Government's €6.6M solar project powers education sustainably

In a significant leap towards sustainability, Cyprus has successfully concluded a €6.6 million project, installing photovoltaic systems in 405 school buildings.

This initiative, carried out through a collaboration between the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth (DPA) and the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC), was put into operation during the summer of 2023.

The comprehensive project, part of the EAC's social and corporate responsibility, included thermal insulation covering approximately 84,000 square meters and water insulation on surfaces hosting the PV systems.

The final progress report, delivered to the Minister of Education, Sports, and Youth, Athena Michaelidou, on Monday by Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou, the chairman of the Board of Directors of the EAC, highlighted the successful installation of PV systems with a total capacity of 4.9 MW. Notably, this initiative led to a remarkable 30% reduction in total energy consumption in schools, aligning with one of the central pillars and objectives of the authority – energy saving.

Approved for EU funding under the recovery and Resilience Plan (LPIs), the project received financial support from the EAC, to be gradually repaid by the YPG. Despite an original budget of €9.6 million, the actual cost of the project was significantly reduced, emphasizing efficient resource utilization. The EAC project team has submitted all necessary data to the Ministry of Education and the General Directorate for Development (Ministry of Finance) for inclusion in the 2nd disbursement by the LPIs.

The successful implementation of the project was made possible through the support of various authorities, particularly the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, and Industry. Their contribution facilitated the Council of Ministers' approval of a special plan allowing the installation of PV netting systems with increased power (up to 20 kW) in school buildings.

Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou emphasized the collective goal of promoting energy consciousness in Cyprus, stating, "The goal of all of us is for Cyprus to enter the path of energy consciousness. Energy is a vital good, and making a practical contribution to energy savings is a social responsibility."

With the completion of the project for the installation of PV systems in all schools, Cyprus not only achieves savings in electricity and public money but also instills energy consciousness in the younger generation, contributing significantly to environmental protection.

[With information sourced from CNA]