Renewable Energy Sources (RES)

General Information

The goal set by the EAC, which has been adopted by both the Ministry of Energy and the Regulatory Authority for Energy (CERA), is to develop a total capacity of 550-600 MW over the next decade. Achieving this goal is very important for both reductions in electricity prices as well as to support the country’s green energy transition.

Akrotiri Photovoltaic Park

The Akrotiri Limassol Photovoltaic Park is one of the largest and most modern renewable energy projects in Cyprus. The inauguration took place on 09/01/2024. The park has been in commercial operation since October 2023. The first phase, with a capacity of 12 MW, consists of two sections: A1 (8 MW) and A2 (4 MW), and covers an area of 184 decares (approx. 45 acres) with 18,250 photovoltaic panels of 660 W each.

The park generates over 20,000 MWh annually, saves approximately 4,700 tonnes of fuel, and reduces CO₂ emissions by 14,000 tonnes per year. The total cost of the project amounted to €9.7 million, with a generation cost of 5.0 cents/kWh – the lowest ever achieved by a large-scale renewable energy project in Cyprus. The energy is integrated into the EAC generation mix, directly benefiting the majority of consumers.

A critical parameter of the project was its environmental integration, given its proximity to the Akrotiri Salt Lake – an important wetland of European significance. The approach rested on two pillars: preventing/mitigating environmental impacts and offsetting those that could not be avoided. The project was implemented in two phases (8 and 4 MW) to allow time for the fauna to adapt. Plant species compatible with local habitats and with low water requirements were selected for planting, providing nesting and foraging grounds for birds, mammals and reptiles.

For the first phase, 1,687 trees were removed and 6,200 plantings were carried out, which exceeds the provisions of the project’s environmental permit. The environmental licensing included an environmental impact assessment study and a special ecological assessment with over 50 measures, all of which have been implemented. Three cycles of bird monitoring have been conducted (pre-construction, during construction and during operation), with the results being evaluated for publication in international scientific journals. A significant innovation was changing the foundation method from driven piles to ground screws, which drastically reduced construction site noise.

The successful implementation of the project was made possible thanks to the cooperation of the British Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs), the Limassol District Officer, the Departments of Environment of both the Republic of Cyprus and the Bases, the Game and Fauna Service, the Department of Forests, as well as the NGOs BirdLife Cyprus and Terra Cypria. Today, Akrotiri photovoltaic Park stands as a benchmark for exemplary environmental integration and reveals to the Cypriot consumer for the first time the true cost of renewable energy production.

Acheras Photovoltaic park

On 13/12/2024, the Acheras Photovoltaic Park was inaugurated. Acheras Photovoltaic Park was implemented after many years of systematic efforts, as the process of securing the necessary permits was laborious and time-consuming. It reflects the EAC’s ongoing effort to achieve its primary goal, which is to reduce electricity prices for the benefit of both households and businesses in Cyprus. Acheras A and C photovoltaic parks have been developed in collaboration with the Archbishopric of Cyprus, through joint venture company EAC-IAC Ahera Renewables Ltd. They are located in the Acheras area, in the community of Agios Ioannis Malountas within the Nicosia district, covering a total area of 14 hectares. The area neighbours livestock farming lands, non-irrigated agricultural fields and two slaughterhouses. The parks do not affect any Natura 2000 protected areas. Acheras A park has a capacity of 5 MW and Acheras C park has a capacity of 3 MW, resulting in a total capacity of 8 MW and marking the completion of Phase A of the Acheras projects. The green energy produced by the photovoltaic Park has already been integrated into the total generation mix of the EAC, and the cost of the generated energy is calculated at just 5.1 cents per kilowatt-hour.

The project is expected to save approximately 3,400 tonnes of fuel annually, yielding financial savings of €2.25 million per year. The objective is to reduce electricity costs for residential and commercial consumers, as well as to lower expenditure on greenhouse gas emission allowances.

Storage

To better utilise the green energy produced, it is necessary to set up storage systems. This infrastructure is very important for the flexibility needed for their operation, especially for modern energy management systems with significant penetration of renewable energy sources (RES).

Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) – Dhekelia Power Station