Weekend Read: Curtailment crisis in Cyprus
The typical volume of excess clean power wasted daily on the island has rocketed since last year. With a fossil fuel industry veteran heading the energy department after February’s presidential election, what prospect is there of a green transition?
Nexans secures contract to build interconnector to link Greece, Cyprus
Nexans has signed a contract to build a submarine transmission line as the first phase of the EuroAsia Interconnector, which will connect Greece, Israel, and Cyprus.
Machine learning keeps solar one step ahead of soiling
Scientists in Cyprus evaluated six different models used to predict the power losses caused by the accumulation of dust, dirt, and other substances on the surface of PV panels in the island’s arid climate. Results from the various models were compared with soiling loss data from a “test bench” installation at the University of Cyprus in Nicosia, revealing a potential advantage for machine-learning approaches backed by satellite data.
Town in Cyprus kicks off tender for 2.96 MW solar plant
The municipality of Aradippou, Cyprus, says it is looking for developers to build a 2.96 MW solar plant. The deadline for bids is May 12.
Cyprus expands funding for solar net metering
The Cypriot cabinet has approved a proposal by the energy minister to extend the country’s subsidy scheme for net metering and energy-efficiency measures, adding €40 million of funding ($39.8 million) to the program.
The weekend read: Solar reforms loom, Cyprus begins to move
Cyprus is a laggard in renewable energy development compared to many of its European neighbors. Given its reliance on oil and gas imports, the consequences are now being felt by electricity consumers on the island. However, as Ilias Tsagas reports, a combination of factors may soon provide the leverage that changes the game fast.
Cyprus launches PV, battery funding scheme as Greece turns to gas
Cyprus has launched a new scheme to fund installations of PV arrays and battery systems, with a specific focus on owners of electric vehicles. Greece, meanwhile, has devised a subsidy scheme to support the use of gas for conventional cars.
The weekend read: Super-grid forming in the Mediterranean
Electricity generation in the Middle East and Africa could soon support the development of an interconnection between Greece, Cyprus, Israel and Egypt. Ilias Tsagas examines the landscape for this infrastructure mega-project, and the possible benefits for solar.
Solar the fastest growing European clean power source
The latest numbers released by EU data body Eurostat indicate renewables, including hydropower, contributed 37% of Europe’s gross electricity consumption in 2020, up from 34% a year earlier.
EU to start auctioning green bonds next month
An independent third-party has approved the European Commission’s safeguards to ensure the projects in member states financed by €250 billion of green bonds over the next five years, will have genuine emission reduction credentials.
