HYDRO-RES – Promoting renewable energy and energy storage in Cyprus

Only 15% of electricity in Cyprus is renewable - the rest is produced from diesel power plants, which are harmful to the environment and climate. There is also limited space available to install photovoltaic and wind power plants. With about 110 water reservoirs in Cyprus, floating photovoltaic plants are a possible solution. Some of these reservoirs could also serve as pumped-storage plants, making it possible to store renewable energy. Cyprus also has significant potential for offshore renewable energy. However, projects using these technologies have not yet been implemented in Cyprus.

The project examined the feasibility and potential of floating photovoltaic plants in Cyprus. It also advised the Cypriot Government on developing national strategies for pumped-storage plants and renewable offshore energy. To this end, the project was drafting contract templates and technical specifications to facilitate the implementation of such projects. In addition, it was supporting the development of a legal framework and appropriate funding instruments. The project communicated knowledge and relevant experience from other countries with Cyprus, including through training courses. With its Cypriot partners, it identified obstacles and drafted recommendations for developing floating photovoltaics, pumped-storage plants and offshore renewable energy. In this way, it contributeed to protecting the climate and expanding green energy in Cyprus. The project has been co-funded by the European Union via the Technical Support Instrument.

• The project carried out a feasibility study into the use of floating photovoltaic systems, pumped-storage power stations and offshore renewable energy in Cyprus.
• It developed a legal framework for floating solar, pumped-storage power stations and offshore renewable energy in Cyprus.
• It strengthened the capacity of the Cypriot project partners to develop and install floating photovoltaic systems, pumped-storage power stations and offshore renewable energy.