Cyprus
Cyprus ranks 44th in this year’s CCPI, among the low performers. It receives a medium rating in GHG Emissions and Energy Use, low in Renewable Energy, and very low in Climate Policy.
As an EU member, Cyprus is obligated to comply with the European Climate Law and its provisions, which help strengthen the national policy framework on climate mitigation by setting clear climate targets.
The Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR) sets binding annual greenhouse gas emission targets for EU member states for 2021–2030. For Cyprus, the ESR target is a 32% reduction by 2030 compared with 2005. However, the CCPI national experts criticise that the current policies and measures are insufficient for achieving this target.
Low Renewable Energy Rating, but Current Scheme Offers Promise
Cyprus’ low ranking in Renewable Energy is partly due to challenges in implementing necessary storage mechanisms, resulting in renewable energy not fully utilised when load rejection options are exhausted. Nevertheless, the schemes in place promoting renewable energy production appear effective, as only this past year, 3.000 applications were issued.
The CCPI experts criticise cases where photovoltaic parks were built without sufficiently considering environmental aspects, such as construction in areas with high biodiversity significance and, sometimes, even in agricultural zones. A few large companies also monopolise these parks.
As energy use rises, fossil gas is being introduced as the main decarbonisation measure for the energy sector. This will create stranded assets and carbon lock-ins. Cyprus’ long-term strategy lacks vision, as it remains overly dependent on fossil fuels, especially fossil gas, and does not account for various climate scenarios. The CCPI experts demand an immediate and decisive upgrade of the country’s electricity grid, creation of renewable energy communities, and an effective GHG emissions monitoring system.
Cyprus does have forest management in place, restricting deforestation to some extent. In agriculture, the country follows the EU’s common agricultural policy (CAP).
Key Outcomes
- Cyprus ranks 44th in this year’s CCPI, among the low performers
- The CCPI experts criticise cases where photovoltaic parks were built without sufficiently considering environmental aspects, such as construction in areas with high biodiversity significance
- Key demands: an immediate and decisive upgrade of the country’s electricity grid, creation of renewable energy communities, and an effective GHG emissions monitoring system
CCPI Experts
The following national experts agreed to be mentioned as contributors for this year’s CCPI:
- Terra Cypria – The Cyprus Conservation Foundation
- Natasa Ioannou (Friends of the Earth Cyprus)
