Environmental Review Underway for € 7 – 7.5 Million Expansion of PROTEAS Solar Research Facility
- aina246
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
An estimated € 7 million to € 7.5 million expansion of the PROTEAS Solar Research Facility in Pentakomo, Limassol, is currently under review by the Environmental Authority. The project will introduce an innovative energy storage system designed to enhance renewable energy research and demonstration capabilities. Subject to environmental approval the expanded facility anticipated to be fully operational within two years.
The new project will add an innovative compressed air energy storage system, combining onshore and offshore infrastructure. The system will include three underwater compressed air storage tanks installed at a depth of approximately 100 meters, connected to an onshore shaft on the beach through a network of subsea pipelines.
By demonstrating long-duration energy storage alongside solar power generation, the project aims to address one of the key challenges facing Cyprus' energy transition: storing excess renewable electricity for use when solar generation is unavailable.
The facility already operates an experimental unit specialising in the development of concentrated solar power (CSP) systems tailored to island and coastal environments, with particular emphasis on small-scale installations of less than 25 MWth combined with large thermal storage capacity. These systems are designed for remote communities and regions served by low-capacity electricity grids, offering a pathway towards reliable, clean energy generation.
PROTEAS is a joint venture between the Cyprus Institute and Altum Mare, established to advance research, development and demonstration of innovative renewable energy technologies for island and coastal regions. It provides a real-world testing environment for concentrated solar thermal technologies, thermal energy storage, photovoltaic systems, wind energy and renewable-powered desalination, while operating an integrated microgrid that allows researchers to study how different clean energy technologies work together. Through collaborations with universities, research organisations and private industry, PROTEAS has become centre for the development, testing and demonstration of innovative energy solutions aimed at accelerating the transition to a low-carbon, resilient energy system.
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