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Cyprus energy system and the use of renewable energy sources
Energy 30 (2005) 1889–1901 www.elsevier.com/locate/energy
Cyprus energy system and the use of renewable energy sources C. Koroneos*, P. Fokaidis, N. Moussiopoulos Department of Mechanical Engineering, Laboratory of Heat Transfer and Environmental Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, P.O. Box 483, GR 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece Received 27 June 2003
Abstract Cyprus is an island state whose energy production is almost completely dependent on imported hydrocarbon fuels. Its electricity production sector is more than 90% dependent on oil products while the remaining 9% are covered by imports of coal (4.5%) and by solar energy (4.5%). Because Cyprus will become a full member of the European Union (EU), it becomes essential to follow the EU white paper rules and insert renewable energy sources (RES) as part of its energy production system. Solar, wind energy and biomass are the three available forms of RES. This paper will examine and analyze the energy system of Cyprus. It will examine the RES available and the extent of the energy needs could be satisfied by them. q 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
1. Introduction Cyprus is situated in the north-eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea, 338 east and 358 north of the Equator. It is situated 75 km south of Turkey, 105 km west of Syria, 380 km north of Egypt, and 380 km east of Rhodes (Greece). The third largest Mediterranean island after Sicily and Sardinia, it has an area of 9251 km2, of which 1733 are forested. Cyprus has a record of successful economic performance, reflected in rapid growth, full employment conditions and external and internal stability, almost throughout the post-Independence period. The underdeveloped economy, inherited from colonial rule until 1960, has been transformed into a viable economy with dynamic services, industrial and agricultural sectors and advanced physical and social infrastructure. In terms of per capita income, currently estimated at US $13,000 (2000), it is classified as the highest income country of all entering new EU members. * Corresponding author. Tel.: C30 2310 995968; fax: C30 2310 996012. E-mail address: [email protected] (C. Koroneos). 0360-5442/$ - see front matter q 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.energy.2004.11.011
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Fig. 1. Cyprus primary energy sources.
Today, Cyprus is almost completely dependent on imported fossil fuels for its energy supply, with over 91% of its energy produced by oil (Fig. 1). The remaining 9% are covered by imports of coal (4.5%) used for cement production and by solar energy (4.5%). A remarkable of 62% of the country’s export earnings is used to pay for the country’s oil import. Cyprus has no natural oil resources and relies entirely on imported fuel for its energy demands. At the present, the only natural energy resource available is solar energy. Despite the fact that Cyprus is one of the leading countries in the world when it comes to utilizing solar water heaters, nothing essential has been done to further ensure the introduction of renewable energy sources (RES). Renewable energies, as indigenous sources of energy, will have an important role to play in reducing the level of energy imports with positive implications for balance of trade and security of supply. Unfortunately, RES still make an unacceptably modest contribution to the Cyprus energy balance, as compared with the available technical potential. The government still seems unable to adopt a promising energy policy involving further promotion of modern energy technologies and maximum exploitation of RES.
2. Cyprus energy system The small Mediterranean island of Cyprus has been enjoying the benefits of electricity for over 90 years. The ‘new’ source of energy was first introduced in 1903 with the installation, by the then British colonial government, of a power generator to serve the needs of the Commission in the capital, Nicosia. Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) operates at present three power stations with a total installed capacity of 988 MW as shown on Table 1. The thermal efficiencies of all power plants, especially those of the 60 MW size fuel oil fired steam boiler units, are relatively low. The efficiency of these units could reach at least 31% with a direct effect on the economic operation of the overall power system. Although the law concerning electricity generation has recently been modified, the power sector of Cyprus is still monopolized by the sole state industry, EAC. The electric utility is a vertical integrated enterprise responsible for generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, under the Electricity Development Law Cap. 171 of 1952.
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Table 1 Cyprus power station installed capacity Power station
Installed capacity (MW)
Total capacity (MW)
Vasilikos power station Vasilikos power station Dhekelia power station Moni power station Moni power station Total installed capacity
2!130 oil/steam 1!38 gas turbine 6!60 oil/steam 6!30 oil/steam 4!37.5 gas turbines
260 38 360 180 150 988
The electricity market share for 2000 is presented in Fig. 2. As shown, the commercial sector is the largest (40%) while the household (domestic) sector represents 35% of the consumption, and the industrial consumption accounts for 20%. The power system of Cyprus faces similar problems with other large islands in the Mediterranean, for example, Crete and Malta. Excessive load growth associated with the commercial sector during
Fig. 2. Electricity market share (Cyprus, 2000).
