Prof. Andreas Poullikkas, Vice-Rector and Professor of Energy Systems at Frederick University, participated as an invited keynote speaker at the 2026 meeting of the international Energy Law Group (ELG), held in Athens on 16 October 2026.

In his presentation, titled “The Opportunities and Challenges Facing the Eastern Mediterranean Energy Sector,” he highlighted the prospects emerging for Cyprus and the wider region under the new energy landscape.

Prof. Poullikkas discussed the significant opportunities available to the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly at a time when energy security, the green transition and regional cooperation are becoming increasingly important. He stressed that the region has strategic advantages and can leverage new forms of cooperation and investment to build a more flexible, resilient and sustainable energy system.

He focused on three key opportunities for the region. The first is the development of the IMEC electricity interconnection corridor, which can strengthen the connectivity of the Eastern Mediterranean with wider regional and European energy markets and enhance the geostrategic role of Cyprus. The second is the utilisation of the Eastern Mediterranean’s hydrocarbons in a way that supports energy security and serves as a bridge towards cleaner forms of energy. The third is the gradual development of the hydrogen economy, which can open new prospects for energy storage, clean transport and long-term decarbonisation.

He also underlined that realizing these opportunities requires the modernization of Cyprus’ energy system. As he noted, this path involves increasing system flexibility, better integrating renewable energy sources, developing energy storage, deploying new technologies, and gradually strengthening electricity interconnections with the European market.

Prof. Poullikkas also placed particular emphasis on the role Cyprus can play as a strategic energy hub in the region. As he pointed out, long-term energy planning, innovation and regional cooperation can contribute significantly to both the energy security and the development prospects of the Eastern Mediterranean.

Prof. Poullikkas’ participation in ELG 2026 is part of Frederick University’s ongoing contribution to public and scientific dialogue on energy and sustainable development, and to its efforts to highlight the role of Cyprus in energy developments in the region.