The New Business Development department focuses on the development of new activities and the use of new technology as a counterbalance to the expected reduction in the EAC’s share of the liberalized electrical energy market.
Telecommunications
EAC continues leasing part of its infrastructure to strategic partners, for the commercial use of optical fiber network and other facilities and services for telecommunication purposes.
In the context of its development into new activities EAC continues to license land in the Vasilikos Power Station and in the Athalassa Substation, for the installation of antennas for mobile telephony.
Desalination
After a request by the Water Development Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Enviroment, EAC called for tenders for the construction of a desalination plant at Vasilikos Power Station.
Following the award of the contract in February 2010, the construction of the desalination unit at Vasilikos Power Station began in the summer 2010. The unit will have a production capacity of 60 000m3 of desalinated water per day and was expected to commence commercial operation in February 2012.
After the explosion at Mari Naval Base and the destruction of Vasilikos Power Station the erection work of the desalination unit stopped. The contractor has already submitted a new work programme for approval by the Engineer of the Project and construction started again. The unit is expected to commence the production of desalinated water in February 2013.
Renewable Energy Sources (RES)
Various proposals for joint ventures are being studied for the generation of electricity by Renewable Energy Sources (RES).
In particular studies and other preparatory activities are being carried out for the installation of a solar thermal power station at Akrotiri in Lemesos. Techno-economic and environmental studies have already been completed. Architectural and construction drawings have been prepared and submitted for the purpose of obtaining a Building Permit.
EAC called for tenders for the installation of a Photovoltaic Park in the Tseri Substation. An Expression of Interest was also issued for selecting potential partners for the development of large photovoltaic parks.
In the context of a financing program of the European Union, NER 300, for the financing of innovative technologies in the renewable energy sources sector, the relative files were prepared and six applications were submitted with EAC’s participation.