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- At Dhekelia Power Station, an 80MW/160MWh storage system has been awarded to CYTA for €33,733,640, with operation expected in mid-September 2027.
- Moni Power Station is pursuing a 100MW/200MWh storage project, with construction permit issued and environmental assessment and grid connection terms still pending.
- Vasilikos Power Station has a planned 250MW/640MWh battery system, budgeted at €118.5 million, with construction expected from May 2027 to October 2028.
- The projects aim to store surplus midday solar power for peak demand, improve grid stability, and provide services such as frequency reserves and fast frequency response.
The Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) is advancing battery storage projects at critical points across the electricity system in an effort to reduce renewable energy curtailments and benefit consumers.
The projects are designed to support better use of green electricity, particularly when combined with photovoltaic systems and self-consumption.
80MW system planned at Dhekelia
To strengthen Dhekelia Power Station as a second electricity generation point, the EAC is installing an energy storage system with a capacity of 80MW/160MWh.
The contract was awarded to CYTA for €33,733,640, with work starting on 9 February 2026. Commercial operation of the storage system is expected around mid-September 2027.
At Moni Power Station, licensing is under way for a 100MW system with a storage capacity of 200MWh. The Energy Regulatory Authority of Cyprus (CERA) has issued the relevant construction permit, while an application for connection terms has been submitted to the Cyprus Transmission System Operator (TSOC).
An environmental assessment is also pending before the Limassol District Local Government Organisation can complete its assessment of the planning permit application.
The estimated cost of the Moni project is €50 million, and construction is expected to take 12 months from the start date.
Major BESS project at Vasilikos
A separate application has been submitted for a battery storage system at Vasilikos Power Station with a maximum capacity of 250MW and storage capacity of 640MWh.
The relevant construction permit has already been issued by CERA, while the Department of Environment is expected to assess the information report before the planning permit application can be completed.
Preparation is also under way for an application to the TSOC for connection terms, while suitable locations for smaller hybrid storage systems are also being considered.
According to the information report submitted to the Environmental Authority, the Vasilikos project will be one of the largest energy infrastructure projects in recent years.
The central battery energy storage system (BESS) has an estimated budget of €118.5 million and will have a maximum power output of 250MW and total storage capacity of 640MWh.
The system will be installed within the existing EAC facilities at Vasilikos, using infrastructure connected to the high-voltage network.
Green energy stored for peak demand
The BESS will be installed on the north-eastern side of the power station, in an area previously used for concrete production during construction of the station.
At present, Cyprus’ inability to store surplus renewable electricity during periods of peak sunshine leads to mandatory disconnections of photovoltaic systems to prevent instability in the isolated electricity grid.
Once operational, the system will store green electricity produced around midday and feed it back into the grid during afternoon and evening peak hours, when demand is highest.
Subject to all necessary approvals, construction is expected to begin in May 2027 and finish 18 months later, in October 2028.
Vasilikos Power Station is Cyprus’ main electricity generation facility and covers most of the island’s energy needs. It is also subject to the SEVESO regulations.
Storage to improve grid reliability
The EAC is promoting storage projects at critical points in the system while supporting practical solutions that allow greater use of renewable generation, particularly through photovoltaic systems and self-consumption.
BESS technology stores surplus electricity electrochemically during periods of low demand and releases it to the grid when demand increases.
Through its connection to the national electricity grid, the system is expected to improve energy efficiency, optimise available resources and support the smooth operation of the electricity system.
The main benefits include reducing renewable energy curtailments, stabilising the grid through rapid responses to frequency and voltage changes, supporting changes in generation levels and providing ancillary services such as frequency reserves and fast frequency response.
The systems are also expected to strengthen the reliability and resilience of the electricity network and support Cyprus’ green transition by reducing the need for conventional generation during peak periods.
Safety measures included
The information report also assesses potential impacts in the event of a system failure or accident.
According to the revised Safety Report for Dhekelia Power Station, thermal runaway in batteries could cause a fire and the release of gases.
In the event of a fire, carbon monoxide and a flammable cloud could be released. However, the design of the battery containers, combined with early detection and isolation systems, is intended to minimise the risk of fire spreading.
The assessment estimates that a fire would remain contained within each battery container, while the flammable cloud and release of toxic gases would be limited.
The preliminary BESS design envisages lithium iron phosphate batteries, selected for their long cycle life, thermal stability, safety and reliability. Their expected lifespan ranges from 7,500 to 10,000 charge-discharge cycles.
The batteries will be housed in prefabricated containers with sealed doors during normal operation. The facility could include up to 140 battery containers.
As the batteries gradually degrade through charging, discharging, temperature and other factors, additional containers may be added to maintain the facility’s 640MWh capacity.
The BESS will be monitored and controlled through the SCADA automation and telemetry system.
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