Mediterranean Action Plan

CYPRUS- III. National Study
5. PART IV: Proposals for more sustainable energy development
5.1 Summary of under exploited RE and RUE
One of the most important key issues related to the energy sector is the need for
diversification of the energy supply sources. At the moment, Cyprus is almost entirely
dependent on oil imports for its energy mix (94%), with a small but growing contribution from
renewable energy sources. Electricity generation, is based exclusively on oil, and is
exhibiting a significant increase in recent years, due to the increasing electricity demand.
Any type of Renewable Energy Source can be considered under exploited in Cyprus apart
from solar-thermal. Thus, any development that can take place based on the policies and
measures described in previous sections, could be described as more sustainable energy
development.
The Action Plan for the promotion of RES as set in Cyprus determines that the contribution of
RES to the total energy consumption of Cyprus should rise from 4.5% in 1995 to 9% in 2010.
5.2 Proposal for a sustainable energy development
5.2.1 Objectives
For help the strengthening of country’s sustainable development policies diversification of the
energy supply sources is the primary concern. This corresponds to construction of a
receiving / regasification terminal for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), which would make
possible the importation of natural gas. This project is planned to begin in 2007 and be
completed by 2009.
The overall environmental situation in Cyprus is characterized by deficiencies in
environmental infrastructure, particularly in the area of urban waste water treatment, solid
and hazardous waste management. Moreover, a continuous degradation of the natural
environment particularly in the coastal areas was observed, due mainly to tourist
development, whereas in the area of the energy intensity of the economy and the green
house gases emissions, the relevant indicators for Cyprus are at relatively higher levels as
compared to the EU average. This is to be explained by the following factors:
- The technology used in the generation of electricity (use of heavy fuel oil);
- The operation of energy intensive industries such as cement production;
- The absence of public transport systems such as railways, simultaneously with the
fact that the bus system is not well developed.
Energy consumption is steadily increasing, whereas the transport sector accounts for a
significant percentage of the total energy consumption.
5.2.2 Main Tools
The main policy priorities pursued by Cyprus in the area of the environment are the following:
- The creation / expansion of the environmental infrastructure for a sustainable
management of resources and waste;
- The protection, preservation and management of coastal areas;
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