Cyprus Loses 167,000 MWh Of Renewable Energy In 2024 Amid Lack Of Storage Solutions

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 5, 2025

Cyprus wasted a staggering 167,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of renewable energy in 2024 due to insufficient storage infrastructure, leaving MPs and solar panel owners frustrated as electricity bills continue to rise.

Members of the Parliamentary Committee on Commerce, Industry, Energy, and Tourism expressed their dismay over the significant loss of energy, which could have been utilized during periods of peak demand. The lack of planning for energy storage infrastructure has left the country’s renewable energy potential untapped, with no clear strategy from the government on how to store and distribute the surplus energy generated from renewable sources.

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The committee criticized both the government and key agencies, including the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) and the Ministry of Energy, for their lack of coordination. Committee Chairman Kyriakos Hadjiyiannis from the Disy party blasted the authorities for their “absolute absence of policy,” accusing them of misleading citizens into investing in solar panels without ensuring the necessary grid and storage infrastructure was in place to support it.

Akel MP Costas Costa echoed this frustration, pointing out that many areas of Cyprus can no longer accommodate additional solar power due to grid limitations. “People who installed solar panels to save on energy costs are now facing electricity bills of €300-400, compared to €60-70 just two months ago,” Costa said, blaming past decisions for the ongoing crisis.

MPs have called on the government and the EAC to provide answers on when grid upgrades will allow the full integration of solar power. Despite plans for a storage system covering large solar parks, it remains unclear when households will benefit from the system. The committee also urged for a digital tracking system for photovoltaic (PV) applications to ensure greater transparency.

In response, Dipa MP Michalis Giakoumis accused the government of dishonesty, describing the situation as “borderline fraud” and demanding a roadmap for energy storage to prevent further losses of renewable energy.

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Lithuania And Cyprus Forge Enhanced Partnership In Tourism And Defence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 22, 2026

Expanding Cooperation Beyond The Surface

Kristupas Vaitiekūnas highlighted opportunities for closer cooperation between Lithuania and Cyprus during his visit to Nicosia for the informal ECOFIN meeting. Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, the Lithuanian finance minister said both countries share common challenges and could expand collaboration in areas including tourism, defence and financial services.

Addressing Shared Challenges

Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas said Lithuania and Cyprus face similar security and economic pressures despite their geographic differences. Particular attention was given to emerging security threats, including drone-related risks, alongside the importance of maintaining resilient financial sectors. According to Vaitiekūnas, stronger coordination in those areas could deliver long-term economic and strategic benefits for both countries.

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Focus On Fiscal Stability And Energy Security

Discussions at the ECOFIN meeting are expected to focus on Europe’s economic outlook, energy market volatility and fiscal stability. Kristupas Vaitiekūnas warned that instability in the Middle East could continue affecting oil markets and broader economic performance across Europe. Housing affordability was also identified as a growing challenge, with rising property prices in cities such as Vilnius reflecting broader pressures seen across European markets.

Coordinated Energy Strategy And Future Investments

The Lithuanian finance minister also called for a more coordinated European approach to energy and economic resilience. Vaitiekūnas suggested that targeted and temporary policy measures could prove more effective than large-scale structural reforms in addressing short-term pressures. Lithuania continues to increase investment in renewable energy generation and storage infrastructure as part of efforts to strengthen energy independence and begin producing surplus electricity by 2028.

Support For Ukraine And Enhancing Defence Funding

Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas reaffirmed Lithuania’s support for Ukraine, describing the war as a broader struggle tied to European security and democratic values. He also backed accelerating Ukraine’s accession process to the European Union, arguing that deeper integration would strengthen regional stability and economic prosperity. Vaitiekūnas welcomed the EU’s SAFE programme, which is expected to support Lithuania’s defence capabilities while contributing additional assistance to Ukraine.

Looking Ahead To A More Unified Europe

Addressing the European Union’s future budget framework, Kristupas Vaitiekūnas said increased funding for security and defence represented a positive development. At the same time, he warned that reductions in cohesion funding and agricultural support could negatively affect purchasing power and long-term European unity. Lithuania is expected to place continued emphasis on Ukraine and regional security ahead of its upcoming EU Council Presidency in early 2027.

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