The government has approved the construction and operation of an energy storage unit in the community of Psevdas, Larnaca. The facility will have a capacity of 59 MW and 120 MWh, aiming to support the grid during periods of low renewable energy production.
The unit will operate with lithium batteries, storing surplus energy from photovoltaic systems that would otherwise be wasted. This stored power can then be used during hours without renewable generation, such as at night. New home solar installations will also be required to include batteries, allowing consumers to use more of their self-generated electricity.
Speaking on Sigma’s Mesimeri kai Kati programme, Panos Papanastasiou, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Cyprus, welcomed the project but stressed that it does not solve the problem. “It is a good amount of energy, but much larger storage systems are needed to address the issue in a meaningful way,” he said.
The Psevdas project is a private initiative, while the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) is evaluating a much larger 160 MW system expected by 2026, and planning an even larger 400 MW facility to strengthen grid stability. Papanastasiou explained that batteries respond very quickly to fluctuations in renewable energy, providing vital time for conventional generation to come online.
Asked about offshore wind and solar parks, he noted that Cyprus’ deep coastal waters make them economically unviable compared to shallower regions like the North Sea.
He also stressed that the European Investment Bank had suggested large-scale battery storage as the most cost-effective solution for Cyprus. With proper planning, EU funds could be secured for much larger projects.
Finally, he underlined the urgency of clarifying the interconnection cable project, which he said is not viable.
Also read: Cyprus electricity market opens: how you can choose providers
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