Cyprus approves four new permanent desalination plants to combat water shortages

On September 2, 2026, the Cypriot Council of Ministers announced a strategic shift toward permanent water infrastructure to address the country's persistent water shortages. The government approved the construction of three new permanent desalination plants: an 80,000 cubic-meter-per-day facility in Dhekelia, a 30,000 cubic-meter-per-day plant in Ayia Thekla, and a 10,000 cubic-meter-per-day unit in Polis Chrysochous. These projects will proceed alongside a previously approved permanent plant in East Limassol, which has a capacity of 60,000 cubic meters per day. Combined, these four units will provide a total daily capacity of 180,000 cubic meters.

This decision, which follows a reassessment of water policy since 2024, prioritizes long-term security over emergency measures. Consequently, the government has cancelled plans for a mobile desalination unit in Ayia Napa, which is now replaced by the Ayia Thekla plant. Additionally, the development of a floating desalination unit in Yermasoyia has been postponed, with officials stating that its necessity will be re-evaluated at a later stage. The realization of the new permanent projects remains subject to the procurement of all required environmental and technical licenses.