Summary
Ground-mounted and rooftop PV will be the major technologies that will contribute to this target. More specifically, the installed PV capacity in Cyprus reached 318 MW in 20221 and 889 MW are projected to be deployed by 2030. Apart from that, onshore wind will be the second most important technology. 157,5 MW of onshore wind capacity have been installed by 2021, and the maximum capacity is expected to reach 169,5 MW by 2030 and then remain stable until 2030 (NECP Cyprus).
With regard to the licensing procedure in Cyprus, every RES plant developer should at first take specific planning restrictions into consideration, which will be examined in the administrative authorisation procedure (site selection process). Then, plant developers should apply for an installation licence to Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority (CERA). RES plants < 5 MW and self-consumed electricity producers that produce electricity for own consumption below 1 MW can apply for an exemption.
The administrative authorisation process is the most crucial licensing step as it entails the issue of the planning permission by the Planning Authority, where the CERA approval is necessary. In addition, plant developers should apply for a building permit from the Local Authority. The next step foresees the application for an operation license by CERA. Finally, grid connection application is submitted either to the distribution system operator (DSO- Electricity Authority of Cyprus-EAC) or the TSO Cyprus depending on the capacity of the RES system.
Sequential order of process steps
- Site selection process
- Electricity production license process
- Administrative authorisation process
- Other (Operation license)
- Grid connection permit
Competent authorities
- CERA
- Municipal/ Local Planning Authorities
- EAC
- TSO Cyprus
- MECI
- MOA
