Cyprus: Renewable Energy Challenges Despite EU Commitments

The Republic of Cyprus faces difficulties in achieving its binding target to increase the share of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in electricity generation by 37.6% by 2030. This is stated in the revised National Plan for Energy and Climate.

In 2024, the penetration of RES amounted to 24.5%, according to the Cyprus Transmission System Operator (TSMC), including the contribution from photovoltaics, wind turbines, and biomass. For 2025, the TSMC estimates an increase to 25.1%, taking into account cuts of 395GWh (22%) from the total annual production.

Experts point out that the grid is not flexible enough to support a greater penetration of RES, coupled with a lack of storage systems. The stagnation in these issues, attributed to decisions by the Minister of Energy, Giorgos Papanastasiou, casts doubt on achieving the 2030 target.

Furthermore, there is no clear timetable for upgrading the Dekeleia power station or for natural gas infrastructure.