Cyprus’s electricity generation capacity has fallen to 1,100 megawatts due to equipment failures at key power stations, raising concerns about supply adequacy as temperatures soar above 40 degrees Celsius.
The Cyprus Electricity Authority (EAC) had maintained generation capacity above 1,200 megawatts last week before the heatwave intensified, benefiting from timely maintenance completion ahead of peak summer demand in July and August.
The nominal maximum capacity stands at 1,480 megawatts but remains unattainable in practice.
Since Monday, when temperatures climbed above 40 degrees, faults at the Vasilikos and Dhekelia power stations reduced maximum generation capacity to 1,100 megawatts.
The failures have prompted concern among the Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority (CERA), the Transmission System Operator, EAC and the Energy Ministry.
Equipment protection during peak utilisation periods proves challenging, particularly for Dhekelia’s ageing steam generation units that should have been replaced years ago.
Weather forecasts predict continued high temperatures in coming days, with Thursday’s forecast reaching 44 degrees. Officials worry that any additional problems could disrupt normal electricity supply coverage, with demand expected to increase daily.
The Transmission System Operator has requested EAC to make available an additional 60-megawatt decommissioned unit at Dhekelia by Thursday.
For meaningful contribution, this generator requires avoiding new faults in other units or achieving full performance from combined-cycle unit 4 at Vasilikos, which appeared likely Wednesday afternoon.
Midday demand approaches 1,200 megawatts but remains adequately covered, with photovoltaic parks contributing approximately 600 megawatts and wind farms providing additional support in some cases.
Difficulties arise after 7pm when photovoltaic generation decreases from 3pm onwards and gradually reaches zero, leaving EAC units to handle demand alone. Wednesday’s 8pm maximum demand was calculated at 980 megawatts against 1,120 megawatts generation capacity.
Maximum demand at 8pm Wednesday reached 1,015 megawatts, but the system benefited from approximately 65 megawatts from wind farm generators.
Despite apparent adequacy, the system remains far from sufficient capacity, as any major or minor unit failure would cause inevitable power supply problems.
Following three days of very high temperatures, building cooling needs and population relief requirements increase daily, making the Transmission System Operator’s concerns for Thursday legitimate.
Much depends on EAC’s efforts to increase maximum generation capacity from its units, hoping the weekend will provide system relief due to natural consumption reduction.
Wednesday’s maximum consumption occurred at 2.30pm, reaching 1,188 megawatts, the highest this year. Renewable sources provided 591 megawatts of this demand.
