The Under-Utilization of Solar Power in Cyprus
A reflection on the significant potential for solar power in Cyprus and the current under-utilization of this resource. The paper examines the benefits of solar energy, the challenges limiting its adoption, and proposes solutions to enhance energy sustainability on the island.
​​Introduction
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Cyprus, an island situated in the Eastern Mediterranean, receives a large amount of sunlight throughout the year. The location and climate make this country ideal for solar power generation. However, despite the potential to be global leaders in renewable energy, the island of Cyprus remains heavily reliant on crude oil to produce its electricity. According to the Sustainable Development Report, Cyprus faces major challenges in its progress towards the 13th UN Sustainable Development Goal, Climate Action. Cyprus also lags behind other nations in its pursuit of meeting SDG #7, which includes increasing affordable and clean energy (“Cyprus: SDG Dashboard and Trends,” n.d.). In this paper, we will examine the current state of energy production in Cyprus, the benefits of solar power as compared to existing production methods, and the external factors that currently limit solar power proliferation.
Background
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Currently, Cyprus relies predominantly on the burning of fossil fuels (specifically oil) to meet energy demands, and most of this oil is imported from across the Mediterranean (“Energy Generation,” n.d.). This has significant implications in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and environmental sustainability. Not only does oil extraction harm wildlife habitat and degrade the state of the ecosystem, but burning oil also releases potent greenhouse gas emissions (especially carbon dioxide) into the atmosphere – even more so than other non-renewable fuels such as natural gas. Solar power combats these emissions by taking advantage of the most bountiful energy source available to Cyprus: bright and sunny days.
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Solar power is a key renewable energy source that harnesses energy from the sun to create energy using photovoltaic panels to generate a current. Solar power is environmentally friendly, since it does not use water as part of its energy generation mechanism, and it is significantly less costly in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. In opposition, fossil fuels contribute significantly to air pollution, climate change, and resource depletion. A transition to primarily solar power generation on the island of Cyprus would improve sustainability.
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During our time in Cyprus, the sunshine’s constant presence has become obvious, yet we did not see many solar panels during our time here. Instead, we have seen many signs encouraging energy conservation. These are found in our apartments, in restaurants, and in various other buildings. These signs reflect an awareness of resource limitations in Cyprus, but it seems like these encouragements are the only widespread “solution” to this problem. Adoption of solar power would provide energy security for homes and businesses across the island. During our field trip to Limassol, we saw that even the sunniest parts of Cyprus (such as the southern coast of the island) lack significant solar infrastructure, despite having the most to gain from the widespread adoption of solar power.
Proposal
Our proposal is for Cyprus to leverage its convenient location and climate by investing in solar power infrastructure. With increased solar-driven energy production, the island can reduce its dependency on imported oil, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance environmental consciousness among its residents.
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While solar power is environmentally friendly and potentially abundant, it is important to note that widespread adoption of solar power requires interconnection to a larger grid system. Solar power is dependent on sunlight availability, which fluctuates significantly on a day-to-day basis. Crucially, the times when electricity is needed the most (in the winters and at night), are when the sun is less likely to be shining. Without adequate storage capabilities, excess energy produced at the peak of the day can cause damage to the small and isolated electrical grid of Cyprus. Without quick and responsive technologies to meet electrical demands during lulls in solar power production, the grid of Cyprus may face rolling blackouts and energy instability. Another solution is to interconnect Cyprus’ electrical grid with the European Union power grid. This way, lulls in solar power can be supplemented with power from mainland Europe, and excess energy can be shunted to the mainland (which will also help the EU work towards its own sustainability goals).
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Sustainable development is defined as being able to ensure that humanity “meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” For Cyprus to develop sustainably, it is important to note that there will not be just one perfect solution. As noted in the article “What is Sustainable Development?” to develop sustainably requires “the participation of diverse stakeholders and perspectives, with the ideal to reconciling different and sometimes opposing values wan goals towards a new synthesis and subsequent coordination of mutual action to achieve multiple values simultaneously and even synergistically” (Robert et al., 2005). Sustainable development, as mentioned in the article, requires coordination and mutual action. Solar power in Cyprus is a step in the right direction towards sustainable development, but to truly work towards net zero, energy production should come from a variety of sources.
