Does Cyprus have a battery energy storage system?

Cyprus’s electricity regulator has approved plans to install 400MWh of battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in the Mediterranean island country. Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority (CERA) announced the approval earlier this week (18 June) of three projects which will be owned and operated by the Cyprus Transmission System Operator (TSOC).

How many energy storage applications have been approved in Cyprus?

The Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority (CERA) representatives reported establishing a regulatory framework for energy storage in 2019, followed by market rules approval in 2021. The Cyprus Transmission System Operator has received 13 storage applications totaling 224 megawatts capacity, with eight applications processed and five under review.

How is Cyprus developing pumped hydro energy storage capacity?

The country is also seeking to develop pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) capacity with technical assistance from the European Commission (EC) and is formulating a National Hydrogen Strategy. Cyprus's electricity regulator has approved plans to install 400MWh of battery energy storage system (BESS) projects.

Will Cyprus install 400MWh battery energy storage system?

Image: Cyprus government / MECI. Cyprus’s electricity regulator has approved plans to install 400MWh of battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in the Mediterranean island country.

Why does Cyprus waste so much energy?

AKEL MP Costas Costa characterised Cyprus as “the only country in the world where thousands of megawatt-hours go unused due to lack of centralised green energy storage systems,” adding: “During the day we waste megawatt-hours because we lack storage, and at night we are one step away from blackouts.”

Is Cyprus facing a unique set of energy challenges?

In a keynote address to open a conference on energy storage and hydrogen in March, George Papanastasiou of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry (MECI) noted that Cyprus faces a “unique set of energy challenges, which require tailored solutions.”