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Fig. 3. Gross production—prediction of electricity (Cyprus 1986–2008).
the tourist period, low annual load factor with corresponding high peak demand, environmental restriction related to the development of new fossil fired thermal power plants, and high voltage transmission lines, limited if non indigenous energy sources and isolated from large interconnected power grids [1]. The total consumption of electricity over the last fifteen years (1986–2001) has increased with a yearly average of 7% (Fig. 3). The island is experiencing a transformation into a modern western economy with a large influx of tourists and a sharp increase in the standard of living. This is easily shown in the statistics of electricity consumed during the summer months. According to the EAC, the increase is expected to continue to rise with an average of 6% during the next 10 years [2]. Focusing on the main consumers of electricity, the domestic, industry and commercial sector, the increase has been remarkable in the domestic and commercial sector, with an average annual increase of 9–10% (Fig. 4) [4]. The explanation lies in the increased use of electricity for space heating, water heating, cooking and air-conditioning [3]. If addressed properly, the sharp increase in demand could be
Fig. 4. Increase in electricity consumption (Cyprus 1986–2000) [4].
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halted. By introducing proper building regulation, disqualify electrical heaters for cooking, water heating and space heating, the demand curve would flatten out, thus diminishing the need for new power capacity. The same analysis has to be made for the other sectors, in order to find ways to flatten the demand curve [3].
3. Why renewable energy sources? The electricity demand of Cyprus is increasing rapidly and is expected to double within the next 10–12 years. The need for energy independence is already mentioned due to the remarkable and unpredicted amounts used by the Cyprus Government to pay for oil imports. Not mentioned yet, but still important, is the environmental effects of burning fossil fuels. The Meteorological Service of Cyprus has compiled statistics (some dating back to 1896) that confirm the global changes in weather patterns locally. During the last century there has been a total increase of 0.5 8C in temperature on the island (Fig. 5), and a 12% decrease in rainfall for the whole of Cyprus, making periods of extreme water shortage more common [5]. According to this report: † † † † †
In the period from 1896 to 1995, there has been 1 8C increase in temperature in Nicosia. In the period from 1903 to 1995, there has been 1.2 8C increase in temperature in Limassol. In the period from 1933 to 1995, there has been 1 8C increase in temperature in Larnaka. During the last century, there has been a 12% decrease in rainfall throughout Cyprus. During the last century, there has been an increase of 0.5 8C in temperature.
Cyprus already suffers severely from water shortages, with water availability far below the Mediterranean average. The water consumption per inhabitant in Cyprus is 80 l/day, four times less in comparison with developed countries. According to a National Observatory of Athens’ report, concerning the reduction of Greenhouse emission, electricity production is responsible for the 44% of CO2 total emission (Fig. 6) [6]. It is therefore important to underline that a significant increase in the share of RES in the electricity sector, will play a key role in meeting Kyoto’s CO2 reduction objectives. Finally, there is also another point of view, as far as the RES are concerned; the political one. The negotiations for Cyprus and another 10 countries of Central and Eastern Europe started on
Fig. 5. Mean annual temperature change in Nicosia (1951–1999).
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Fig. 6. Carbon dioxide emission per energy sector (Cyprus 1998) [6].
31st of March 1998 when the interested parties signed the agreement for the entrance terms for the EU. Cyprus became a full member of EU in 2003. One of the most important steps of negotiations is the reviewing of the European standards in comparison with the Cyprus laws for the energy sector. The purpose will be to mark the differences that need to be covered so as the legislation of Cyprus for this issue will be harmonized with the European Union standards. One of the priorities of the energy policy of the European Union is to promote RES and to improve energy efficiency. For the specific issue of RES, the EU has developed the ‘White Paper [7]’ giving the commission’s strategy on RES. The main goal of the ‘White Paper’ is that by the year 2010, 12% of the total energy produced has to be produced by RES. In order to achieve this goal, the member states need to adopt measures for easy access of RES in the energy market and speed up the implementation of new or existing technologies for using RES.
