Over the past twelve months, from April 2025 to March 2026, Cyprus has sourced slightly more than a quarter of its electricity from low-carbon energy sources, illustrating a commendable effort towards sustainability. More than half of this clean electricity comes from solar power, accounting for almost a quarter of the total electricity usage. Wind contributes a smaller fraction, providing over 4% of electricity. However, a significant majority, more than 70%, of Cyprus's electricity still comes from fossil sources, mainly oil. This imbalance shows that despite progress, the island heavily relies on fossil fuels for its electricity, thus posing challenges for reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.

Is Electricity Growing in Cyprus?

Analyzing the growth of electricity usage in Cyprus, the current electricity consumption per person stands at 4162 kWh, noticeably lower than the peak consumption of 4719 kWh per person recorded in 2010. This indicates a decline of nearly 600 kWh per person, which could be worrying if considering the need for more electricity to support technological advancements and increased electrification. However, there is a glimmer of good news when it comes to clean electricity; low-carbon generation has reached a new high of 1150 kWh per person, which is an increase compared to the previous record of 1125 kWh per person in 2025. This modest improvement underscores Cyprus's commitment to enhancing its low-carbon footprint.

Suggestions

To build on these achievements and enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Cyprus could significantly expand its existing solar infrastructure, given the substantial share it already holds in the island's energy mix. Learning from regions like Nevada, which successfully generates over a third of its electricity from solar power, Cyprus can steer more investment into this abundant resource. Furthermore, looking towards countries like France and New Hampshire, the expansion or introduction of sustainable nuclear energy on the island could play a pivotal role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and boosting energy independence. A model where solar and nuclear form the bedrock of Cyprus's electricity supply holds immense potential for shaping a cleaner, greener future.

History

Reflecting on the history of low-carbon electricity in Cyprus, the introduction of wind energy in the early 2010s marked the beginning of its clean energy journey. Significant growth occurred in 2011 and 2012 with small gains, and wind remained a persistent, albeit small, contributor since. The late 2010s and early 2020s saw solar gaining momentum, with consistent increments from 2020 onwards. The more recent years account for remarkable, though gradual growth in solar power, which substantially contributes to the present-day low-carbon electricity share. Although modest, these strides highlight Cyprus's potential to become a more sustainable energy player, warranting emphasis on continual investment in solar and exploration of nuclear energy possibilities for further development.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Apr 2025 – Mar 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.