The Cyprus Transmission System Operator (TSO) has applied to the Energy Regulatory Authority (CERA) to secure approval in principle to develop energy storage systems, TSO director Stavros Stavrinos said on Sunday.

The TSO is also responding to requests from private investors “for the installation of autonomous storage facilities directly connected to the transmission system,” he told the Cyprus News Agency, adding that preliminary connection terms have been issued to seven applicants for installations with a total capacity of 151 MW/410 MWh.

He said similar agreements will be issued in the next two months for applications with a total capacity/duration of 80 MW/160 MWh.

In relation to the storage of energy by the TSO, Stavrinos said “the very high penetration of RES” requires immediate measures for optimal integration of energy produced, limitation of cuts in electricity production from RES and the response of the electricity system in cases of failures.

“The immediate deployment of these storage facilities by the TSO is a critical need to effectively address the substantial problems that exist in the operation of the electricity system in Cyprus,” he said.

He said a recent amendment to the law to harmonise Cyprus with amendments made to the relevant European directive give the TSO the right to own, develop, manage and operate energy storage facilities.

A prerequisite, he continued, is the TSO first secure the approval of CERA and the minister before it creates storage systems needed until “Cyprus is connected to the transmission systems of other EU member states through interconnection lines”.