Cyprus races to finish last mobile desalination units by 2027

Local Top Newswater Cyprus races to finish last mobile desalination units by 2027 Image 34 Relevant News DLGOs to gain power to demolish dangerous buildings 4 September 2026 Cyprus races to finish last mobile desalination units by 2027 4 September 2026 Environment Department rejects 5 MW solar park near Aradippou 4 September 2026 Angelos Nicolaou 4 September 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber Prolonged drought and worryingly low water inflows into Cyprus’s dams have forced the government to turn to emergency measures, with mobile desalination units now central to plans to ease pressure on water supplies until permanent infrastructure, still at the planning stage, is completed. Over the past two years, decisions were taken to build nine mobile desalination units, expected to add a combined 157,000 cubic metres of water per day. Four are already operational, adding 47,000 cubic metres to the country’s water balance. A fifth is due to be completed within September. The Cabinet decided last Wednesday not to proceed with two of the nine units, while the remaining two are running behind schedule and are expected to come online before summer 2027. Units already operating The Moni unit (15,000 cubic metres/day), built using equipment donated by the United Arab Emirates, began phased operation in July 2025 and reached full production in December 2025. A recent Special Development Order extended its operation until December 31, 2029. The Kissonerga unit (12,000 cubic metres/day) began operating in August 2025 and is now producing at maximum capacity, after its output was increased from 10,000 to 12,000 cubic metres/day following approval. The Limassol Port unit (10,000 cubic metres/day) reached full production in April 2026, significantly boosting the water supply for greater Limassol. The Garyllis unit (10,000 cubic metres/day), which treats brackish water from boreholes along the Garyllis river, reached full operation in July 2026 despite earlier delays. Cancellations and postponements Obstacles, local opposition and financial re-planning have led to cancellations and postponements among the nine planned units. The Ayia Napa unit (15,000 cubic metres/day) was cancelled for good after fierce opposition from the local authority and area hoteliers, even though the Water Development Department had already completed the tender process. The floating Germasogeia desalination unit (20,000 cubic metres/day) was postponed after its initial tender failed in March 2026. The Finance Ministry asked for cheaper alternatives to be examined, since the cost of water from the floating unit was around €4 per cubic metre, compared with €0.85 to €1.82 per cubic metre for onshore units. With existing reserves covering 2026 and the Moni unit’s operation extended, the government decided to postpone the project and review whether it is still needed in winter 2026. Obstacles Two significant units are facing obstacles delaying the start of production. The Mazotos unit (up to 40,000 cubic metres/day) is the largest mobile unit planned. Although it secured a positive environmental opinion, the Mazotos Community Council filed an appeal with the Administrative Court. The request to suspend works was withdrawn after a Special Development Order was issued in July 2026, but the legal dispute remains ongoing, delaying the project’s timeline. It is expected to become operational in July 2027. The Vasilikos/EAC unit (20,000 cubic metres/day) has had its tender evaluation completed by the Electricity Authority of Cyprus, but the contract award remains stuck, pending the negotiation and signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the EAC and the Water Development Department, which is currently undergoing legal-technical review at the Law Office of the Republic. It, too, is expected to become operational in July 2027. The Episkopi unit (15,000 cubic metres/day) had its contract signed in February 2026 for an initial capacity of 10,000 cubic metres, with negotiations under way with the contractor to increase this to 15,000 cubic metres/day. Its operation is estimated to begin within October 2026, while the connecting pipeline and an EAC substation are being built in parallel. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News DLGOs to gain power to demolish dangerous buildings Environment Department rejects 5 MW solar park near Aradippou Von der Leyen rules out EU farm payments in occupied north Menogeia site to become Cyprus’s central police detention centre Retirement age forces 310 teachers off Cyprus appointment list Amathousia Festival’s 29th edition set for September 18 Mountain Games Cyprus 2026 brings four days of sport and culture to Troodos Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.