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Energy Minister Outlines Vision for Cyprus: AI, Renewable Storage, and Gas Field Developments

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 11, 2024

In a detailed presentation of the Ministry of Energy’s 2025 budget, Cyprus’s Energy Minister Giorgos Papanastasiou highlighted the nation’s strides towards energy efficiency and cost reduction through renewable storage and cutting-edge AI-driven fuel monitoring. Cyprus now produces nearly as much energy from renewable sources as from conventional means, but challenges remain in fully leveraging this capacity.

Papanastasiou reported that Cyprus’s wind and solar energy output has reached around 950 megawatts, nearly rivalling the 1,500 megawatts from conventional sources. Yet, only 20% of the renewable energy potential is currently utilized, a limitation he hopes to address with robust storage systems. He announced that a 150-megawatt hybrid storage system proposal will soon be presented to the Cabinet, followed by a competitive tender.

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“Utilizing a mix of low-emission conventional power and expanded renewable storage could bring significant energy savings, especially for households and businesses,” Papanastasiou stated.

AI System to Track Fuel Prices, Set for Year-End Launch

Papanastasiou also shared details on an AI system aimed at monitoring fuel prices to prevent sudden hikes. The Consumer Protection Agency, which will oversee the system, has completed the acquisition phase, and the AI-powered tool is expected to launch by year-end.

“This advanced system, leveraging machine learning, will enable the Consumer Protection Agency to closely track and analyze abrupt price fluctuations,” Papanastasiou noted.

Additionally, Papanastasiou announced plans for e-Kalathi, a digital price-comparison platform set to go live in time for the holiday shopping season. The platform will undergo a brief pilot phase to ensure a smooth public rollout.

Accelerated Progress for Key Gas Projects

In the area of hydrocarbon exploration, the Minister provided updates on Cyprus’s Exclusive Economic Zone, notably the “Kronos” gas field. Operated by Italy’s ENI, “Kronos” is in the fast-tracking phase, with an imminent development and production plan expected. Papanastasiou explained that the extracted gas will be processed in Egypt, leveraging facilities at Egypt’s Zohr field, with first production expected by mid-2027.

For the “Glaucus” field, managed by ExxonMobil in Block 10, Papanastasiou reported that the company plans to initiate two drilling projects in early 2025. The results from these explorations will determine if “Glaucus” will operate independently or in coordination with “Kronos.”

Finally, for the Chevron-operated “Aphrodite” field, discussions are underway to finalize an updated development plan. The field, which holds an estimated 4.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, is targeting a final development agreement by mid-January 2025 to ensure timely project milestones.

Vision for 2025: Efficiency and Economic Resilience

Papanastasiou’s strategic vision for Cyprus’s energy sector emphasizes both sustainable advancements and economic stability, with an ambitious focus on lowering energy costs while expanding renewable infrastructure. As the nation moves towards a more resilient energy framework, these initiatives mark pivotal steps in aligning with global sustainability goals and regional energy security.

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Only 1% Of Cyprus Farms Use Precision Farming Technologies

Cyprus remains one of the European Union’s least digitised agricultural economies, with just 1% of farms using precision farming technologies in 2023, according to Eurostat.

The findings come as the EU continues to encourage the adoption of digital tools aimed at improving agricultural productivity, efficiency and sustainability.

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Internet Access Expands, But Digital Uptake Lags

Internet access has improved across the bloc, although adoption remains uneven. Eurostat found that 43% of EU farms had internet access in 2023, with northern and central European countries leading the way.

Denmark, Germany, Slovakia, Latvia, the Czech Republic and Austria all reported internet access rates above 90%.

Greater connectivity, however, has not translated into widespread digital adoption. Farm management information systems, which help farmers manage day-to-day operations, were used by only about 11% of EU farms. France was a notable exception, with around 60% of farms using the technology.

Precision Farming Concentrated In Larger Operations

Robotics adoption also remained relatively limited, with only about 7% of EU farms using robotic technologies. Overall, around 18% of farms with utilised agricultural area employed at least one precision farming technology or practice in 2023.

These included robotics for plant protection, band spraying, variable-rate application, precision crop monitoring and soil analysis. Despite representing fewer than one in five farms, these holdings accounted for around 44% of the EU’s utilised agricultural area.

The figures suggest that precision farming remains concentrated among larger agricultural businesses, where investment in digital technologies is typically easier to support.

Cyprus Lags Behind EU Leaders

Luxembourg, Finland and Estonia recorded the highest shares of utilised agricultural area managed by farms using precision farming technologies, each exceeding 75%.

At the other end of the ranking, Cyprus recorded just 1%, while Greece and Romania reported between 10% and 15%. The results indicate that Cyprus remains at an early stage of digital adoption in agriculture, even as precision farming becomes more widespread across parts of the European Union.