Cyprus' decision to open its electricity market and increase the share of renewables in its energy mix will face its first major test next year, when the European Commission must evaluate the project, the Associated Press reports.
Cypriot lawmakers in October approved a law aimed at separating the transmission system operator from Cyprus' state electricity administration and enabling private electricity companies to supply homes and businesses.
The split was among the reforms Cyprus promised as part of its National Recovery and Sustainability Plan (NAP), which European leaders approved in July.
The European Commission told the Associated Press in an email on Friday that it would "formally assess the compliance of this reform with the commitments under the plan" when the Cypriot government requested EU funding next year.
So far heavily dependent on fossil fuels for electricity generation, Cyprus has taken steps to increase its contribution to renewable energy sources. This year's target of 13% of total electricity production was exceeded by 4 percentage points, according to Energy Minister Natasha Pilides. Solar and wind energy are the two main renewable sources.
Cyprus also wants to introduce the use of natural gas as a cleaner carbon alternative fuel as the country continues to look for possible off its southern shores.
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