State-of-the-art solar park launched by the University of Cyprus

The University of Cyprus aims to become completely energy self-sufficient through two solar panel parks, rector Constantinos Christofides said during the launch of the ‘Phaethon’ photovoltaic park, made up by 1,645 solar panels, with an annual capacity of 632,000 kWh.

The second solar park, to be named ‘Apollon’, which will have a 10 MW capability, is also in the works, Christofides said. He told the Cyprus Mail that the university planned to invite tenders within the next four to five months.

The ‘Phaethon’ was officially opened by Energy Minister Giorgos Lakkotrypis. The state has secured EUR 52 million in EU funding for the 2014-2020 period, specifically aimed at completing projects and approving schemes regarding energy saving and employing renewable energy options in public buildings, businesses and homes, he said, adding that output from renewables rose to 8.7 percent in 2014. „This brings Cyprus as near to our national goal of 13 per cent in 2020,” Lakkotrypis said.

The minister claims the government was trying to open up the energy market by introducing incentives for energy producers other than the state-owned Electricity Authority of Cyprus, as well as entrepreneurs operating in the renewable energy field.