Cyprus is expected to have electricity storage batteries in January 2027, Energy Minister Michael Damianos said. He explained that the contracts have already been signed with the company to provide the batteries and the Transmission System Operator. He furthermore assured that there is a long-term plan for the country’s energy sufficiency.
According to the Minister, the infrastructure will be completed before the summer of 2027, adding a total of 125 megawatts of stored energy to the country’s energy grid. He explained that this will allow the utilisation of energy from renewable energy sources (RES) that is currently lost. Therefore, he noted, power cuts will not be required during the next summer period.
Damianos explained that currently Cyprus has just over 1,000 megawatts of conventional production, which is sufficient during the daytime. However, during the early hours of the night, especially in the summer months, the demand is higher, and the available conventional production is not always sufficient to meet the needs.
The Minister noted that the storage of energy produced by RES is the solution to this problem and is expected to substantially improve the situation from next summer.
At the same time, he said that private companies have been provided with connection conditions for an additional 150 megawatts of storage systems, which are also expected to be integrated into the energy grid within 2027.
At the same time, Damianos said, the Electricity Authority (EAC) is also moving forward with its own storage projects with a total capacity of 180 megawatts, of which a total capacity of 80 and 100 megawatts will be ready before next summer.
Replying to a question, the Minister noted that according to the Head of the Transmission System Operator, the situation remains manageable.
Referring to the problems that occurred last week, he explained that these were due to a failure in one of the EAC generators. He said that both the EAC and the Operator are making immense efforts to ensure, with the means currently available, the adequacy of the electrical system.
Damianos noted that there is a long-term plan for the country's energy sufficiency, a specific plan for covering the needs next summer, as well as for the management of the remaining summer season.
