Newsroom
As high temperatures drive increased energy demand in Cyprus, the island remains heavily reliant on mazut for electricity production. This dependency places Cyprus at the bottom of the EU's decarbonization efforts, starkly contrasting with the energy practices and carbon footprints of other European nations.
According to data from electricitymaps.com, Cyprus is the only European country primarily using oil (indicated by brown on the map), with a carbon intensity of 758 gCO2/kWh at noon on Monday, one of the highest in Europe. Similarly, Poland, which mainly uses coal, also appears in the same category.
The app further reports that in Cyprus, 78.71% of electricity is generated from mazut, contributing 99.01% of the island's carbon emissions. In contrast, 20.25% comes from photovoltaics, 1.01% from biomass, and a mere 0.03% from wind energy.
Cyprus hit a record electricity demand of 1,290 MW on Monday, July 22, according to Roger Tapakis, Deputy Spokesperson of the Cyprus Transmission System Operator (TSO). Tapakis noted that 42% of this demand was met by renewable energy sources (solar, wind, and biomass). He added that due to reduced solar production and transmission system limitations caused by the heatwave and high humidity, the TSO had to plan to maintain both conventional and wind power production. They were prepared to cut consumer load if necessary, but fortunately, no such disruptions occurred.
Cyprus ranks as one of the EU's most "unclean" energy users, highlighting the urgent need for a green transition and energy autonomy. This point was emphasized by leading entrepreneurs, international speakers, and academics at the "Green Agenda Cyprus Summit" in Nicosia last May.
Oxford professor Cameron Hepburn pointed out that Cyprus is among the dirtiest EU countries in terms of fossil fuel usage for electricity, resulting in both environmental harm and high electricity costs for citizens. He questioned why a country with so much sunshine isn't covered in solar panels to generate renewable energy, which would economically benefit consumers. He also noted that Cypriots pay the highest electricity rates in the EU.
Professor Hepburn argued that the green transition is an economic opportunity for the state, organizations, businesses, and households. Although there is a perception of high costs associated with green transition, these costs are actually investments that yield returns in the short, medium, and long term. Despite Cyprus's commitment to the EU's climate change and renewable energy goals, renewable usage remains low, around 20%.
The recent split between ETYFA and CPP-Metron Consortium Ltd delays the introduction of natural gas for electricity production indefinitely. Despite this setback, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou assured that the construction of the LNG terminal in Vasilikos will proceed and be completed.
Minister Papanastasiou outlined three pillars of the government's energy strategy: introducing natural gas to reduce conventional electricity costs, enhancing renewable energy sources and storage, and establishing electrical interconnections with Israel and Greece. He emphasized that these measures would significantly reduce electricity prices, even though they may not align perfectly in timing. With the introduction of natural gas and the strengthening of renewables in a competitive electricity market by July 2025, a substantial reduction in electricity prices is anticipated.
