The heatwave of the past week led to demand for electricity reached unprecedented levels, at 821 mw on Tuesday July 12 and although the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) was able to cope with the demand, it has underlined the need for more efficient ways of using current capacity and for additional capacity in future.
“We need the substation at Tseri. It is long overdue,” said EAC spokesman Costas Gavrielides.
He explained that a Tseri substation would facilitate the arrival of electric power from Vassiliko substation through a new transmission line and from Tseri electricity would be redistributed to the Troodos mountain area.
The spokesman blamed the delay on the town planning department and the ministry ‘s Board for the Consideration of Planning Deviation.
“The reason we have delays is the fact that the Town Planning deparment and the Deviations Bord have delayed approving the application.” he said.
“Our electricity system is in good condition and we don’t hesitate to invest,” he said, referring to blackouts in California and elsewhere that some blamed on lack of investment by private operators who focused on short-term profits.
“We are willing to invest, but the problems we face is getting and securing the building permits.”
More electricity to come on stream
Meanwhile, more electricity will be coming on stream over the coming years. Since the electricity market in Cyprus was liberalised on May 1, 2004, nine companies have applied for licences to generate electricity of up to 612.2 mw, compared with current installed capacity of 988 mw generated for the time being solely by the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC).
EAC is also adding capacity. A steam unit of 130 mw is currently being tested, and thus already providing a certain amount of electricity to help with peak demand during these hot days.
EAC also plans a further 540 mw via three combined cycle gas turbines (CCGT) over the coming years, and has applied for another 6 mw licence for a wind-park in the Limassol area.
The first CCGT terminal should be ready by 2008, an EAC spokesman told the Financial Mirror.
As for EAC’s new competitors, the two largest applications are from Golar Energy Ltd (240 mw) and Unenes Ltd (230 mw).
Golar Energy has applied for a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) of 240 mw. This would be floating unit capable of transforming natural gas deliveries.
Unenes Ltd has applied for a ‘regular’ CCGT licence.
Fiona Mullen
