The University of Cyprus (UCY) has completed the first year of operation of its Apollon PV Park. Since September 2025, the 5 MWp plant has generated 8,149 MWh of solar electricity, avoiding approximately 5,294 tonnes of CO₂ — based on the Electricity Authority of Cyprus's actual 2025 grid emission factor of 0.64961 kg CO₂/kWh. The park includes a 3.3 MWh / 1.65 MW battery storage system, the first large-scale installation of its kind in Cyprus.
Contribution to the SDGs
• SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: renewable generation designed to cover about half of the campus's electricity needs
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: large-scale storage capturing energy that would otherwise be lost to grid curtailment
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: the campus developed as a sustainable and smart community
• SDG 13 – Climate Action: an estimated 5,294 tonnes of CO₂ avoided in year one
• SDG 17 – Partnerships: developed with the Electricity Authority of Cyprus and co-financed by the EU (THALIA 2021–2027)
"The Apollon PV Park is proof of our institutional commitment to sustainable development," said Prof. Tasos Christofides, Rector of the University of Cyprus.
A whole-institution approach UCY treats energy as part of a wider transformation of the campus. Alongside Apollon, the University is working on geothermal heat pumps, district heating and cooling, and smart energy streams modelling. UCY welcomes exchange with other members of the IAU HESD community on green campuses, living labs and renewable energy on campus.
Learn more about the project here.