Technical support for floating photovoltaics, energy storage and offshore renewables in Cyprus

Technical support for floating photovoltaics, energy storage and offshore renewables in Cyprus

The HYDRO-RES project supported the beneficiary in advancing renewable hydrogen integration within regional energy systems through EU-funded technical assistance and capacity-building. It delivered strategic analyses, implementation roadmaps, and stakeholder coordination, aiming to accelerate hydrogen deployment, strengthen policy frameworks, and enable investments contributing to decarbonisation and energy transition.

Context

Cyprus is among the EU member states with the lowest share of renewable energy in its electricity mix, accounting for only around 15 per cent in 2022. The rest of the electricity supply in Cyprus is based exclusively on heavy fuel oil and diesel power plants, which are harmful to the environment and climate. There is also very limited space available to install photovoltaic and wind power plants.

As there are about 110 reservoirs in Cyprus, floating photovoltaic plants are a possible solution to this problem. Some of these reservoirs could also serve as pumped-storage plants, making it possible to store renewable energy. Cyprus has significant potential to harness green energy at sea - for example, offshore wind energy, meaning through wind power plants at sea, or ocean energy. However, projects using these technologies have not yet been implemented in Cyprus.

Support delivered

The project assisted beneficiary authorities to assess the feasibility and potential of floating photovoltaic plants in Cyprus. It also advised the Cyprus Government on developing national strategies for pumped-storage plants and renewable offshore energy. To this end, the project has delivered contract templates and technical specifications in order to implement corresponding projects. In addition, it has supported the development of a legal framework and appropriate funding instruments.

The project communicated knowledge and relevant experience from other countries with Cyprus, including through training courses. With its Cypriot partners, it identified obstacles and produced recommendations for developing floating photovoltaics, pumped-storage plants and offshore renewable energy.

Results achieved

The project produced comprehensive technical, regulatory, and investment analyses supporting renewable hydrogen uptake. Key outputs included feasibility assessments, deployment scenarios, and policy recommendations, alongside stakeholder engagement activities that improved institutional capacity and cross-sector cooperation. The beneficiary gained clearer planning tools and evidence-based strategies to guide hydrogen investments and infrastructure development. Expected impacts include increased RES integration, reduced greenhouse-gas emissions, improved energy system flexibility, and stronger alignment with EU climate targets, while positioning stakeholders to access future funding and scale pilot initiatives.