4. Cyprus renewable energy potential An analysis of all available RES would give an indication of the percent of energy needs that could be satisfied. The RES that could be used economically are wind energy, solar energy and biomass. 4.1. Wind potential In the eastern Mediterranean area generally, surface winds are mostly western or south-western in winter and north-western or northern in summer [8]. Usually of light or moderate strength, they rarely reach gale force. Over the island of Cyprus, winds are quite variable in direction with orography and local heating effects playing a large part in the determination of local wind direction and strength (Fig. 7). Differences of temperature between sea and land, which are built up daily in predominant periods of clear skies in summer, cause considerable sea and land breezes. The wind regime of Cyprus is influenced by three major factors: (a) The eastward moving cyclones that pass over the island, the effect of the Siberian anticyclone as well as the extension of the Indian monsoon low over Cyprus in summer; (b) The large temperature differences between the sea and the land; and, (c) the effect of the mountain ranges, where local wind systems develop. Although high wind potential is not typical in Cyprus, several areas are identified as having annual mean wind speeds greater than 5 m/s at 10 m height. These locations are situated in the southern coastal zone of the island and in some exposed locations in the mountains. These areas seem to be very promising for wind turbines
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Fig. 7. Annual mean wind speed (m/s) over the Island of Cyprus at 10 m height. Using the numerical model WAsP [8].
installation [8]. Fig. 8 gives a good indication of the wind speed at various locations in Cyprus. As shown, the mean average is around 4 m/s. Recently, the EAC has announced a high expenditure tender, concerning the development of the first Wind Park in Cyprus. The Project includes the establishment of a Wind Park near the Kouris Dam in
Fig. 8. Frequency distribution vs wind speed of various locations in Cyprus.
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Fig. 9. Duration of daily radiation.
Limassol District, of installed capacity 6–8 MW, consisting of four Wind Turbines of rating 1.5–2 MW each. Also, as an optional work, this Tender includes the provision and installation of one Wind Turbine of rating 1.5–2 MW, at Vasilkos Power Station. 4.2. Solar potential All parts of Cyprus enjoy a very mild climate with a lot of sunny days. In the central plain and eastern lowlands the average number of hours of bright sunshine for the whole year is 75% of the time that the sun is above the horizon (Fig. 9). Over the whole six summer months there is an average of 11.5 h of bright sunshine per day whilst in winter this is reduced to 5.5 h in the cloudiest months, December and January. Even on the high mountains, the cloudiest winter months have an average of nearly 4 h of bright sunshine per day and in June and July the figure reaches 11 h. Mean daily global solar radiation varies
Fig. 10. Mean hourly direct solar radiation.
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Fig. 11. Installed flat plate solar collector area per inhabitant.
from about 2.3 kWh/m2 in the cloudiest months of the year, December and January, to about 7.2 kWh/m2 in July [9]. Mean hourly direct solar radiation in Cyprus (Fig. 10) varies from 250 to 700 Wh/m2. Compared to other European Union countries, Cyprus is in a very good position with respect to the exploitation [10,11] of solar energy (Fig. 11). The estimated area of flat plate solar collectors that are in working order is 560,000 m2, which corresponds to approximately 0.86 m2 per inhabitant. It is estimated that the number of solar water heaters installed in Cyprus exceeds 190,000 units [12]. However, solar energy is used exclusively for domestic hot water needs in terms of solar heaters and there is still no commercial application of industrial process heat [13]. Furthermore, although costs have fallen dramatically, with a 25% cost decrease over the past 5 years, as far as photovoltaics are concerned, solar electricity is barely met on the island. 4.3. Biomass Biomass is a prevalent resource as it includes in addition to woody biomass and the residues of the wood working industry, energy crops, agricultural residues and agrofood effluents, manures as well as the organic fraction of municipal solid waste and sewage sludge. Energy from biomass is versatile in that it can produce electricity and heat. According to a resent research carried out by the Higher Technical Institute of Cyprus [14], turning the total amount of municipal wastes into heat for use in electricity production would amount to a total of 3.2!109 MJ, an energy amount equivalent to the 8.5% of the total energy produced by the imports of Table 2 The average percentage weight composition of the solid wastes in Cyprus—all cities Item
Composition, % by weight
Paper Plastic Food Yard wastes Glass Metals
24 5 39 14 1.5 2
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Table 3 Calorific values and percentage of moisture content of the solid municipal wastes, Cyprus City
Weight (tons/year)
Percentage (%)
Meana calorific value (J/g)
Meana moisture (%)
Nicosia Limassol Larnaca Paphos Total
68,500 77,800 37,500 37,000 220,800
31.02 35.24 16.98 16.76 100
15,400 15,500 15,950 15,400 15,529
44.5 48.5 38.5 39.5 44
a
Mean refers to summer–winter values.
