Photovoltaic Systems In Residential Complexes
In the second half of 2024, it is anticipated that regulations governing the establishment and operation of “RES communities” will be implemented, as indicated by Minister of Energy George Papanastasiou.
These regulations are set to facilitate the installation of solar power systems on apartment buildings with communal roofs. Energy communities, acting as cooperatives, will enable apartment owners to generate energy from sustainable or renewable sources.
Responding to a letter from Environmentalist MP Charalambos Theopeptou, Mr. Papanastasiou mentioned that the Ministry of Energy has integrated the stipulations of the European Directive concerning renewable energy communities (RES communities) into the 2022 Promotion and Encouragement of the Use of Renewable Energy Sources Law.
Furthermore, he noted that these regulations ensure RES communities’ access to appropriate energy markets and eliminate any unwarranted regulatory hurdles hindering their development.
The Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority (CERA) has issued a tender for consulting services aimed at formulating the required regulatory framework, slated to be enacted in the latter part of 2024.
Support for RES Communities:
Responding to Mr. Theopeptou’s inquiry regarding support measures for advancing RES communities, Mr. Papanastasiou disclosed that technical aid from the European Commission has been accessible to the Ministry of Energy since January 2024. This aid encompasses diverse elements, including identifying exemplary practices, tackling developmental impediments, orchestrating public awareness campaigns, and crafting financial incentives.
The minister anticipates preliminary outcomes by July 2024, with ultimate recommendations aligning with CERA’s regulatory framework. He stressed the potential consideration of further regulations based on insights gleaned from the existing regulatory structure and the technical support received.
Moreover, the advocacy for energy communities and RES communities has been incorporated into the revised National Energy and Climate Plan for 2030, which was presented to the European Commission in July.
Collaborating with a task force, the ministry will assess requests from municipalities and communities interested in establishing renewable energy communities. The goal is to propose pilot projects aimed at promoting these communities prior to the implementation of the regulatory framework.
Photovoltaics for all progress:
Progress in the “Photovoltaics for All” initiative is evident, with approximately one in ten households now equipped with a photovoltaic system. Evaluation of applications for this project is poised to commence imminently, as mentioned by Mr. Papanastasiou.