EAC launches Akrotiri PV park

Energy Minister George Papanastasiou inaugurated the Electricity Authority of Cyprus’ (EAC) photovoltaic park in Akrotiri on 9 January, calling it a benchmark that will help increase photovoltaic power in the country.

Papanastasiou said the EAC’s green portfolio has a total capacity of 12 MW, adding that he hoped it will be further enriched with additional RES projects soon. This, he said, will help in its green transition and at the same time reduce the cost of production and purchasing greenhouse gas emission rights, as well as electricity rates for consumers.

According to the minister, EAC's new PV park will contribute decisively towards the government’s green development model and national energy goals set for 2030.

Papanastasiou said the goals of the EU countries’ common climate strategy are becoming increasingly ambitious, and Cyprus and all other member states are called upon to accelerate efforts towards the green transition.

Recalling that last July, a draft of the revised National Plan for Energy and Climate was submitted to the European Commission, Papanastasiou said that "at this stage we are working on the recommendations sent to us by the European Commission to improve the final text of the National Plan, the which must be submitted by the end of June 2024".

He also underlined the need to pick up the pace, simplify procedures and promote those solutions that will help effectively increase the percentage of energy from RES, at the lowest possible cost.

According to project coordinator Konstantinos Rouvas, Akrotiri PV park is located on an area of 184 decares, with 18,250 panels of 660W, with the total cost of the project amounting to 9.7 million euros.

(Source: CNA, Photo: PIO)