From July 2025 through June 2026, almost 72% of electricity consumed in Cyprus came from fossil fuels, entirely oil, while about 28% came from low-carbon sources. Solar supplied around 23% of electricity—almost a quarter—and wind contributed roughly 4%. Solar is therefore already a substantial source of clean electricity, but Cyprus still relies heavily on oil, with its associated greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in Cyprus?

Cyprus’s electricity consumption per person has not regained its historical peak. The latest 2026 figure was about 4,200 kWh per person, roughly 520 kWh, or 11%, below the record of about 4,720 kWh set in 2010. This shortfall is concerning as electrification and growing AI demand increase the need for electricity, although comparison with a historical record alone does not establish the latest year-to-year trend. Clean electricity generation, however, reached a new per-person record: about 1,180 kWh, up roughly 60 kWh, or 5%, from the previous record in 2025. That is encouraging progress toward a cleaner electricity supply.

Suggestions

Cyprus should build on its existing solar success by expanding rooftop and utility-scale solar, alongside grid upgrades and storage that help deliver more clean electricity when needed. The US state of Nevada, where solar generates 35% of electricity, offers a useful example for a sunny region. Nearby Greece, with wind supplying 21%, also provides lessons for expanding wind beyond Cyprus’s current modest share. Cyprus should additionally consider nuclear electricity as part of its long-term clean electricity strategy: nuclear supplies about 40% of electricity in Slovenia and 20% in the United Arab Emirates, offering examples from a smaller European country and a sunny regional neighbour. Combining expanded solar and wind with nuclear could support electricity growth while reducing dependence on oil.

History

Cyprus’s low-carbon electricity history shows early wind growth followed by a stronger solar expansion. Wind generation increased by about 0.1 TWh in each of 2011 and 2012, while the listed changes in 2010 and 2013–2015 were zero at the reported precision. Solar likewise recorded little change in the listed years from 2013 through 2018, before gaining about 0.1 TWh annually in 2020–2022 and about 0.2 TWh annually in 2023–2025. Those successive solar gains are welcome evidence of sustained clean electricity growth. In 2026, wind added about 0.1 TWh, but solar showed no increase at the reported precision—a disappointing pause after several strong years, making renewed solar expansion especially important.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

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