Energy Regulator announces new licences

Wind power included

The Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority announced on Thursday October 7 the first winners of new energy licences since liberalisation of the energy market took place on May 1, 2004.

The largest private-sector licence went to Unenes Ltd, a Cyprus-registered company, for the construction of a 230 mw combined cycle power plant in Vassiliko. The licence lasts for 5 years.

Unenes Managing Director, Alexander Kourenkov, told the Financial Mirror that Unenes was formed in Cyprus for the purpose of constructing and operating power units in Cyprus.

The other winner for combined cycle power at Vassiliko’s fourth unit was the state-owned Electricity Authority of Cyprus, until now the monopoly provider, received a 230 mw licence for combined cycle power.

Vouros Power Industries Ltd won a 49.9 mw licence to construct three internal combustion engine units at the free industrial zone in Larnaca, while Vassiliko Cement Works won a licence for generation 6 mw using four internal combustion engine units.

Wind power

Two companies also won licences for wind power. Ketonis Developments Ltd won a 34.5 mw licence for the construction and operation of a wind park near Larnaca, while the Electricity Authority of Cyprus won a 6 mw licence for the construction and operation of a wind park near Limassol.

Nine companies initally applied for licences to generate electricity of up to 612.2 mw, compared with current installed capacity of 988 mw.