At Natureally Done, one of my aims is to bring more visibility to sustainability news and initiatives happening in Cyprus. Important developments often happen quietly, whether they involve public funding, renewable energy, businesses or environmental protection, and they are worth following as part of the wider sustainability conversation.
Here are some recent stories that caught my attention.
Cyprus receives further EU funding linked to its recovery plan
The European Commission has approved Cyprus’ sixth payment request under the EU’s NextGenerationEU programme, unlocking €120 million following the completion of a number of milestones and targets.
The funding is connected to Cyprus’ Recovery and Resilience Plan, which includes investments and reforms related to areas such as the green transition, energy efficiency, renewable energy and infrastructure improvements.
As Cyprus continues working towards its climate and energy targets, the implementation of these projects will be an important area to follow — particularly how funding is translated into measurable environmental improvements. (Source: European Commission)
Grid batteries could help reduce solar energy losses
Solar energy has expanded significantly in Cyprus in recent years, supported by the island’s strong solar potential. However, the growth of renewable energy has also highlighted challenges within the electricity system, particularly during periods when solar production exceeds what the grid can absorb.
Plans for Cyprus’ first large-scale grid battery storage systems aim to address this issue by storing excess renewable electricity and making it available when demand increases.
The introduction of energy storage is considered an important part of modern energy systems, especially for countries with high solar generation and isolated electricity networks. For Cyprus, improving the ability to integrate renewable energy will be a key factor in increasing the use of clean power.
The €50 million project is expected to see the batteries delivered in January 2027 and installed within two to three months, allowing them to enter operation by the summer of that year (Source: Cyprus Mail)
Concerns raised over event near Natura 2000 protected area
BirdLife Cyprus, Terra Cypria and the Federation of Environmental Organisations of Cyprus have raised concerns regarding the organisation of the Beerateia Beer Festival in Peyia, due to its proximity to Natura 2000 protected areas near Akamas.
The organisations have requested clarification regarding the environmental procedures followed and whether the necessary assessments and approvals were carried out.
The discussion highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing tourism, cultural activities and local economic interests with the protection of sensitive ecosystems.
With protected areas playing an important role in preserving Cyprus’ biodiversity, decisions about activities taking place near these locations continue to attract attention from environmental groups and the public (Source: Philenews)
Businesses continue to explore ESG practices
Sustainability is also becoming part of the conversation within the Cypriot business community.
Through the Interbank ESG project, more than 1,200 Cypriot companies have participated in sustainability assessments, evaluating their environmental, social and governance performance.
The initiative provides businesses with a way to better understand their current sustainability practices and identify areas where improvements can be made. The participation of small and medium-sized enterprises is particularly relevant, as these companies represent a large part of Cyprus’ economy.
ESG reporting and sustainability practices are becoming increasingly important internationally, with businesses facing growing expectations around transparency, environmental responsibility and social impact. (Source: Cyprus Mail)
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