Martha Kehagias
Cyprus remains one of the European Union’s most petroleum-dependent countries, according to the latest Eurostat energy data, even though renewable sources now account for almost all domestic energy production.
The figures show a country making progress in renewable energy while continuing to rely heavily on imported oil products to meet its overall energy needs.
Cyprus records highest share of petroleum products in the EU
In 2024, petroleum products accounted for 86% of Cyprus’ available energy, the highest proportion among EU member states. Malta followed at 85%, while Luxembourg stood at 60%.
Natural gas played almost no role in Cyprus’ energy mix, while nuclear energy was absent entirely.
The pattern is also reflected in final energy consumption. Petroleum products made up more than half of all energy consumed in Cyprus, placing the island among the most oil-dependent countries in Europe alongside Greece, Malta, Luxembourg and Ireland.
Renewable energy dominates local production
The picture changes significantly when looking at domestic energy production.
Renewable sources accounted for 96% of all energy produced in Cyprus in 2024, one of the highest shares in the European Union. Only Malta, Latvia and Portugal recorded higher proportions.
Almost all energy produced on the island came from renewable sources, with only a small contribution from solid fuels.
This contrast illustrates one of Cyprus’ main energy characteristics. While local production is overwhelmingly renewable, the country still depends on imported fuels to satisfy demand.
One of the EU’s most import-dependent countries
Cyprus remains highly dependent on imported energy.
The country's energy import dependency rate reached about 88% in 2024, compared with an EU average of 57%. Only Malta and Luxembourg recorded higher levels.
Oil and petroleum products account for most of those imports. Eurostat data show Cyprus had the highest share of oil and petroleum products in energy imports among EU member states, at 96%.
As a result, international fuel prices continue to have a significant impact on the Cypriot economy.
Fossil fuels still dominate electricity generation
Despite rapid growth in solar installations, electricity generation in Cyprus remains dominated by fossil fuels.
Among EU countries, Cyprus ranks close to Malta in its reliance on fossil fuels for electricity production. By comparison, countries such as France, Sweden, Denmark and Austria generate much larger shares of their electricity from nuclear, hydro and wind power.
The figures indicate that renewable electricity capacity is expanding, but fossil fuels continue to provide most of the island’s power generation.
Cyprus trails EU leaders in renewable energy availability
Renewable energy accounted for roughly 12% of Cyprus’ available energy in 2024.
That is below the EU average of about 20% and far behind countries such as Sweden, Latvia and Denmark, where renewables make up a much larger share of available energy.
The difference reflects Cyprus’ dependence on imported petroleum products despite strong renewable production at home.
Energy consumption continues to increase
Cyprus recorded one of the largest increases in energy consumption in the EU over the past decade.
Primary energy consumption rose by 18% between 2014 and 2024, while final energy consumption increased by 19%.
Many larger EU economies moved in the opposite direction over the same period. Germany and France both recorded declines.
The increase in Cyprus reflects growing demand from households, businesses, transport and tourism.
Emissions remain a challenge
Eurostat data show Cyprus recorded the largest increase in net greenhouse gas emissions among EU member states between 1990 and 2023, at 58%.
Continued dependence on oil products and road transport remains a key factor behind that trend.
