During the 5th Environmental Awards, organized by Green Dot Cyprus in cooperation with IMH and IN Business, The Cyprus Institute was granted the award in the category ‘Renewable Energy Resources’ for its pioneering research in the Field of the Renewable Energy Resources and especially Solar Energy. The Awards strive to reward and promote forward-thinking businesses and organizations that create environmentally friendly products or services, and recognize revolutionary plans and proposals that foster practices that promote the protection of the environment. The candidates were selected by an Evaluation Committee, which consists of people who are actively involved in the protection of the environment and the promotion of ‘green’ practices.

The award constitutes yet another recognition for the successful research work being carried out at CyI in this very important research area. Earlier this year the Institute secured a European Research Area (ERA) Chair grant of €2.5 million and a grant from the Energy oriented Centre of Excellence for computer applications, for research in the field of Solar Thermal Energy (STE). By securing this major grands the Institute established itself as an innovation hub for Cyprus, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. The principal focus will be on Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technologies for electricity production, desalination, air conditioning and heating, either in isolation or in cogeneration modalities. Of particular importance is the research being pursued at the Institute in thermal energy storage and the design of high efficiency solar receivers with integrated storage capability.

A significant part of the research program will be carried out at the unique Facility for Solar Energy and Desalination, which is being developed at the south coast of Cyprus (Pentakomo), and was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the  European Territorial Cooperation Programme Greece-Cyprus 2007-2013. The Pentakomo Field Facility holds the promise to allow Cyprus to distinguish itself as one of the few countries in Europe and the world with pioneering facilities and research in the emerging innovative field of solar thermal energy.