The inauguration of two new solar parks is set to enhance the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC)’s electricity production, marking a significant step toward green energy development.

The Achera A and C solar parks, a collaboration between the EAC and the Holy Archdiocese of Cyprus, will supply electricity to the EAC at a cost of 5.1 cents per kilowatt-hour. These parks are expected to play a decisive role in promoting sustainable development and reducing electricity costs.

The inauguration of the two parks, with a total capacity of 8 megawatts, marks the completion of the first phase of the Acheras projects, which encompasses 16 megawatts of capacity. The second phase, aimed at adding 68 megawatts, is already underway and in the licensing stage.

This development will support the EAC and government efforts to lower electricity prices, reduce greenhouse gas allowance expenses and decrease electricity costs for both residential and commercial consumers in Cyprus.

During the inauguration, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou emphasised the importance of modernising the EAC’s infrastructure. “The EAC should focus on implementing the ten-year network development plan, which will modernise and digitise the grid, address issues like the saturation of substations and transmission lines, and facilitate the installation of additional renewable energy sources,” he said.

Reducing electricity costs requires the EAC to be “modern, flexible and competitive”, the minister said, adding that the authority must think “outside the box” to contribute effectively to efforts for transitioning to a green and circular economy.

The minister also highlighted the need for the EAC to install smart meters, prioritise self-consumption systems and support energy communities to further enhance energy efficiency and sustainability.

For his part, EAC’s General Director Adonis Yasemidis, highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of the newly inaugurated parks. He said the project will save approximately 3,400 tons of fuel annually, delivering economic savings of €2.25 million per year.

“Our main objective is the energy strengthening of Cyprus and in order to achieve this, we must, among other things, make even more use of renewable energy sources, as the cleanest source for electricity production,” he said.

The entire project encompasses 14 units distributed across 195 hectares, with solar arrays covering nearly 100 hectares adjacent to livestock and non-irrigated agricultural activities as well as two slaughterhouses.

Construction is expected to affect eucalyptus, carob and olive trees.

But the solar parks do not affect protected Natura 2000 areas, according to the environmental impact assessment.