crude oil used in electricity production [14]. The composition, the calorific values and the percentage of moisture content of the solid municipal wastes in Cyprus are presented in Tables 2 and 3. These figures, as far the calorific value is concerned, are very much similar to those stated by other researchers. Nevertheless, the moisture content seems to be higher than that given in the literature. The higher percentage of moisture in the waste makes their use for power generation more expensive to be used as an alternative energy source. Nevertheless, municipal waste seems to be a very promising part of RES content of Cyprus.
5. Introducing renewable energy sources Considering all the important benefits of RES for the economy of Cyprus and the environment, it becomes apparent how important it is to introduce RES to the Cyprus energy system. In order to assist a real take off of RES for large-scale penetration, the EU proposes via its White Paper a campaign for take off of RES. The proposed campaign aims to promote the implementation of large-scale projects in different renewable energy sectors and it will send clear signals for greater use of RES. It is strongly recommended that Cyprus soon establishes its own take-off campaign, according to EU standards, with a final goal of doubling the share of RES to a total 10% of its gross energy consumption by the year 2010. The achievement of this objective depends on the success and growth of the various individual renewable technologies. The use of RES could create an annual cost benefit, concerning the avoided fuel costs. This benefit could be returned to the consumers as finance for using RES. Any effort towards the installation of photovoltaics should be financially encouraged and technically supported. Interested parties in utilizing RES and/or cogeneration for electricity generation should be given access for connecting to the local network. Under the assumptions of financing, a contribution of 8 MW (concerning 3000 2–3 kWh roofs) installed capacity in Cyprus from photovoltaics by 2010 seems ambitious but realistic. It is forecasted that this would be accounted for mainly by grid-connected installations into the structure of buildings (roofs and facades) (Table 4). The economic and environmental impact resulting from such an action would be very substantial. The photovoltaics campaign should promote the use of solar electricity in public buildings and especially schools. This action would have an educational effect and awareness at an early and receptive age. Solar-thermal energy could be used for commercial and industrial application, e.g. for seawater desalination by producing the thermal energy required to drive the phase change processes [15]. It could also be used for the heat process used in the food and textile industry for such diverse applications as drying, cooking, cleaning, extraction and many others.
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Table 4 Purchase price for photovoltaics according to benefit of annual avoided fuel cost Year
Additional capacity (MW)
Total capacity (MW)
Produced energy (GWh)
Benefit of annual avoided fuel costs (ECU)
Purchase price (additional) (ECU/kWh)
CO2 reduction (ton/year)
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Total
0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.3 8
0.2 0.6 1.2 2 3 4.2 5.4 6.7 8 8
0.3 0.9 1.8 3 4.5 6.3 8.1 10.05 12 46.95
15,000 45,000 90,000 150,000 225,000 315,000 405,000 502,500 600,000 23,475,000
0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.04
200 600 1200 2000 3000 4200 5400 6700 8000 31,300
As far as wind energy is concerned, it has the potential to play an important role in the future energy supply in Cyprus (Table 5). Within the last 15 years, wind turbine technology has reached a very reliable and sophisticated level. The growing worldwide market will lead to further improvements, such as larger wind turbines or new system applications, e.g. offshore wind farms. These improvements will lead to further cost reductions and over the medium term wind energy will be able to compete with conventional fossil fuel power generation technology. The hopeful announcement of EAC for a high expenditure tender, concerning the development of the first Wind Park in Cyprus, is expected to be followed by individuals. A recent research carried out in Mari village (near Vasilikos Power Station) and Cape Greko (South Eastern Cape of Cyprus) by a Wind-Solar Energy Corporation, confirm that the exploitation of wind energy in Cyprus’ southern coastal zone is able to compete with other forms of energy, and become economically viable. Table 5 Purchase price for wind energy according to benefit of annual avoided fuel cost Year
