On 20 June 2025, ideopsis contributed to the Participatory Workshop for co-designing solutions for SMEs participation in Energy Communities. The event was organised by the Cyprus Institute (CyI), in collaboration with the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, under the Limassol City Cooling Challenge (LC3) project. The Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted the event. The workshop aimed to explore and discuss practical solutions for the development of Energy Communities by local businesses.

Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Mr. Andreas Tsouloftas addressed the event, highlighting Limassol’s goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2030 and emphasising the importance of implementing innovative energy solutions and fostering synergies to meet this ambitious goal. Mr. Michalis Fellas, representing the Mayor of Limassol Mr. Giannis Armeftis, emphasised that Limassol’s transition to climate neutrality presents a significant investment opportunity, one in which local businesses have a significant role to play.

Participants benefited from a series of insightful presentations that shed light on the business opportunities within the energy transition, particularly through participation in Energy Communities. The sessions covered key topics such as potential cost and energy savings for local enterprises, the existing legal framework and its limitations, and the critical role of public awareness, advocacy, and capacity building. Presentations also demonstrated the financial viability of Energy Communities through practical examples and outlined the essential steps businesses can take to initiate and lead such initiatives.

Dr. Anna Artemi, Energy Policy Expert at ideopsis, participated in the panel discussion along with Mr. Stelios Kyprou, representing the Cyprus Energy Agency, Dr. Nestor Fylaktos and Mr. George Elpidoforou from the CyI, with Dr. Thanasis Hatzilacos coordinating the discussion. The discussion focused on several key topics, including the current legal limitations to establishing Energy Communities in Cyprus, which hinder their development. It also highlighted the importance of preparing a solid business plan before investing in a renewable energy project, as well as the potential technical challenges of integrating such projects into the electricity grid and avoiding curtailments.

At ideopsis, we aspire to become a leader in providing consulting services to emerging Energy Communities across Cyprus. This involves guiding SMEs, local authorities, and individuals to take decisive, confident steps in building a strong foundation for successful Energy Communities that fulfil their purpose — delivering meaningful economic and environmental benefits to their members, along with broader social value for the local community.