Cyprus Awards First Battery Storage Contracts

10 Jul 2026 Issue: 69 / 28 By: Peter Stevenson

Cyprus has awarded contracts for its first utility-scale battery storage systems. With LNG import plans stalling, solar and battery storage are key to reducing the country’s reliance on oil-fired power generation.

Cyprus has taken a major step towards easing grid constraints, signing contracts on 23 June for its first utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS). The country’s renewables rollout has outpaced upgrades to its transmission and distribution systems, with a growing share of generation being curtailed as a result.

The €50mn ($57mn) contract awards aim to bring 120MW/400MWh of centrally managed storage capacity online by summer 2027 to help address this issue. The project comprises three battery systems to be installed at high-voltage substations in Athalassa (Nicosia), Larnaca Free Zone and Paphos. Operated by the Transmission System Operator (TSO), the units will capture excess solar generation currently being curtailed during periods of oversupply and release it during the evening when demand remains high. (CONTINUED - 906 WORDS)