EU-Funded Solar Power Plant Connected to Nicosia’s Bicommunal Wastewater Infrastructure

An EU-funded solar power plant at the New Nicosia Wastewater Treatment Plant (NNWWTP) in Mia Millia/Haspolat has been connected to the electricity system, marking a major milestone in efforts to improve the energy sustainability of one of Nicosia’s key bicommunal infrastructure facilities.

Funded by the European Union through the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Local Infrastructure Facility (LIF), the photovoltaic system was connected to the electricity network in August 2026, following approximately 10 months of construction.

With a capacity of 840 kW (AC) / 1,018 kWp, the new installation comprises approximately 1,860 solar panels and is expected to generate around 1.6 million kWh of renewable electricity annually. This corresponds to approximately 15–18% of the wastewater treatment plant’s annual electricity consumption, reducing its reliance on electricity from the grid and lowering operating costs.

The New Nicosia Wastewater Treatment Plant treats wastewater from most of Nicosia, making it an important example of bicommunal infrastructure serving communities across the city.

Wastewater treatment is an energy-intensive process. Approximately 30% of the plant’s energy requirements are already met through biogas generated onsite. Together with the new photovoltaic system, renewable energy will now meet a significant share of the plant’s electricity needs, reducing dependence on the grid and contributing to more sustainable wastewater management.

The new solar installation is also expected to help reduce operating costs, particularly the share borne by the Turkish Cypriot local community of Nicosia, while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 830 tonnes annually.

The EUR 1.6 million project, financed by the European Union, covers the design, construction and supervision of the photovoltaic installation.

Final adjustments to the system are currently under way. The installation will subsequently be inspected ahead of the final acceptance of the works and the start of the defect notification period. As the project enters its operational phase, regular operation and maintenance will be essential to ensure reliable and efficient performance over time.

The New Nicosia Wastewater Treatment Plant is itself the result of long-standing bicommunal cooperation, treating wastewater from both sides of Nicosia through shared infrastructure. The addition of the new solar power plant builds on this cooperation, demonstrating how joint approaches to essential services can deliver practical environmental and economic benefits for both communities and contribute to a more sustainable future for Nicosia.

For further information and media enquiries please contact UNDP at: registry [dot] cyundp [dot] org (registry[dot]cy[at]undp[dot]org)

European Union
The Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, based on Council Regulation 389/2006, aims at facilitating the reunification of Cyprus by encouraging the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community, with particular emphasis on the economic integration of the island, on improving contacts between the two communities and with the EU, and on preparation for the EU body of laws (also referred to as acquis communautaire).

For more information please visit: 

Support to the Turkish Cypriot community - European Commission
EU Infopoint on Facebook - http://www.abbilgi.eu/en - http://www.abbilgi.eu/tr/

United Nations Development Programme
UNDP aims to contribute and support the peace-building process in Cyprus and to enhance cooperation between the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots by implementing a range of confidence building measures.

Get in touch: UNDP Cyprus (@UNDPCY) / Twitter | on Facebook | on Instagram| 
More resources: https://www.undp.org/cyprus