On 5 December, the Energy Regulators of the Mediterranean region gathered at the highest level for their biannual General Assembly meeting in the Maltese capital, La Valletta. The MEDREG Members approved a series of important studies which distil good regulatory practices in the areas of natural gas, electricity, renewables, and consumers, contributing to shape common and stronger regulations in the region and provide the conditions for increased cross border energy trade, necessary to deliver the decarbonisation of the energy market and strengthen the security of supply.
Hosting the event, Ing. Marjohn Abela CEO of the Maltese Regulator for Energy and Water Services stated that:
“The challenges we face in the energy sector are formidable, but they are also opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and growth. Our collective efforts can pave the way for a more sustainable and secure energy future that not only meets the needs of our present but also safeguards the prosperity of future generations. This has also to be seen in the context of the difficulties arising from a troubled international scenario which has complicated regulators’ work across the entire Mediterranean region.”
Chairing the meeting, Mr. Abdellatif Bardach, President of MEDREG and of the Moroccan Electricity Regulatory Authority (ANRE) declared:
“The reports developed this year by our members mark another milestone in the realisation of MEDREG’s objectives. This General Assembly also put the spotlight on hydrogen. Indeed, as we progress toward a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future, the significance of green hydrogen cannot be overstated. It is currently regarded as the primary solution for the decarbonisation of hard to abate sectors. Beyond the circle of its members, under the International Confederation of Energy Regulators (ICER) platform, MEDREG volunteered to lead a new Hydrogen Virtual Working Group, allowing energy regulators from around the world to cooperate on this burning issue.”
This Virtual Working Group will collectively share knowledge, exchange ideas, and brainstorm solutions to the challenges currently faced by the green hydrogen sector. Hydrogen will also be the central topic of a new dedicated Task Force within MEDREG, in order to make concrete advancements in this area in a coordinated manner in our region.
In addition, the General Assembly backed-up initiatives aimed at accelerating the green energy transition. The members drew best practices on energy label and energy efficiency mechanisms and planned support activities on distributed renewable energy and battery storage.
This General Assembly also approved a series of measures and mechanisms identified collectively, in the reports developed this year, to tackle the gas security of supply and reinforce consumer protection. These new tools will equip MEDREG’s members to respond adequately to the current energy crisis and minimise its impact on households and vulnerable consumers. In parallel, the analysis of what it takes to integrate smart meters and smart grid shall improve the flexibility and interoperability of energy systems in our region. The various reports are expected to be published early next year, preceding a series of activities and support initiatives which will further advance the regulatory convergence and market integration in the Mediterranean energy sector.
Taking stock of MEDREG’s latest progress, the European Commission, represented by Mr. Cyril Dewaleyne (DG NEAR), pointed out that:
“As we are having this MEDREG Assembly in the middle of the COP28 negotiations, it is also a good moment to take a step back and discuss how MEDREG’s work contributes to a net zero emissions future and how we can go even further. The EU sees an important role for MEDREG in working towards the Global Pledge goals by means of continuous attention for policy de-risking in the region and in explaining EU climate policies such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism”.