On 15 march 2023 Med-TSO held the conference, “Integration of the Mediterranean Power Systems: a key driver for Energy Transition“, which marked the conclusion of its TEASIMED project.
The project focused on updating the Mediterranean Masterplan of the Interconnections, adequacy assessments, pilot projects, and the Mediterranean grid code. Med-TSO secretariat gave an overview of its achievements and outcomes.
Furthermore, keynote speeches were given by IRENA Director General Francesco La Camera and EC DG ENER Deputy DG – Energy Platform TF Cristina Lobillo Borrero. La Camera highlighted the need for more investments in renewable energy sources, while Lobillo Borrero emphasised the need for better regional integration and energy security of partner countries.
The conference included two panels, the first one discussed the role of interconnections in driving a sustainable energy transition in the Mediterranean, addressing topics such as the exchange of data and long-term scenarios of the grid, the advantages of cross-border power interconnections, regional interconnections as a tool to accelerate a secure and efficient transition to clean electricity, the ELMED interconnector between Italy and Tunisia, and the EU energy efficiency first principle.
It was opened and moderated by Sonya Twohig, ENTSO-E Secretary General, and featured speakers from IRENA, IEA, TERNA, MEDENER, and COMELEC.
The second panel “Powering the Mediterranean: a partnership between Institutions, Stakeholders, and Associations” brought together experts from the Mediterranean region to discuss policy, financial and institutional initiatives to effectively integrate power systems.
Antonella Battaglini, Renewables Grid Initiative Chief Executive Officer, opened and moderated the discussion. It also featured speakers from MEDREG, EIB, UfM and ECRB.
The conference was closed by Cyril Dewaleyne DG NEAR B2 Team Leader on Connectivity, Environment and Climate Action, and Programme Manager of the last three Med-TSO projects, who discussed the importance of the Italy-Tunisia interconnection project – ELMED, promoted by Med-TSO members STEG, and Terna, and of Med-TSO work for EU who is co-financing the ongoing Teasimed 2 project for the next three years.