CEO of Hydrogen Europe, Jorgo Chatzimarkakis Highlights Cyprus’ Hydrogen Ambitions Ahead of EU Council Presidency
During his recent visit to Cyprus, CEO Jorgo Chatzimarkakis emphasized the country’s intention to place hydrogen at the heart of its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU, particularly for transport, shipping, and aviation sectors.
The visit included high-level meetings and participation in the event “Hydrogen For A Clean Future: Pathways For Cyprus & Beyond”, co-organized by the Cyprus Employers & Industrialists Federation (OEB) and the Cyprus Hydrogen Association. Several key insights emerged:
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Hydrogen can transform intermittent renewables into flexible, storable, and transportable energy, reducing curtailment and creating value for industry, mobility, and storage.
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It strengthens energy resilience, reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, and supports Europe’s long-term strategic autonomy and competitiveness.
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Hydrogen is essential for a future-proof, efficient energy system, going beyond decarbonization alone.
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Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean hold strong potential as regional hydrogen hubs, with Cyprus well positioned to coordinate infrastructure development.
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As an island energy system, Cyprus sees hydrogen as a critical tool for enhancing energy security, focusing on grids, interconnectors, seasonal storage, and H2-ready infrastructure such as the EastMed/IMEC corridor, turning renewable curtailment into enhanced system resilience.
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Europe’s hydrogen economy must include all geographies, ensuring that both the continent and its islands contribute to and benefit from the energy transition.
The upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council in 2026 offers a unique opportunity to frame renewable curtailment as a European-wide challenge and support an updated EU Hydrogen Strategy that reflects current realities.
A “resilience first” approach and closer cooperation between energy producers, network operators, and technology providers will be essential to accelerate hydrogen deployment across Europe.
Acknowledgements: Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry | Makis Ketonis | Paul McCormack | HydrogenIreland
