Breaking news

Cyprus Government Unveils New Energy Storage Grants To Slash Electricity Costs

In a bold move to combat rising energy costs and strengthen energy security, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides has announced new government grant schemes for energy storage systems aimed at both businesses and households.

The initiative is designed to reduce electricity costs by promoting the use of energy storage technologies and increasing the share of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in the national energy mix. Christodoulides emphasized that this move is part of broader efforts to enhance energy security across the island.

During the presentation of the Government’s Annual Programme for 2025 on 29 January, the President revealed that the government is launching the “Photovoltaics for All” scheme, targeting small businesses. This initiative is set to play a key role in encouraging businesses to invest in solar energy solutions, thus lowering their energy bills. Additionally, the competitive electricity market is expected to open fully, giving consumers more choice and flexibility.

The government is also making significant strides to improve Cyprus’ energy infrastructure, with the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal at Vasilikos near completion. This project is expected to reduce the reliance on conventional electricity generation methods and help lower overall electricity costs.

Looking further ahead, the President confirmed that efforts to exploit natural gas reserves in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) would intensify throughout 2025. Specifically, he announced plans for two new drilling operations at the ‘Elektra’ and ‘Pegasus’ targets. On top of that, President Christodoulides is set to travel to Egypt on 17 February to sign agreements aimed at the commercial development of the ‘Kronos’ and ‘Aphrodite’ gas fields, marking a significant step in Cyprus’ energy strategy.

FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter