Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ energy markets association on Friday expressed concern over delays in developing energy storage capacity, warning that projects “cannot remain hostage to delays”. It said the prolonged delay is harming consumers, businesses, investment and the electricity system’s operation.
Association warns of impact on renewable transition
The association said it is concerned and dissatisfied “over the prolonged and unjustified delay in promoting energy storage projects”, which it said is “clearly serving to the detriment of consumers, businesses, investments, and the smooth operation of the country’s electricity system”.
It described energy storage as a key element for electricity system stability and security and for increasing the share of renewable energy sources in the energy mix. The association said delays in creating storage capacity “directly undermines” Cyprus’ transition to renewable energy and away from fossil fuels.
Connection terms cited as main source of delays
The association attributed delays to the transmission system operator (TSO) and the electricity authority (EAC) issuing terms of connection to prospective storage providers late.
It described terms of connection as legal documents signed by network operators and private users, setting technical specifications and outlining rights and responsibilities related to the service provided.
The association said that in many cases the time taken to issue terms of connection exceeds 12 months. It said it sent a letter to the Cyprus energy regulatory authority (Cera) and raised the issue in a meeting with Energy Minister Michael Damianos in March.
It added that it has also sent a letter to President Nikos Christodoulides requesting that he “personally intervene”.
Effects of limited storage capacity
Cyprus’ lack of energy storage facilities has previously led to solar farms being temporarily cut off from the electricity grid when production exceeded demand and there was no capacity to store electricity.
Last year, Damianos’ predecessor, George Papanastasiou, said the EAC was to install 40 megawatts of storage capacity and had requested the ability to install another 40, while also calling on private individuals and companies to install their own energy storage facilities.
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