The Athinodoros Group of Companies First in Photovoltaics.

We have identified the Athinodoros Group of Companies with the Athinodoros Concrete Company but it is much more than what we all think.

The Athinodoros Group of Companies has a number of companies operating in key sectors of the economy such as Energy, Renewable Energy Sources, Real Estate and so on, having a leading role in the market.

Speaking to the weekly newspaper Unattached of Paphos, Andreas Athinodorou, managing director of the Group referred to the Group’s activities and prospects in the Energy sector in Cyprus.

In recent years your company has been active in other areas and one of them is renewable energy sources and specifically with Photovoltaic Parks. How did you happen to venture into this?

The Athinodoros Group of Companies has always been characterized by its sensitivity to both the public and the environment.

Our company, in more than 30 years of activity as the dominant organization in the field of ready-mixed concrete and quarrying of aggregates, has decided to proceed with the diversification of its activities, focusing on developments that are in line with our social and professional consciousness.

We believe that Cyprus has always lagged behind in the renewable energy sector (RES) and we decided to change this. In 2012 we took the first step by participating in the Special Fund for Renewable Energy Tender with our first 1.5 MW Photovoltaic Park.

At the moment we are the largest producer of electricity from PV in Cyprus with 3 parks with a total power of 6MW.

What are the main problems you face as the largest solar power company in Cyprus?

Certainly the bureaucracy.

Is there a competitive environment in the photovoltaic sector?

Not yet to the extent that it should be, but we hope that this will soon change.

THE ATHENODORO GROUP OF COMPANIES HAS A NUMBER OF COMPANIES OPERATING IN KEY SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY SUCH AS ENERGY, RENEWABLE ENERGIES, REAL ESTATE, ETC., HAVING A LEADING ROLE IN THE MARKET.

Is electricity generation from a photovoltaic park cheaper or are the benefits limited only to protecting the environment from pollutants?

It’s cheaper if you’re a professional. Also, every kilowatt-hour we produce compared to the conventional units of AHK, is for the benefit of the Cypriot citizen as we do not export our country’s foreign exchange for the purchase of conventional fuels. As far as the environment is concerned, the benefits are considerable.

Could Cyprus produce 100% of the energy it needs from renewable sources?

Sure. But it will require corresponding investments in energy storage.

What are the future plans in this area of your business?

Our group is already proceeding with the planning and exploitation of further licenses for additional photovoltaic parks with a total capacity of 13MW. In addition, we have already invested and will continue to invest in the recycling sector. Our vision is by 2020 to become the largest organisation in this sector as well.

Source: Pafos Adesmevtos