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| Five large storage projects have accepted final connection terms while authorities await new prioritisation rules. Photo credit: uslightenergy.com |
Substations across the island are reaching their limits as applications for new energy connections continue to grow.
Cyprus’ electricity network is struggling to keep pace with demand for new solar and battery projects, according to fresh figures released by the Electricity Authority of Cyprus Distribution System Operator.
The operator said connection terms have already been issued for 16 projects involving existing photovoltaic parks adding battery storage, representing a combined capacity of 29 megawatts.
Interest in standalone energy storage systems is also growing, with 33 applications submitted to the Cyprus Transmission System Operator. However, many of those projects face financial and infrastructure obstacles because they would require the construction of costly new transmission substations. Authorities said this has reduced the number of investors willing to proceed under the proposed conditions.
Six of those storage applications have already completed technical and economic evaluation, with the findings forwarded for connection approval. Five projects have accepted the final terms so far, covering 60MW of power capacity and 190 megawatt hours of storage.
Dozens of additional applications remain under review, including projects linked to existing solar installations seeking battery integration. Many are tied to transmission substations that have already reached capacity, leaving little room for new connections.
The announcement points to one of the main problems facing Cyprus’ renewable energy sector. Solar production continues to expand, but limitations in the electricity grid are slowing approvals and delaying new projects.
Energy authorities are now waiting for the Ministry of Energy to publish criteria that will determine which applications receive priority under updated electricity market legislation. Once those rules are issued, both transmission and distribution operators are expected to continue processing pending connection requests.
