North Cyprus solar off-grid power generation system

Will Cyprus' electricity grid handle two-way flows of electricity?

The electricity grid in Cyprus was designed decades ago (1970s) to handle power from large, centralised fossil-fuel plants that generate electricity and push it one-way toward consumers. But with the rise of rooftop solar and commercial PV farms, the system is now expected to handle two-way flows of electricity—something it simply wasn’t built for.

What is happening with solar energy in Cyprus?

Curtailment Issues & Grid Limitations – Recent articles highlighting curtailment of excess solar energy due to grid instability. The magnitude of the curtailment problem in Cyprus - In 2024, 29% of green electricity was curtailed. This is equivalent of the total annual consumption of approximately 28,000 households.

Why does Cyprus have a lack of solar energy?

Lack of Storage: Unlike other countries with hydroelectric dams or large battery storage facilities, Cyprus has nowhere to store excess solar energy during peak hours. Grid Congestion: In some areas, distribution lines can’t handle the extra electricity being pushed into them, forcing operators to curtail solar production.

How much is Cyprus spending on energy transformation projects?

Here’s a simplified estimate of what Cyprus is spending on its large-scale energy transformation projects, along with their expected delivery dates: Total cost: Conservatively €3.7 billion (could be more due to delays, contract disputes, and infrastructure challenges).