Additional capacity (MW)
Total capacity (MW)
Produced energy (GWh)
Benefit of annual avoided fuel costs (ECU)
Purchase price (additional) (EU/kWh)
CO2 reduction (1000 ton/year)
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Total
10 10 10 20 20 20 20 20 20 150
10 20 30 50 70 90 110 130 150 150
18 36 54 90 126 162 198 234 270 1188
736,434 1,472,868 2,209,302 3,682,170 5,155,038 6,627,906 8,100,774 9,573,642 11,046,510 48,604,644
0.06 0.06 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.03
20 40 60 100 140 180 220 260 300 1320
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Biomass, which is gaining more and more importance in solving energy problems all over the world, has also been suggested in Cyprus. Environmental Energy Ltd in Cyprus has investigated the possibility of building a power plant generating electricity with biomass [3]. The advantages of exploiting biomass, based on new technologies, can be clearly seen in the case of biogas exploitation. It is estimated that the total energy content of landfill gas and digestible agricultural wastes in the EU exceeds 80 Mtoe. The contribution that could be made by biogas exploitation, as far as the EU is concerned, from livestock production, agro-industrial effluents, sewage treatment and landfill by 2010 is estimated at 15 Mtoe. Finally the promotion of the RES should be undertaken along with energy saving initiatives: † In the residential and tertiary sector, the Cyprus government should introduce a new building code for new buildings with emphasis on thermal insulation and solar shading. † In the industrial sector, it is necessary to provide technical assistance and incentives to industry (grants for audits, feasibility studies) for energy saving. † In the transport sector, the gradually development of mass-transport systems (buses, tramways) which have a much lower specific energy consumption per passenger-kilometer is needed.
6. Conclusions Cyprus has already proved its ability to utilize RES, as it is one of the leading countries in the world when it comes to utilizing solar water heaters. Considering all the important benefits of RES, such as fuel import reduction, increased security of supply as well as the environmental benefits, it can be concluded that Cyprus strategy for the introduction of RES is of major importance to the island. Cyprus should establish its own take-off campaign, based on EU standards, with a final goal of doubling the share of RES to a total 10% of its gross energy consumption by the year 2010. The achievement of this objective depends on the success and growth of the various individual renewable technologies along with energy saving initiatives. Cyprus Renewable Energy Potential seems capable to support the transformation of Cyprus’ energy system from an almost totally dependent on imported fossil fuels to a modern one where indigenous sources of energy will have an important role to play in reducing the level of energy imports with positive implications for balance of trade and security of supply.
References [1] Republic of Cyprus and European Commission. Preparation of an action plan for improving the efficiency of the energy sector of the Island of Cyprus. SYNERGY Programme; August 1997. [2] Electricity Authority of Cyprus, P.O. Box 54294, 3722 Limassol, Cyprus. Annual Report; 2000 [3] Greenpeace report: Cyprus energy revolution: a critical analysis of the present and future energy situation in Cyprus; 1999 [4] Statistical Service, Republic of Cyprus. Industrial statistics; 2000. [5] Meteorological service, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources of Cyprus. Climate changes and impact to rainfall in Cyprus. Cyprus;1996 [6] National observatory of Athens. Strategic plan towards the reduction of greenhouse emission in Cyprus, Athens, Greece; June 2001. [7] Energy for the future: renewable sources of energy. White paper for a community strategy and action plan;COM (97) 599. [8] Pashardes S, Christofides C. Statistical analysis of wind speed and direction in Cyprus. Solar Energy 1995;55:405–14.
