The phenomenon of air pollution and climate change has significantly concerned scientists around the world in recent decades. Especially in the period from the industrial revolution onwards, where the use of new technologies and machines resulted in a rapid increase in pollutants – especially greenhouse gases – the issue of environmental pollution became one of humanity’s greatest problems , with scientists of the time predicting a significant worsening of the phenomenon in the near future.
Coming to today, actions to reduce the carbon footprint in major urban centers around the planet are constantly being strengthened with the implementation and design of new Renewable Energy Technologies. Scientists all over the planet are working hard and integrating new technologies in order to achieve the maximum possible utilization of energy sources, aiming for energy self-sufficiency and a significant reduction in the use of fossil fuels. These objectives are integrated into the action plan of the European Union which includes the preparation of studies and the implementation of innovative projects, as well as the creation of financial programs related to projects such as photovoltaic and wind parks, energy communities, etc.
In this context, in Greece and throughout Europe, the term green economy and green entrepreneurship is dynamically coming to the fore. The green economy is based on people and the environment and aims to achieve the well-being of the individual within it.
Thus both the European Investment Bank and various other financial institutions are proceeding to support and finance projects related to Green Energy. Especially in Greece, it seems that within the next few years, there will be a significant release of Green Bonds from the Banks in order to strengthen the integration goal of A.P.E., which is still quite low compared to the aspirations of the European Union.
It is only worth noting that the percentage of use of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in terms of total household energy consumption is stable and varies between 8% and 9%. Nevertheless, a significant progress is presented regarding the production of thermal energy from A.P.E. where Greece seems to occupy the 2nd place in Europe in terms of installed solar panel surfaces, which is due to the significant increase of the solar panel industry in the country. However, to note development and progress in the field of A.P.E. the institutional framework but also the financial programs need to be strengthened, following the growth rates presented in the European area.
Based on the Kyoto Protocol signed in 2008, all European countries are required to significantly reduce their carbon footprint due to harmful greenhouse gas emissions. This goal is summarized in the following plan: “zero emissions by 2050”, “50% reduction in CO2 prices by 2030”. But how is it possible to achieve this goal?
In this context, the Just Energy Transition Fund is going to support both the countries that will face a problem in achieving the above goal, as well as the correct teaching of reducing and getting rid of the emitted carbon. The goals set by Europe are quite high, as an increased integration of RES is foreseen. up to 32% of the total amount of required energy consumption until 2030. The most obvious fact is that this is a fairly expensive process at all stages up to the achievement of a satisfactory transition to RES, presupposing public funding subsidized programs.
