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Cyprus Faces Energy Strain As Cold Wave Hits: Authorities Call For Power Conservation

A cold wave sweeping across Cyprus threatens to test the island’s energy infrastructure in the coming days. Chará Kousiappa, spokesperson for the Cyprus Transmission System Operator (TSOC), warned that the country could face serious challenges as energy demand surges.

“It will be a tough situation,” Kousiappa told the Cyprus News Agency. “We’re already seeing very high demand, and we’re continuously assessing the situation. We hope things will go smoothly, but we’re ready to act if necessary.”

The cold front is expected to hit shortly, with the most critical period for electricity demand falling between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM—when renewable energy production drops off. During these peak hours, the power supply will be under significant pressure, as several key power units are offline due to scheduled maintenance or technical issues.

TSOC is closely monitoring the situation, and Kousiappa hopes that some of the power units currently under repair at the Dhekelia and Vasilikos stations can be brought back online before temperatures fall. She also emphasized the importance of energy conservation, urging the public to reduce electricity usage during peak hours and shift high-energy tasks, like laundry and dishwashing, to the day when solar power is at its peak.

As Cyprus braces for a difficult few days, authorities are calling on citizens to play their part in ensuring the stability of the island’s power grid.

Meridiam Takes Majority Stake In Great Sea Interconnector

French infrastructure investment group Meridiam has officially become the majority shareholder of the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), marking a significant step forward for the electricity link between Cyprus and Greece.

The agreement was signed on Wednesday at Greece’s Maximos Mansion in the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who described the project as strategically important for regional energy security and for ending Cyprus’ energy isolation from the European electricity grid.

Mitsotakis also said the deal demonstrates Greece’s ability to attract international investors and pledged continued government support to ensure the project moves forward.

Project Gains New Momentum

Alongside the shareholder agreement, Greece’s Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO), GSI and French cable manufacturer Nexans signed a separate agreement covering seabed survey work, one of the next stages in the project’s development.

Greek officials said Meridiam’s entry strengthens the project’s financial position and credibility, creating better conditions to accelerate construction. IPTO will remain a strategic shareholder, retain technical responsibility for the project and operate the interconnector once it is completed.

The European Investment Bank is also assessing potential financing, while IPTO is preparing to submit a cost-benefit study for the planned Cyprus-Israel electricity interconnection to regulators in Cyprus and Israel.

Long-Term Infrastructure Investor

Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Paris, Meridiam specialises in financing, developing and managing long-term infrastructure projects. Its portfolio includes more than 130 projects across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Africa, spanning sectors such as transport, energy and water infrastructure.

Among its flagship investments are the NeuConnect electricity interconnector between the UK and Germany, Sofia Airport in Bulgaria and the Florence tram network in Italy.

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