Filenews 30 June 2025
Lighthief proves that network limitations are not a dead end, but a technical problem that can be solved
As Europe moves towards a clean energy future, Cyprus finds itself in a uniquely complex position: rich in solar and agricultural resources, but limited by an old grid and administrative inertia.
At the forefront of addressing these challenges is Dr. Arkadius Sybaris, founder and CEO of Lighthief, a pan-European renewable energy group, currently leading some of Cyprus' most ambitious initiatives in the solar, wind and biogas sectors.
With technical support from Poland, where one of Europe's largest O&M research centres is located, and with a clear focus on localisation, Lighthief Cyprus is creating a bold new plan for a decentralised, economically viable and culturally sensitive energy transition on the island.
From solar saturation to smart integration
Cyprus has over 320 days of sunshine per year, which ranks it among the countries with the highest solar radiation in Europe. However, the old infrastructure – designed for centralised fossil fuel power generation – has become an obstacle to the widespread deployment of solar power.
"The grid can currently only absorb about 30-35% of the solar energy, without upgrades," says Dr. Sybaris. "However, with smart integration, we can significantly increase this threshold."
By implementing photovoltaic systems, combined with batteries and collaborating with the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC), Lighthief proves that grid limitations are not a dead end, but a technical problem that can be solved. A notable project in Larnaca has reduced the timeline for upgrading the transport network from seven years to just 18 months, paving the way for faster development across the island.
Maintenance of Wind Turbines with Artificial Intelligence: Developing Local Capacities
While solar energy dominates the debate, Cyprus' offshore wind corridors are a critical secondary resource. However, the maintenance of wind turbines on an island entails higher costs and chronic delays, as the
Supporting a smarter renewable energy future in the Mediterranean, spare parts need to be transported and skilled technicians are scarce.
What is Lighthief's answer? Training of local technicians, development of preventive maintenance tools and creation of an operation and maintenance center based in Cyprus.
"A single 3MW wind turbine out of operation can mean a loss of revenue of up to 4,000 euros per day. By using AI and IoT sensors, we have reduced downtime by almost 47%," notes Sybaris.
It is not only about profitability, but also about energy reliability, economic resilience and job creation on an island where there is an urgent need for skilled jobs in the field of green technology.
Biogas: Turning agricultural waste into energy gold
Perhaps the most undervalued asset in Cyprus' energy equation is organic waste. Between citrus fruits, olives, potatoes and livestock farming, the island produces over 250,000 tons of agricultural waste annually.
"We estimate that this waste could produce 140-170 GWh of electricity, enough to power 40,000 households," says Sybaris. "And with the reduction of landfill space, biogas is a solution for both energy and the environment."
Lighthief's "waste at value" financing model, tailored to Cyprus, yields a payback period of 6-7 years, making it attractive for both municipalities and private investors.
In addition, biogas installations can be compact – requiring only 2-3 hectares – and seamlessly integrated into the agricultural infrastructure.
Landscape and heritage-based energy planning
Unlike many industrial solutions, Lighthief's approach takes Cyprus' dependence on tourism, agriculture and cultural heritage seriously.
Enter agrobioelectricity: dual-use photovoltaic parks that allow crops such as olives and herbs to thrive under shaded photovoltaic panels, improving both water retention and yields.
Meanwhile, upgrading wind turbines – replacing old wind turbines with fewer, more efficient units – can dramatically increase production while preserving the natural landscape, especially in protected areas such as the Akamas Peninsula.
"Our vision is not just renewable – it is regenerative. Energy should strengthen the earth, not replace it."
The new cooperation plan: faster, smarter, local
Lighthief supports an integrated development model for Cyprus, which combines private capital, government incentives and network modernization.
This includes:
- EAC network guarantees and fast-track licenses.
- Access to land and tax benefits with the support of the ministry.
- Private sector commitments for local job creation and training.
The results speak for themselves: A 15 MW solar energy + storage project in Famagusta was financially completed in 11 months – half of the national average – and now supplies 7,500 households.
With electricity prices in Cyprus hovering between 22 and 24 cents/kWh – one of the highest in the EU – the economic side of renewables is impossible to ignore. Lighthief's projects typically offer:
- Internal Rate of Return 12%+
- Repayment period of 6-8 years
- Long-term market contracts and market stability
"Cyprus offers a uniquely safe environment for investments in the energy sector – isolated grid, strong solar energy and clear EU-led demand," says Sybaris.
Lighthief's future strategy also includes energy trading across Cyprus and Greece, recognising the rise of cross-border electricity markets in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Meet the team that fuels Cyprus' energy shift
Leading Lighthief's expansion across the island is Alexander Papacostas, the company's Business Development Manager for the Cyprus region. With a strong background in renewables, AI, and scalable infrastructure projects, Papacostas is the go-to point of contact for anyone looking for customized solar, wind, or biogas solutions, whether they are residential, commercial, or municipal facilities.
The Five-Year Vision: From Transition to Transformation
If fully implemented, Lighthief's roadmap will lead Cyprus from 15% to over 50% renewable energy penetration within five years, while reducing energy costs by 30-40% and creating over 2,500 local jobs.
"We're not just building power plants," Sybaris concludes. "We are building the independence of Cyprus – economic, environmental and strategic."
As the world watches how small states can drive big transitions, Lighthief Cyprus is quickly becoming an example of how to do it right – with speed, sensitivity and scale.
For quotes, facilities and service advice in Cyprus, please contact:
Alexandros Papakostas
Email: alexander.papacostas@lighthief.com
Phone: +357 7777 0050
For strategic partnerships, funding and international partnerships:
Dr. Arkadios Symparis,
Founder and CEO
Email: a.sybaris@lighthief.com
