our common climate, in cooperation with Turkey."