**€20 Million Home Energy Upgrade Scheme Opens on October 20**
The Ministry of Energy in Cyprus has announced the launch of a new grant scheme aimed at enhancing the energy efficiency of homes across the country. The €20 million initiative, known as the 2026 Save and Upgrade Homes scheme, will open for applications on October 20, 2023, at 9 AM and will remain available until December 30, 2026, or until the allocated budget is fully utilized.
This program is part of the broader Thalia 2021-2027 initiative and is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund alongside the Republic of Cyprus. The scheme aims to support homeowners in making significant energy-efficient upgrades to their properties, with individual grants reaching up to €32,000.
To be eligible for the scheme, applicants must own a property that has a domestic electricity account registered with the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC). Furthermore, the property must have been first connected to the electricity network prior to January 1, 2008, or have had its planning or building permit application submitted before December 21, 2007. Each applicant is allowed to submit only one application, and the assessment will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.
The scope of improvements covered under this scheme is extensive, including but not limited to:
- Thermal insulation
- Replacement of windows and doors
- Installation of shading systems
- Solar water heaters
- High-efficiency air conditioning units and heat pump systems
- Photovoltaic systems and battery energy storage
- Services provided by qualified energy experts
The scheme is structured into two distinct categories of investment. Category A allows homeowners to receive grants of up to €32,000 for upgrades that transform their properties into nearly zero-energy buildings, which must achieve a minimum primary energy savings of 60%. Category B offers grants of up to €24,000 for energy-efficient upgrades that also meet the 60% savings threshold but do not require compliance with nearly zero-energy building standards.
Additional support is available for vulnerable consumers, properties located in mountainous regions, and refugee housing situated in government refugee settlements. This targeted assistance underscores the government's commitment to promoting energy efficiency while also addressing social equity.
Before submitting an application, homeowners must obtain an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) from a qualified expert registered with the Energy Service. This certificate must be dated May 15, 2026, or later, and is essential for determining eligibility and funding amounts. The final grant will be contingent upon achieving the required primary energy savings, which will be assessed by comparing the initial EPC with a final certificate issued post-improvement.
For those interested in applying, detailed eligibility requirements, grant amounts, and application procedures can be found in the implementation guide available on the ministry's online grants platform. It is recommended that applicants use web browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge for the submission process.
As the launch date approaches, the Ministry of Energy encourages all eligible homeowners to prepare their applications early to maximize their chances of receiving funding. The initiative not only aims to improve energy efficiency in homes but also contributes to broader environmental goals and the reduction of carbon emissions in Cyprus.