HERAKLION – “Crete can use 100 pct clean energy and contribute decisively to the national target we have set, for 80 pct of consumption to be produced by renewables by 2030,” Environment and Energy Minister Kostas Skrekas told a meeting of producer associations and government ministers held in Heraklion, Crete on Wednesday, in the context of a tour by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on the island.

Skrekas said that new legislation that will be tabled within the coming weeks will allow the creation of professional energy communities that will be able to install renewable energy infrastructure that is directly linked to the high voltage grid, combined with battery systems that will help lower energy costs.

“We are upgrading the networks on Crete…while also implementing the necessary infrastructure for waste and sewage,” he added.

He also referred to the exploration for fossil fuels that is underway in the seas off the shores of the island, noting that this is a new possible source of wealth that could potentially cover a significant percentage of European energy consumption.