Energy Minister George Papanastasiou is implementing relief measures to support consumers facing inflation, including facilitating access to affordable energy and introducing transparent price comparison systems. The government’s focus on renewable energy solutions and tax interventions, such as zero VAT on essential products, aims to ease the financial burden on households and businesses amidst economic challenges.
Akel demands cheaper electricity in Cyprus by proposing a switch to natural gas, reducing VAT on electricity, taxing windfall profits, promoting renewable energy, and extending electricity subsidies for immediate relief. Stefanos Stefanou urges the government to take swift action to alleviate financial strain caused by escalating electricity costs and increase transparency in energy policy decisions.
The bicommunal solar park initiative in Cyprus is a groundbreaking project, uniting Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities to establish a 36MW solar power plant with energy storage capabilities in the UN Buffer Zone. This venture not only signifies progress in renewable energy but also serves as a model for peacebuilding and future solar energy investments worldwide.
Andreas Poullikkas, Chairman of CERA, emphasizes the need for regulatory reforms to transition to renewable energy, focusing on infrastructure investments and redesigning the electrical grid. The EU’s push for a unified electricity market is crucial for stabilizing prices and supply security, while policies promoting sustainability and innovation are key in navigating the energy transition.
The bicommunal solar farm project proposed for Nicosia’s buffer zone aims to generate 30 to 50 megawatts of renewable energy, symbolizing cooperation between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities and aligning with the European Green Deal for environmental, economic, and social benefits. This visionary initiative, spearheaded by mayoral candidate Nikos Tornaritis, not only highlights the potential of harnessing solar power in an area abundant with sunlight but also serves as a beacon of unity and sustainability for a brighter future in Cyprus.
The Nicosia General Hospital in Cyprus has completed the first phase of its photovoltaic park project, showcasing the country’s commitment to renewable energy. The project, part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan, aims to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon footprint, and provide shaded parking. Once finished, it will generate 1.3 MWp of power, making the hospital more sustainable and setting an example for healthcare innovation.
The draft document for COP28’s climate action proposes various strategies, including increasing renewable energy capacity, improving energy efficiency, reducing coal use, transitioning to netzero emissions energy systems, advancing lowcarbon technologies, curbing methane emissions, reducing automotive emissions, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, and accelerating the shift towards minimal greenhouse gas emissions. While the document acknowledges the need for deep emissions reductions, it does not explicitly call for the phaseout of fossil fuels, which has been a key objective for the European Union and many developing countries.
Cyprus is upgrading its electricity grid to reduce energy costs by increasing renewable energy, integrating natural gas and energy storage technologies, and adopting Vehicle to Grid (V2G) technology. The country aims to establish electrical interconnections to become an energy hub, enhancing energy security and fostering a green economy.
Southeastern Mediterranean countries, with their strategic location and abundant natural resources, have the potential to lead the way in adopting hydrogen as a clean energy source. Through regional cooperation and a strategic plan that includes energy production and infrastructure development, these countries aim to transition to renewable energy, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and potentially export clean energy to Europe. With their commitment to sustainability and innovation, these countries are poised to become pioneers in the hydrogen economy, transforming the region into a hub of climateneutral, sustainable energy.
Cyprus has announced the ‘Photovoltaics for all’ program, a €30 million initiative to promote renewable energy by subsidizing the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels for homeowners. Starting in January 2024, the program targets small and mediumsized houses, offering a sevenyear guarantee and aiming to reduce electricity costs, supporting Cyprus’s transition to green energy.
