Filenews 26 March 2025 - by Christakis Hadjilaou
The article in relation to the projected shortage of electricity in the summer of 2025, which we have recently published in "Fileleftheros", has highlighted the serious problems of the electricity system in Cyprus.
The rapid penetration of photovoltaic systems without storage, combined with the failure of new conventional plants and the systematic strain on aging conventional production units, have created a problematic and vulnerable electricity system (increased costs, extensive RES cuts, marginal and uneconomical operation).
It cannot be a coincidence that a shortage of electricity is predicted for the summer of 2025.
According to estimates, the availability for generation will barely exceed the maximum electricity demand, with the minimum margin of reserve being well below the acceptable safety limits. In order to maintain the safe operation of the electricity system, if no immediate measures are taken and the forecasts are confirmed, the TSO is likely to proceed with rotational power cuts.
With virtually no time available for medium- and long-term solutions, immediate and flexible practices are needed to improve electricity adequacy in the short term. As part of this analysis, we will propose a number of realistic and immediate measures aimed at reducing the risk of power cuts, combined with ensuring the safe operation of the electricity system.
Targeted interventions
The most direct and efficient way to address shortages in electricity generation is to effectively reduce demand during peak periods. Even small changes in consumer habits can have a significant cumulative benefit.
For example, a slight decrease in electricity demand during critical hours can lead to marginal production capacity without the need for electricity cuts.
Measures to reduce consumption during peak periods must be quickly implemented and low-cost and combined with effective information, incentives and targeted pricing.
Next, we will list specific measures that could positively contribute to addressing the shortage of electricity in the summer of 2025. It is noted that there will obviously be other measures, which are expected to be proposed and discussed in the context of the public debate that is developing on electricity adequacy in the summer of 2025.
Basic Demand Management Measures
⦁ Public awareness campaigns and exhortation to save:
A targeted public campaign can encourage and achieve savings practices during peak periods, such as setting air conditioners to 27°C instead of 22-23°C, avoiding the simultaneous use of energy-intensive appliances during peak periods, and turning off lighting and appliances that are not needed.
These small changes, although they do not have an economic cost, can nevertheless help to reduce consumption during critical peak periods. The use of the media and communication can contribute to the substantial awareness of citizens for effective electricity savings, especially during peak periods.
Dynamic pricing and financial incentives:
The emergency implementation of flexible pricing can encourage the shift of electricity consumption out of peak. For example, a lower kilowatt-hour price at night or on weekends will give consumers a strong financial incentive to plan activities, such as washing clothes, charging electric vehicles, and pumping water, during hours of low demand. Therefore, the use of financial incentives, combined with dynamic pricing, could contribute to the effort to reduce electricity consumption during peak periods.
Interruptibility programs for large consumers:
Large consumers with energy-intensive facilities, such as public organizations, shopping malls, factories and hotels, should be able to participate in voluntary temporary reduction in consumption, in exchange for financial compensation or other benefits. During peak periods, the operator will be able to alert these large consumers to limit their consumption or operate with privately owned backup generators.
⦁ Real-time demand management optimization:
Leveraging existing remote control tools can help temporarily reduce consumption in emergencies. For example, temporary disconnection through remote control, e.g. water pumps, air conditioners, etc., which will have been included in such projects, could contribute to saving electricity during peak periods.
Rapid increase in available power
Alongside managing demand, it is equally crucial to exhaust all possibilities for directly boosting available electricity capacity. Given that the installation and operation of new units and the arrival of natural gas do not have time to be implemented this summer, the solution lies in temporary but effective interventions. The aim is to increase the available power, in order to restore the margin of safe reserve of the electricity system.
Repair and maintenance of conventional units
Every available kilowatt hour must be usable in the summer. This means organizing and coordinating the repair and maintenance of all conventional units, so that they are all in full operation during peak months.
Temporary use of new units
If there are units that have been completed but have not been put into commercial operation, their temporary operation with alternative fuel could be considered. For example, EAC's new combined cycle unit (160 MW) is licensed to operate on natural gas only, but in an emergency situation it could be temporarily operated with another fuel (e.g. diesel), if this is technically and temporally feasible with some modifications.
Utilization of backup generators
Large consumer installations, such as shopping malls, hotels, hospitals, airports, public buildings, etc., that have privately owned backup generators, can operate autonomously during peak periods, reducing the demand for electricity for the electricity system.
Rental of spare portable generators
As a last and most costly measure to deal with the crisis, the rental of small backup portable generators from specialized companies abroad is mentioned. These units can be installed at offered network hubs and provide additional power during peak periods. A similar practice was implemented in 2011 in Cyprus, after the explosion in Mari, which resulted in the destruction of the production capacity at the Vassilikos power plant.
Conclusion: Critical and Constructive Action
Cyprus is facing a critical energy challenge regarding electricity sufficiency. Our articles in relation to the shortage of electricity in the summer of 2025 should serve as a warning for immediate mobilization.
Years of omissions and wrong decisions have brought the electricity system to a borderline situation, where electricity adequacy for the summer of 2025 is not a given. However, criticism is not an end in itself, but a useful tool for managing the coming crisis. The bet is clear: immediate action to prevent scenarios of insufficient production resulting in cuts in electricity for the purposes of safe operation of the electricity system.
The overwhelming majority of the measures proposed, which concern interventions to reduce demand and increase available electricity capacity, do not require huge investments, but quick and coordinated decisions. Success depends on political leadership, competent authorities, businesses and citizens. Everyone has a role to play: from improving energy efficiency in homes and saving electricity to strategic decisions that need to be made immediately.
If we act collectively and responsibly, we can ensure a smooth electricity supply in the summer of 2025 and turn this crisis into an opportunity for a more resilient and sustainable electricity system.
- Electrical engineer, with many years of experience in the operation of the Electrical System
