We spoke with Kypros Stavrides, Chief Executive Officer of the State Health Services Organisation (SHSO), which oversees nine state hospitals and 39 health centers across Cyprus. In a first-of-its-kind initiative for Cyprus, solar panels were installed over the hospital's parking areas. As Kypros explains, this initiative aims to reduce both the hospital's environmental impact and save on operational costs.
Nicosia General Hospital's pilot project has been widely hailed as a success, earning praise for its seamless blend of aesthetics and functionality. "The solar panels not only generate clean electricity but also enhance the use of public space," Kypros notes.
Following the success at Nicosia General Hospital, the SHSO plans to invest in solar installations at all national hospitals within the next two to three years. "Cyprus, blessed with abundant sunshine, is ideally positioned to harness solar energy," Kypros emphasises. "The average Cypriot understands the potential of solar energy," he adds, underscoring the importance of public support for the country's energy transition.
The project was funded by the European Union's Recovery and Resilience Plan, which aims to support the energy transition across Member States. "Government initiatives are key to making projects like this a reality," Kypros says, stressing that funding, streamlined permitting processes, and reduced bureaucracy are crucial to encourage other large facilities to follow suit.
“When weighing costs against benefits, the scales are tipped in favour of solar energy,” Kypros notes. He believes that if more facilities are to fully embrace solar energy, uniform designs for public buildings, easier access to financing, and greater support for research and innovation in new technologies will be critical.