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Cyprus has immense potential to become a leader in solar power generation, and transitioning can provide a multitude of benefits for the environment and economy. Addressing the challenges of grid connectivity is crucial for successful implementation of solar energy. Strides to address this challenge have been attempted. According to the European Commission, in 2022 the “EuroAsia Interconnector” project was started with the intention of linking the energy grids of Crete, Cyprus, and Israel. It aimed to promote energy security and integrate Cyprus into the greater EU electricity system (“Ending energy isolation,” n.d.). However, according to CyprusMail, as of October 2023, a funding shortfall of about 1 billion euros has caused the company EuroAsia Interconnector Ltd to withdraw from the project (Hazou, 2023). Upon further research, the official website for the EuroAsia Interconnector appears to be on longer operational. It is unclear whether other stakeholders will attempt continue with the project, or if it has officially been cancelled.
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Alternative and more locationally convenient solutions could be considered. For example, Turkey’s geographic proximity to Cyprus makes it an obvious option for grid connection. However, geopolitical tensions, including the Turkish occupation on the northern part of Cyprus, adds layers of complexity. This complicates the potential for Cyprus to become connected to a broader energy grid.
Limitations
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There are also additional challenges to implementing solar power on the island of Cyprus. One limitation is land use, as solar farms require significant land area. It can become difficult to find room for large-scale solar installations as development continues, both agriculturally and in urban spaces.
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Another drawback to solar can be the cost of solar infrastructure and connecting it to a larger grid system. Initial solar panel costs can be high, especially when considering the manufacturing, transportation, and installation of photovoltaic material on such a large scale.
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Finally, the production of solar panels requires the use of materials like tellurium, arsenic, indium, and other rare earth metals (“Critical Mineral Commodities,” 2019). Mining for these materials can cause damage to the surrounding environment and pose a threat to wildlife habitat and human health.
Conclusion
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A potential transition to solar power in Cyprus aligned with the UN Millennium Declaration values, specifically Respect for Nature (“United Nations Millennium Declaration,” 2000). As mentioned in the declaration, respect for nature includes being cautious about managing all living species and natural resources. Solar power reduces the reliance of fossil fuels that degrade the environment and worsen climate change. By investing in this technology, Cyprus would be able to utilize its geographic advantage and take a step towards broader sustainable development. This transition would foster a cleaner and healthier environment, which safeguards the planet for future generations. By transitioning to solar power, Cyprus can continue developing towards a more sustainable future.
References
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Critical Mineral Commodities in Renewable Energy | U.S. Geological Survey. (2019, June 4). https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/critical-mineral-commodities-renewable-energy
Energy Generation. Electricity Authority of Cyprus. (n.d.).
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Cyprus: SDG Dashboard and Trends. Sustainable Development Report 2023. (n.d.). https://dashboards.sdgindex.org/profiles/cyprus
Ending energy isolation - Project of Common Interest “EuroAsia Interconnector.” European Commission. (n.d.). https://commission.europa.eu/projects/ending-energy-isolation-project-common-interest-euroasia-interconnector_en
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Hazou, E. (2023, October 23). Cypriot company behind EuroAsia quits completely. Cyprus Mail. https://cyprus-mail.com/2023/10/23/cypriot-company-behind-euroasia-quits-completely/
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Robert, K. W., Parris, T. M., & Leiserowitz, A. A. (2005). What is Sustainable Development? Goals, Indicators, Values, and Practice. Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development, 47(3), 8–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/00139157.2005.10524444 
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United Nations Millennium Declaration | Ohchr. United Nations. (2000, September 8). https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/united-nations-millennium-declaration