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[9] Meteorological service, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources of Cyprus. Solar radiation and sunshine duration in Cyprus Cyprus;1985 [10] Kalogirou SA, Florides G, Tassou A. Energy analysis of building employing thermal mass in Cyprus. Renewable Energy 2002;(27):3335–68. [11] Florides G, Kalogirou SA. Modeling of the modern houses in Cyprus and energy consumption analysis. Energy 2000; 25(10):915–37. [12] Cyprus Union of Solar Energy Industrialists, Nicosia, Cyprus [13] Kalogirou SA. The energy subsidization policies of Cyprus and their effect on renewable energy systems economics. Renewable Energy 2003;(28):1711–28. [14] Elefhteriou P. Energy from wastes: a possible alternative energy source for Cyprus’ municipalities? Energy Convers Manage 2002;43:1969–75. [15] Kalogirou SA. Seawater desalination using the renewable energy sources, Nicosia OPET-Cyprus;2001
Cyprus energy system and the use of renewable energy sources C. Koroneos*, P. Fokaidis, N. Moussiopoulos Department of Mechanical Engineering, Laboratory of Heat Transfer and Environmental Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, P.O. Box 483, GR 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece Received 27 June 2003
Abstract Cyprus is an island state whose energy production is almost completely dependent on imported hydrocarbon fuels. Its electricity production sector is more than 90% dependent on oil products while the remaining 9% are covered by imports of coal (4.5%) and by solar energy (4.5%). Because Cyprus will become a full member of the European Union (EU), it becomes essential to follow the EU white paper rules and insert renewable energy sources (RES) as part of its energy production system. Solar, wind energy and biomass are the three available forms of RES. This paper will examine and analyze the energy system of Cyprus. It will examine the RES available and the extent of the energy needs could be satisfied by them. q 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
1. Introduction Cyprus is situated in the north-eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea, 338 east and 358 north of the Equator. It is situated 75 km south of Turkey, 105 km west of Syria, 380 km north of Egypt, and 380 km east of Rhodes (Greece). The third largest Mediterranean island after Sicily and Sardinia, it has an area of 9251 km2, of which 1733 are forested. Cyprus has a record of successful economic performance, reflected in rapid growth, full employment conditions and external and internal stability, almost throughout the post-Independence period. The underdeveloped economy, inherited from colonial rule until 1960, has been transformed into a viable economy with dynamic services, industrial and agricultural sectors and advanced physical and social infrastructure. In terms of per capita income, currently estimated at US $13,000 (2000), it is classified as the highest income country of all entering new EU members. * Corresponding author. Tel.: C30 2310 995968; fax: C30 2310 996012. E-mail address: [email protected] (C. Koroneos). 0360-5442/$ - see front matter q 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.energy.2004.11.011
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Fig. 1. Cyprus primary energy sources.
Today, Cyprus is almost completely dependent on imported fossil fuels for its energy supply, with over 91% of its energy produced by oil (Fig. 1). The remaining 9% are covered by imports of coal (4.5%) used for cement production and by solar energy (4.5%). A remarkable of 62% of the country’s export earnings is used to pay for the country’s oil import. Cyprus has no natural oil resources and relies entirely on imported fuel for its energy demands. At the present, the only natural energy resource available is solar energy. Despite the fact that Cyprus is one of the leading countries in the world when it comes to utilizing solar water heaters, nothing essential has been done to further ensure the introduction of renewable energy sources (RES). Renewable energies, as indigenous sources of energy, will have an important role to play in reducing the level of energy imports with positive implications for balance of trade and security of supply. Unfortunately, RES still make an unacceptably modest contribution to the Cyprus energy balance, as compared with the available technical potential. The government still seems unable to adopt a promising energy policy involving further promotion of modern energy technologies and maximum exploitation of RES.
2. Cyprus energy system The small Mediterranean island of Cyprus has been enjoying the benefits of electricity for over 90 years. The ‘new’ source of energy was first introduced in 1903 with the installation, by the then British colonial government, of a power generator to serve the needs of the Commission in the capital, Nicosia. Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) operates at present three power stations with a total installed capacity of 988 MW as shown on Table 1. The thermal efficiencies of all power plants, especially those of the 60 MW size fuel oil fired steam boiler units, are relatively low. The efficiency of these units could reach at least 31% with a direct effect on the economic operation of the overall power system. Although the law concerning electricity generation has recently been modified, the power sector of Cyprus is still monopolized by the sole state industry, EAC. The electric utility is a vertical integrated enterprise responsible for generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, under the Electricity Development Law Cap. 171 of 1952.
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Table 1 Cyprus power station installed capacity Power station
Installed capacity (MW)
Total capacity (MW)
Vasilikos power station Vasilikos power station Dhekelia power station Moni power station Moni power station Total installed capacity
2!130 oil/steam 1!38 gas turbine 6!60 oil/steam 6!30 oil/steam 4!37.5 gas turbines
260 38 360 180 150 988
The electricity market share for 2000 is presented in Fig. 2. As shown, the commercial sector is the largest (40%) while the household (domestic) sector represents 35% of the consumption, and the industrial consumption accounts for 20%. The power system of Cyprus faces similar problems with other large islands in the Mediterranean, for example, Crete and Malta. Excessive load growth associated with the commercial sector during
Fig. 2. Electricity market share (Cyprus, 2000).
