The Environmental Authority has given the green light for the construction and operation of a 59MW energy storage unit with a capacity of 120MWh in the community of Psevdas, Larnaca district. The project, owned by H.E.S.S. Hybrid Energy Storage Systems Ltd, does not require an Environmental Impact Assessment Study, as it was determined that the anticipated impacts can be limited or completely prevented through specific measures.
The project involves the construction and operation of an energy storage system to enhance the stability of the national grid during periods of high demand. The system will include: 59 batteries, each with a power of 2MW, located in prefabricated container-type premises, 8 medium-voltage transformer premises, 259 power converters, a control centre and auxiliary station, a medium-voltage EAC substation, and provision for 14 additional battery positions at a later stage.
The unit will draw high-voltage current (132kV AC) from the EAC grid, which will be stored as direct current (DC) and returned to the grid during peak demand periods, helping to stabilise the electricity supply.
The facility will be built on a 49,165-square-metre plot within the D1 Livestock Zone in Psevdas, in proximity to the EAC substation and the Ayia Anna Wind Farm. 6.1% of the total area will be covered by permanent structures.
The Environmental Authority ruled that although the zone is designated for livestock, the topography of the plot makes animal farming technically difficult and financially unviable. Its proximity to energy infrastructure makes the proposed development compatible.
The total estimated cost of the project is €22 million, and its construction is expected to be completed within 10 months from the start date, which will be after all required permits are issued.
The Reasoned Conclusion highlights potential environmental impacts during construction, including: Clearing of vegetation and removal of topsoil, production of excavation waste and construction site debris, sealing of the ground and creation of concrete bases, noise, dust, and consumption of water and fuel, impact on avifauna and the road network.
During operation, there may be solid waste containing hazardous substances, machine oils from transformer maintenance, and energy consumption of approximately 4,380,000 kWh/year for operational and air-conditioning needs.
To prevent or mitigate these impacts, measures have been stipulated, such as: Relocation of olive trees, using excavation materials for backfilling and landscaping, underground cabling and avoiding chemical use, wetting surfaces to control dust, a specific management system for waste and storm water, equipment maintenance and fire protection programme, planting tall vegetation to conceal the facilities.
During the assessment process, the Department of Agriculture expressed reservations, pointing out that the plot is located within a unified agricultural area and is part of a shrinking Livestock Zone, warning of a potential change to the area’s agricultural use.
In contrast, the Departments of Forests and Water Development raised no objections, provided that specific conditions are met, including the need to protect a nearby watercourse and the CY-18 Underground Water System (Lefkara-Pakhna).
After evaluating the environmental parameters, the views of the relevant state services, and conducting an on-site inspection, the Environmental Authority decided that the project does not require an Environmental Impact Assessment Study. It was deemed that, with the implementation of the set conditions, the environmental impacts would be limited and manageable.
With the environmental approval granted, H.E.S.S. Hybrid Energy Storage Systems Ltd awaits the issuance of the town planning permit to proceed with the project’s implementation, which is expected to significantly strengthen the country’s energy infrastructure by offering solutions for managing electricity demand and grid stability.