Nicosia: Every effort will be made to ensure there are no power cuts during the night, stated Energy Minister Michalis Damianos on Thursday. He expressed confidence that with the installation of 120-megawatt storage units by January 2027, these issues will not arise next summer.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Minister was speaking to journalists at the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) headquarters during a presentation of the organisation's Board of Directors' report. When questioned about recent power cuts, Damianos mentioned a fault with the EAC's generators, which necessitated power cuts the previous night.
The Minister noted that with over 1,000 megawatts of conventional and solar panel generation, there is no supply problem during the day. However, supply adequacy issues emerge at night when temperatures remain high, and solar generation ceases. He highlighted the necessity of solar energy storage and mentioned that a contract for 120-megawatt storage units has been awarded, with installation expected by summer 2027.
Damianos emphasized that EAC staff are working diligently to minimize power cuts, acknowledging the public's discomfort and urging patience. He acknowledged that the issue should have been resolved by now and assured that every possible measure is being taken.
When asked about the likelihood of further power cuts, Damianos indicated that only the system operator could predict potential faults. He assured that any disruptions would be brief to minimize public inconvenience. Current high temperatures are expected to decrease soon, and efforts are underway to prevent nighttime power cuts.
Regarding energy storage responsibilities and public notifications about power cuts, Damianos stated that the EAC should provide this information. He noted that the operator is proceeding with the 120-megawatt storage to prevent summer issues and mentioned a 150-megawatt limit for private storage as part of the energy mix by next summer.
Addressing the unresolved problem, Damianos said the speed of setting up storage facilities needed review. He avoided assigning responsibility for the recurring situation, emphasizing shared roles in ensuring energy security, with technical aspects handled by experts.
Asked about replacing ageing units, Damianos confirmed that the EAC will acquire new, lower-capacity generators, with the first two expected in 2028 and the third in 2029, replacing old units at Dekeleia. He cited natural gas at Vasiliko as the solution to replace conventional generation, highlighting its environmental and cost advantages.
The Minister expressed confidence in achieving energy self-sufficiency with natural gas, new EAC generators, and storage. This strategic approach aims to meet the country's energy needs effectively.