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In recent years, Cyprus has been pushing hard to adopt renewable energy, particularly solar energy, by encouraging homeowners to install photovoltaic (PV) systems. The government even offered subsidies to make it easier for consumers to make the switch to greener energy. However, as the popularity of these systems has soared between 2022 and 2024, some serious issues have emerged, causing frustration among consumers and shaking their confidence in renewable energy sources (RES).
A Glitch in the Green Energy Plan
According to reporter Dorita Yiannakou, while the government hoped that increased solar energy use would help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower electricity bills, it turns out that Cyprus' energy grid isn’t equipped to handle the huge influx of green energy. As a result, a lot of the renewable energy produced by the solar systems is going to waste because the grid can’t absorb all of it. This has led to regular cut-offs of PV systems, with many residential users reporting up to 6-7 disconnections in January alone. In 2024, some commercial and residential systems were being cut off for more than 30% of their potential production. These cutbacks not only frustrate consumers but also hinder Cyprus’ ability to meet its renewable energy goals.
The Disconnect Between Production and Demand
The root of the problem lies in the mismatch between the amount of solar power being generated and the actual electricity demand. The Transmission System Operator (TSO) is responsible for managing when to cut off systems to prevent overloads. However, this system only applies to consumers who installed their PV systems after May 2023, meaning that many older systems are unaffected. The TSO’s ripple control mechanism helps manage the grid but is ultimately leading to energy waste, as too much power is produced without enough demand to use it.
Policy and Solutions: Too Little, Too Late?
To address these issues, the government has been heavily subsidizing the installation of PV systems, hoping to promote the use of renewable energy. However, experts argue that it’s not enough to simply add more solar panels. Without proper energy storage solutions like batteries, the grid can’t properly handle the surplus energy being produced. Recently, the Ministry of Energy proposed a new subsidy plan for energy storage systems, aiming to help consumers who have already installed PV systems to store excess energy for later use. This move is a step in the right direction, but many believe it’s coming too late.
The Call for a Shift in Focus
Fanos Karantonis, president of the Association of Renewable Energy Companies (SEPAEK), highlights that the real issue lies in the political decisions behind the subsidy schemes. He believes that the government has focused too much on encouraging more solar installations without considering the grid’s capacity and the need for energy storage. Instead of subsidizing more photovoltaic systems, SEPAEK argues that the focus should be on ensuring that every consumer has access to energy storage options, like batteries, so they can store the energy they produce for their own use. This, Karantonis suggests, would help reduce energy waste and allow consumers to better manage their energy needs.
Ultimately, the ongoing challenges in Cyprus’ renewable energy sector show that while the ambition to go green is commendable, the planning and infrastructure to support it still have a long way to go. Consumers are becoming increasingly frustrated with the energy waste and the disconnections from the grid, making it clear that the next step in the renewable energy transition needs to focus on energy storage solutions, not just solar panels.
