Cyprus Invests €29.8 Million in Episkopi Desalination Plant to Secure Water Supply for Limassol
10 Feb 2026
Cyprus has taken a major step to strengthen long-term water security with the award of a landmark desalination contract to SYSCHEM SA. The project, led by the Water Development Department (WDD), will deliver a temporary desalination plant in Episkopi to supply potable water to the Limassol District for five years, reinforcing the country’s resilience to drought and climate change.The contract award notice for TAY 49/2025 was published on 4 February 2026, following the signing of the agreement on 3 February 2026. With an estimated value of €29.81 million, the project represents one of the most significant recent water infrastructure investments in Cyprus.A Strategic Response to Water ScarcityCyprus is among the most water-stressed countries in Europe, facing frequent drought cycles, limited freshwater resources, and increasing demand from population growth and tourism. The Episkopi desalination plant is designed as a rapid yet robust solution to ensure reliable water supply for households, businesses, agriculture, and tourism in Limassol.The project forms part of Cyprus’ broader national strategy to expand desalination capacity, water reuse, and climate-resilient infrastructure.Scope of the Awarded TenderThe contract covers the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of a reverse osmosis desalination facility and associated infrastructure.Key project components include:Engineering and installation of a reverse osmosis desalination plantConstruction of supporting civil, electrical, and mechanical infrastructureOperation and maintenance of the facility for five yearsContinuous delivery of desalinated water to the national supply networkThe plant will serve as a temporary but essential addition to Cyprus’ desalination portfolio, helping bridge water supply gaps during periods of low rainfall.Environmental and Economic ImpactThe Episkopi project is expected to deliver wide-ranging benefits across the Limassol region and the wider Cypriot economy.Strengthening Water SecurityThe new facility will:Provide a reliable alternative to rainfall-dependent reservoirsReduce vulnerability to drought and climate variabilityStabilize water supply during peak summer demandSupporting Tourism and IndustryLimassol is one of Cyprus’ most important economic and tourism hubs. A secure water supply is essential for:Hotels and tourism facilitiesIndustrial and commercial activityUrban development and infrastructure growthAdvancing Climate ResilienceThe project aligns with European sustainability goals and Cyprus’ long-term climate adaptation strategy, promoting sustainable water management and resource efficiency.About the Winning ContractorSYSCHEM SA, based in Athens, Greece, is a specialist in desalination, water treatment, and environmental engineering. The company brings extensive experience in delivering reverse osmosis plants and large-scale water infrastructure projects across the region.What Comes NextFollowing contract award, the project will move into the engineering and installation phase, with commissioning expected to ensure continuous supply during the five-year operational period.The Episkopi desalination project underscores Cyprus’ commitment to sustainable water infrastructure, climate adaptation, and long-term resilience, ensuring that the Limassol region remains secure against future water shortages. #ContractAward #TenderResults #ProcurementNews #GovernmentContracts #Cyprus #WaterSecurity #DesalinationPlant #ReverseOsmosis #WaterInfrastructure #ClimateResilience #EUProjects
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Cyprus Secures €25.6 Million Contract for New Firefighting Aircraft Fleet with Air Tractor Europe of Spain
03 Nov 2025
To ensure continuous aerial firefighting capacity, the Republic of Cyprus has given a significant €25.64 million contract to the Spanish aerospace company Air Tractor Europe SL for the purchase of three cutting-edge firefighting aircraft and the wet leasing of additional aircraft. Under reference ΓΛ 27/2024, the contract awarded by the Treasury of the Republic of Cyprus (Γενικό Λoγιστζριο Δημοκρατίας) was finalised on September 24, 2025.Overview of the ContractThe contract, which was published on September 25, 2025, in the Official Journal of the European Union (Document No. 626479-2025), is a crucial part of Cyprus's plan to improve its national fire prevention and response capacities in the face of Mediterranean wildfire seasons that are getting worse.The deal, which is worth €25,641,897, includes acquiring three (3) brand-new firefighting aircraft Firefighting aircraft are being wet-leased pending the delivery of the replacement fleet Flying and maintaining the bought aircraft from 2026 to 2028, with the potential to extend for 2029 to 2030 Furthermore, between 2028 and 2030, the contracting authority retains the right to purchase an additional five aircraft (without maintenance or flying services), enabling the firefighting fleet to be scaled as needed.Participating Entities Buyer: Treasury of the Republic of Cyprus (Γενικό Λογιστήριο Δημοκρατίας) Location: Nicosia, Cyprus Contact: Mr. Giorgos Lazaris - glazaris@treasury.gov.cy Website: www.treasury.gov.cy Supplier: Air Tractor Europe SL Location: Castellón, Spain Website: www.eprocurement.gov.cy/epps Email: bidder@airtractoreurope.com Many people are familiar with Air Tractor Europe's specialized aerial firefighting aircraft, especially the AT-802 series, which is well-known for its dependability, range, and adaptability in combating wildfires.The Contract's significanceThis procurement marks a strategic investment in Cyprus’s civil protection infrastructure, reinforcing its ability to combat large-scale forest fires more efficiently. A wet lease agreement is included to guarantee that the nation's firefighting capabilities continue to function during the transitional phase until the delivery of the replacement aircraft. The deal also emphasises cross-border collaboration inside the EU, demonstrating how Spain's aerospace sector uses operational support and technological transfer to strengthen regional resilience in the Mediterranean.The options for contract renewal and expansion provide scalability in response to changing climate conditions and are in line with Cyprus's disaster management framework for 2026-2030.Final ThoughtsCyprus makes a significant move to update its aerial firefighting fleet and protect its residents and natural resources by collaborating with Air Tractor Europe. In addition to bolstering the nation's emergency response capabilities, the €25.6 million deal shows the government's proactive approach to climate adaptation and public safety readiness for the next years. #Cyprus #ProcurementNews #ContractAward #FirefightingAircraft #GovernmentContracts #AirTractorEurope #CivilProtection #AerialFirefighting #MediterraneanWildfires #EUProcurement #CyprusTenders #PublicSafety #PublicProcurement #ClimateResilience
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