Cyprus parliamentary committee examines energy grid stability and long-term supply concerns

The Cyprus Parliamentary Committee on Energy held an emergency session on July 31, 2026, to address recent power outages and the overall stability of the national grid. The meeting, attended by Energy Minister Michalis Damianos, focused on the current marginal electricity supply, which has led to rolling blackouts during periods of peak demand, particularly when conventional power units suffer malfunctions.

Authorities, including the Regulatory Authority for Energy (CERA) and the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC), warned that the country faces a critical energy deficit by 2030. They reported that nine aging conventional generation units at Dhekelia and Vasilikos, some up to 45 years old, must be retired after 2029 under environmental protocols. This retirement threatens a shortfall of approximately 750 MW—roughly half of the conventional capacity. Witnesses cited the failure to bring natural gas to the island by 2022 as a decisive factor in current planning failures.

Minister Damianos stated that immediate supply stability is maintained through existing reserves and will be further bolstered by a 120 MW central storage facility expected in January 2027. Regarding the 2030 horizon, the Minister emphasized that the arrival of natural gas and the completion of the electricity interconnection project with Greece are essential to avoid severe shortages.