The country’s short-term renewable energy target, aiming for a RES representation of 18 percent of total energy consumption by 2020, is unattainable given the time remaining, according to Arthuros Zervos, president of REN21, a global renewable energy policy network facilitating knowledge exchange, policy development and joint action towards a rapid global transition to renewable energy.

Zervos offered his opinion in comments to journalists following his re-election for the top post at REN21.

A miracle would be needed for this target figure to be achieved, Zervos contended, contravening the energy ministry’s claims of the country’s RES goal being on track.

“Essentially, following a sharp rise between 2008 and 2013, the country has remained completely stagnant in terms of renewable energy as a percentage of total energy consumption,” Zervos noted.

Greece’s failure to reach the target set for 2020 would certainly raise questions as to whether a 2030 goal of 32 percent can be achieved.

Grid interconnections, digital networks, electric car incentives, as well as a reduction in Greece’s cost of capital, by far the highest in the eurozone, are crucial to the effort, otherwise Greece’s RES objectives will remain totally unrealistic, the REN21 chief official added.