Negotiations have begun in Cyprus for the construction of a joint solar power plant

Under the chairmanship of the European Commission, negotiations have commenced regarding the installation of a joint solar power station planned to be built on the island.

During the meeting, conducted with representatives from both communities under the chairmanship of the Director-General of the European Commission for Structural Reform Support, Mario Nava, the results of the preliminary technical and economic justification supported by the European Union (EU) regarding the installation of a power plant, which will be the first of its kind on the island, were discussed.

In his address at the meeting, Mario Nava noted that the project under consideration has great potential. Moreover, the project could bring the two communities closer together, stimulate greater cooperation in the energy sector, and assist in achieving the goals of the EU's "Green Deal."

"This project coincides with a period when the new official representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus is seeking points of convergence between the two communities. Therefore, I urge the communities to agree on all details as soon as possible so that the project can move to the next stage," said Mario Nava.

It is also reported that the preliminary technical and economic justification, financed within the framework of the EU aid program to the Turkish Cypriot community and carried out in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program, aims to create a solar power station with a capacity of 36 MW, which will be located in the buffer zone and will use photovoltaic technologies and batteries with a 3-hour storage capacity.

It is expected that the storage facility, which will allow for the benefits of solar energy even in the absence of sunlight, will contribute to the spread of this technology and, if accepted by the two communities, will be an important step in strengthening the level of trust.

The statement also mentions that once an agreement on the project roadmap is reached, the Commission is ready to prepare and provide assistance in launching an international tender for the design and construction of the solar power station.