In the recent period from July 2025 to June 2026, Cyprus' electricity consumption has shown a strong reliance on fossil fuels, with more than seven-tenths (about 72%) of its electricity generated from oil, marking an area of concern given the environmental impacts tied to fossil fuel use. In contrast, low-carbon or clean energy sources make up over a quarter of the electricity supply. Specifically, solar energy is responsible for over 23% of electricity generation, showcasing Cyprus' significant potential for solar power due to ample sunlight. Wind energy contributes a smaller portion, approximately 4%, highlighting a possible area for improvement.

Is Electricity Growing in Cyprus?

Despite these numbers, overall electricity consumption in Cyprus has declined from its 2010 peak. The latest figure of 4201 kWh per person in 2026 marks a decrease of 518 kWh per person from the 4719 kWh per person recorded in the year 2010. However, this is not the case for low-carbon electricity generation, which reached new heights in 2026 with 1182 kWh per person. This recent number surpassed the previous year's low-carbon record of 1125 kWh per person by 57 kWh, indicating a positive trend in the adoption of cleaner electricity. While the total electricity consumption saw a decrease, Cyprus' commitment to increasing low-carbon energy sources is a step in the right direction for sustainable growth.

Suggestions

To enhance low-carbon electricity generation further, Cyprus can look into expanding its successful solar programs and explore the broader implementation of wind energy. Additionally, Cyprus could learn from countries like Nevada, which generates 35% of its electricity from solar energy. Furthermore, embracing nuclear energy could also prove beneficial, drawing inspiration from countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear comprises a significant portion of their electricity generation at 67% and 66%, respectively. These regions demonstrate that a strong commitment to low-carbon energy can lead to substantial portions of their electricity coming from clean sources, offering Cyprus valuable examples to emulate for a greener energy future.

History

Reflecting on Cyprus' history of low-carbon electricity, progress has been quite modest until recent years. In the early 2010s, wind energy began contributing 0.1 TWh annually in 2011 and 2012, with no significant expansion until 2026 when wind picked up another 0.1 TWh. The solar energy sector experienced a turning point around 2020, with incremental increases starting in 2020 and consistently adding 0.1 to 0.2 TWh annually through 2025. This steady growth underscores the island's potential for solar development, although opportunities for faster advancement still exist. As Cyprus moves towards the future, amplifying efforts in solar and exploring nuclear options will be crucial for a sustainable energy transition.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

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