[AIT/IEEE PES Austria Chapter] Andreas Armenakis (EAC) and Melios Hadjikypris (FOSS): Renewable Energy Technology Integration in Cyprus – An Overview

AIT Lecture Series in junction with IEEE PES Austria Chapter

Renewable Energy Technology Integration in Cyprus – An Overview

• Andreas Armenakis, Network Engineer at the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC)
• Melios Hadjikypris, Post-Doctoral Research Associate at the University of Cyprus (FOSS)

Location:

AIT Austrian Institute of Technology
November 21, 2019, 10:00-11:00
TechBase, GG2_F3_M1, 3rd Floor 
Giefinggasse 2, 1210 Vienna 

Abstract:

This presentation will give an overview of the integration of Renewables in Cyprus. It will include some analysis and optimisation issues regarding the Distribution Network of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC). An outline will be given regarding EAC projects for the energy transition. The Foss Research Centre for Sustainable Energy of the University of Cyprus (UCY) and its cutting-edge research on renewable energy sources will be presented.

About Renewables in Cyprus:

Cyprus’s potential for solar power is one of the highest in the European Union, but it currently imports most of its energy sources. Only around 10% of the renewable energy share has been achieved so far, which keeps Cyprus on track to reach the EU climate and energy targets for 2020. According to the Cyprus Renewable Energy Roadmap, renewable energy could provide 25% to 40% of the total electricity supply in 2030.

The Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) is a government owned authority producing, buying, distributing and selling Electricity on the island. In order to manage effectively the integration of RES into the Distribution System, EAC-DSO will implement its own modern SCADA/DMS System. EAC has ventured lately into Smart Metering, moving from conventional meters to the next generation of connectivity and rolling out AMI infrastructure investments of up to €70M.

An important task for EAC-DSO is to minimize the cost of operation/losses and reduce the interruptions while satisfying power quality constrains. In addition, simulation tools where widely introduced to meet challenging voltage regulation issues.

EAC has increased his overall innovation performance during several applied R&D Projects in cooperation with the Cyprus University. EAC supports, among other EU funded projects, the StoRES project, which is a technological program for installing PV Batteries in Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, and Spain to tackle market and technical barriers. In Addition, EAC was testing its first community battery, gather knowledge about their operation and services.

The Foss Research Centre for Sustainable Energy at the University of Cyprus (UCY) carries out cutting-edge research on renewable energy sources, with emphasis on solar energy, smart grids, smart buildings, grid integration and enabling technologies. FOSS has been highly successful in competing for funds, so far securing up to €16M from more than 50 EU, national and industrial-funded projects.

About the Speakers:

• Andreas Armenakis works for the Electricity Authority of Cyprus, conducting major studies on distribution network expansions, renewable energy integration and power quality analysis.
• Melios Hadjikypris works for the FOSS Research Centre Energy at the University of Cyprus, focusing on optimal integration of PV and energy storage in transmission systems.