Electricity in Cyprus in 2023

The current state of electricity consumption in Cyprus heavily relies on fossil fuels, which account for roughly 80% of the total electricity generated. This leaves low-carbon energy sources contributing about 20% to the electricity mix. Solar energy is the largest clean energy source in Cyprus, providing over 15% of the electricity. Wind energy contributes slightly less, at approximately 4%, while biofuels add around 1%, indicating a relatively minor role. The heavy dependence on fossil fuels highlights both the challenge and the opportunity for Cyprus to transition toward a more sustainable and less polluting energy mix.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Cyprus should focus on expanding its existing solar energy infrastructure, given its favorable climate and the already significant contribution of solar energy. Learning from countries with successful clean energy strategies can also be beneficial. For instance, Denmark generates more than half of its electricity from wind, and Uruguay also relies significantly on wind power. These examples show that with the right investments and policies, wind energy can play a more substantial role in Cyprus. Additionally, although nuclear energy isn't currently utilized in Cyprus, successful examples in countries such as Slovakia, France, and Finland underline its potential as a stable and significant source of low-carbon electricity. Expanding both wind and potentially introducing nuclear energy could significantly reduce Cyprus's reliance on fossil fuels.

History

Reflecting on the history of low-carbon electricity in Cyprus, there have been notable changes over the past decade. In the early 2010s, both wind and solar energy saw minimal growth. Wind energy had a modest increase in 2011 and 2012 but then fluctuated with zero or slightly negative changes until 2014. Solar energy, on the other hand, began to show more consistent growth from 2015 onward. Specifically, there were incremental gains in solar electricity generation in 2015, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. These positive steps indicate a growing recognition of the benefits of solar energy. However, wind energy's progress has been relatively stagnant, with no significant increments in recent years. This historical context suggests that while solar energy is on an upward trajectory, wind energy requires more focused efforts to realize its potential.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources