Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ Transmission System Operator (TSO) will spend €50 million this year to install electricity storage systems at three designated sites across the island, MPs heard on Monday. Parliamentarians were reviewing the TSO’s €67.3 million budget for fiscal year 2026.
Budget and funding
Of the €50 million allocated to storage systems, €49 million comes from an EU grant.
Purpose of storage systems
The electricity storage systems, described as arrays of batteries housed in containers, are intended to reduce interruptions to domestic and commercial photovoltaics and improve the overall operation of the grid.
Tender process and timeline
TSO official Costas Mesimeris told MPs that tenders to procure the systems have been launched and that they are close to awarding the contracts. The awarding of the contracts will take place once the TSO budget is approved by the House plenum.
“We hope to sign the contracts in March,” Mesimeris said. The project is expected to take eight months from the date of the awarding of the contract.
“For sure we won’t make it this summer, so we’re trying to make it by the winter of 2026, which is realistically feasible.”
Planned locations
The storage systems will be located next to substations of the Electricity Authority, with one in Paphos, a second in Athalassa and a third in Larnaca.
What impact do you expect electricity storage systems to have on photovoltaic interruptions and grid performance in your area?