In the context of its environmental and energy policy, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) – one of the largest and most energy-consuming organizations in Cyprus – has secured funding of 19 million euros for the installation of photovoltaic systems in National Guard camps. The said funding has been secured through the European Union’s structural funds and specifically the THALEIA Program. The total capacity of the photovoltaic systems to be installed is estimated at approximately 12 MW. The project will start in early 2023 and the gradual implementation is expected to be completed in 2027. The full installation and operation of the photovoltaic systems is part of the success of the national goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and will contribute by 2.5% to the capacity of photovoltaic systems that the Republic of Cyprus (RoD) will have to install by 2030.

The implementation of the above program is part of the general strategy of the Ministry of Defence to adjust the activities of the National Guard based on the implementation of policies and actions that respect and protect the environment as well as actions related to saving energy from the operation of the facilities of the Ministry of Health and the National Guard.

Also read: Ministry of Defence | Installation of LEDs in camps of the National Guard – Learn about the environmental policy in N.G

In particular, to date, the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) has been implemented in six National Guard camps, in accordance with Regulation 1221/2009/EC, which concerns proper waste management, energy saving and the reduction of environmental pollution. Measures have been implemented to reduce the generation of waste at military facilities as well as measures for the proper management and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste.  

Also, the Ministry of Defence, by decision of the Cabinet, has entered into an agreement with the Cyprus Electricity Authority for the replacement of almost all energy-consuming outdoor light bulbs installed in National Guard camps with LED bulbs. The first phase of the project has been completed with the replacement of 2,200 energy-consuming bulbs in 14 National Guard camps, while another 4,400 will start being replaced by the end of the year.

The energy-saving programs implemented in the National Guard and in particular the installation of photovoltaic systems and the replacement of energy-consuming bulbs in National Guard camps will significantly contribute to the promotion of the government’s policy of saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, having at the same time a significant benefit to the budgets of the Ministry of Defence.

Το Υπουργείο Άμυνας εξασφάλισε μέσα από ταμεία της #Ευρωπαϊκής #Ένωσης χρηματοδότηση ύψους 19 εκ ευρώ, για την εγκατάσταση #φωτοβολταϊκών σε στρατόπεδα της @NationalGuardCY. Ένα βήμα πιο κοντά στην επίτευξη του εθνικού στόχου για τη μείωση των εκπομπών αερίων.@DefenceCyprus pic.twitter.com/06gsYqif8Q

— Charalambos Petrides (@PetridesCh) September 9, 2022

Source: MoD

Also read: INTRACOM DEFENSE (IDE) | Presentation of Innovative Products with an interest for the National Guard of Cyprus at EUROSATORY 2022