Cyprus Charges Ahead with Large-Scale Battery System: A New Era for Energy Storage

by News Editor

May 19, 2025

In an ambitious move towards a sustainable energy future, Cyprus is set to operationalize its first large-scale electricity storage system within the next 16 months. This landmark project, unveiled by Energy Minister George Papanastasiou at the Green Agenda Cyprus Summit in Nicosia, addresses the critical bottleneck in renewable energy expansion—energy storage.

The minister emphasized, “The future lies in storage, with chemical batteries being the immediate solution.” Current plans by the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) involve installing storage systems at Dhekelia and Moni power plants, projected to stabilize the grid significantly. This endeavor is part of a broader strategy to enhance efficiency and reduce energy waste.

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Looking ahead, Cyprus eyes potential growth in renewable energy capacity, aspiring to evolve from its 1 GW production towards hosting up to 2.5 GW. A critical factor for success will be establishing robust international energy links, as echoed in the minister’s call for a strategic focus on electricity and grid connectivity.

The transition won’t solely rely on renewables; a mix of solar power and natural gas is slated for the short term, with an eye on full electrification and European interconnection. As part of this energy transition journey, the EU aims for a complete green shift by 2050.

The EAC is fast-tracking its energy storage plans, which dovetail with Cyprus’s ambitions to cut emissions by 20–25% by 2030, an essential pivot in meeting broader climate goals.

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Bank Of England Holds Rates At 3.75% In Split Vote As Inflation Risks Rise

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 17, 2026

The Bank of England kept its benchmark interest rate at 3.75% on Thursday, but the decision was not unanimous. In a 6-3 vote, the Monetary Policy Committee kept rates unchanged, while three members backed a 25-basis-point increase to 4%. Renewed energy price pressures have added to concerns that inflation could remain elevated.

Inflation Pressures Remain

Policymakers said inflation “is likely to rise further over coming quarters,” citing higher and more volatile crude oil and refined energy prices since the conflict began.

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So far, there has been “little evidence” of significant second-round effects, such as broader wage and price increases. Inflation risks, however, are now “tilted to the upside” and have increased since the July Monetary Policy Report.

Energy Prices Add To Inflation Risks

Brent crude has risen 36% since July, reaching $106 a barrel on Sept. 14, while UK wholesale gas prices increased 78% to 207 pence per therm.

Higher energy costs can feed into transport, production and household expenses, raising costs across supply chains. Refinery pressures have also pushed crack spreads, the difference between refined fuel and crude prices, well above pre-conflict levels.

Economy Shows Resilience

Despite the inflation risks, UK economic activity has held up slightly better than the Bank expected. A softer labor market and higher borrowing costs are expected to help reduce inflation over time.

Previous monetary tightening is still working through the economy, according to policymakers. So far, the latest energy shock has not produced clear evidence of a broader wage-price spiral.

Major Central Banks Take Different Paths

The decision comes during a busy period for global monetary policy. The Federal Reserve raised rates Wednesday to 3.75%-4% in its first increase since 2023, while the European Central Bank recently lifted its deposit rate to 2.5%.

The Bank of Japan is due to announce its decision Friday, with markets expecting a rate increase. Thursday’s split vote shows that pressure for tighter policy remains within the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee.

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