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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.

Discovery of a New Dwarf Planet: Is Our Solar System Expanding?

A New Celestial Revelation: Meet 2017 OF201

In a groundbreaking astronomical discovery, researchers have identified a celestial body likely to be a dwarf planet far beyond Pluto. This thrilling discovery was made by astronomers from the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey. Dubbed 2017 OF201, this object is located over twice the distance of Pluto from the Sun, marking it as one of the farthest known bodies in our solar system observable through optical telescopes.

Key Insights

  • The object is approximately 700 kilometers in diameter, smaller than Pluto’s 2377 kilometers, yet it stands to be the largest found in the outer solar system in over a decade if verified by radio telescopes.
  • Classified as an extreme trans-Neptunian object, 2017 OF201 joins the ranks of other icy bodies circling the Sun beyond Neptune’s orbit. This region is now known to host other giants such as Eris, Haumea, Makemake, and Gonggong.
  • Identified in a series of 19 observations over seven years, involving instruments like the Dark Energy Camera in Chile and the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, this discovery sheds light on the unexplored corners of the solar system.

Why 2017 OF201 Stands Out

2017 OF201 boasts a unique orbit, with its aphelion over 1600 times the Earth’s distance from the Sun. Meanwhile, its perihelion is 44.5 times the Earth-Sun distance, parallel to Pluto’s path. Such an extensive orbit is evidence of a chaotic past, likely involving gravitational interactions with a giant planet.

Unveiling the Kuiper Belt: A New Frontier

Nestled within the Kuiper Belt, this object hints at the possibility of numerous similar celestial bodies lingering in this icy expanse, largely hidden due to immense distances. As telescope technology advances, the possibility of unveiling more about our solar system’s outermost fringes grows ever more achievable.

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