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Fig. 3. Gross production—prediction of electricity (Cyprus 1986–2008).
the tourist period, low annual load factor with corresponding high peak demand, environmental restriction related to the development of new fossil fired thermal power plants, and high voltage transmission lines, limited if non indigenous energy sources and isolated from large interconnected power grids [1]. The total consumption of electricity over the last fifteen years (1986–2001) has increased with a yearly average of 7% (Fig. 3). The island is experiencing a transformation into a modern western economy with a large influx of tourists and a sharp increase in the standard of living. This is easily shown in the statistics of electricity consumed during the summer months. According to the EAC, the increase is expected to continue to rise with an average of 6% during the next 10 years [2]. Focusing on the main consumers of electricity, the domestic, industry and commercial sector, the increase has been remarkable in the domestic and commercial sector, with an average annual increase of 9–10% (Fig. 4) [4]. The explanation lies in the increased use of electricity for space heating, water heating, cooking and air-conditioning [3]. If addressed properly, the sharp increase in demand could be
Fig. 4. Increase in electricity consumption (Cyprus 1986–2000) [4].
C. Koroneos et al. / Energy 30 (2005) 1889–1901
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halted. By introducing proper building regulation, disqualify electrical heaters for cooking, water heating and space heating, the demand curve would flatten out, thus diminishing the need for new power capacity. The same analysis has to be made for the other sectors, in order to find ways to flatten the demand curve [3].
3. Why renewable energy sources? The electricity demand of Cyprus is increasing rapidly and is expected to double within the next 10–12 years. The need for energy independence is already mentioned due to the remarkable and unpredicted amounts used by the Cyprus Government to pay for oil imports. Not mentioned yet, but still important, is the environmental effects of burning fossil fuels. The Meteorological Service of Cyprus has compiled statistics (some dating back to 1896) that confirm the global changes in weather patterns locally. During the last century there has been a total increase of 0.5 8C in temperature on the island (Fig. 5), and a 12% decrease in rainfall for the whole of Cyprus, making periods of extreme water shortage more common [5]. According to this report: † † † † †
In the period from 1896 to 1995, there has been 1 8C increase in temperature in Nicosia. In the period from 1903 to 1995, there has been 1.2 8C increase in temperature in Limassol. In the period from 1933 to 1995, there has been 1 8C increase in temperature in Larnaka. During the last century, there has been a 12% decrease in rainfall throughout Cyprus. During the last century, there has been an increase of 0.5 8C in temperature.
Cyprus already suffers severely from water shortages, with water availability far below the Mediterranean average. The water consumption per inhabitant in Cyprus is 80 l/day, four times less in comparison with developed countries. According to a National Observatory of Athens’ report, concerning the reduction of Greenhouse emission, electricity production is responsible for the 44% of CO2 total emission (Fig. 6) [6]. It is therefore important to underline that a significant increase in the share of RES in the electricity sector, will play a key role in meeting Kyoto’s CO2 reduction objectives. Finally, there is also another point of view, as far as the RES are concerned; the political one. The negotiations for Cyprus and another 10 countries of Central and Eastern Europe started on
Fig. 5. Mean annual temperature change in Nicosia (1951–1999).
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Fig. 6. Carbon dioxide emission per energy sector (Cyprus 1998) [6].
31st of March 1998 when the interested parties signed the agreement for the entrance terms for the EU. Cyprus became a full member of EU in 2003. One of the most important steps of negotiations is the reviewing of the European standards in comparison with the Cyprus laws for the energy sector. The purpose will be to mark the differences that need to be covered so as the legislation of Cyprus for this issue will be harmonized with the European Union standards. One of the priorities of the energy policy of the European Union is to promote RES and to improve energy efficiency. For the specific issue of RES, the EU has developed the ‘White Paper [7]’ giving the commission’s strategy on RES. The main goal of the ‘White Paper’ is that by the year 2010, 12% of the total energy produced has to be produced by RES. In order to achieve this goal, the member states need to adopt measures for easy access of RES in the energy market and speed up the implementation of new or existing technologies for using RES.
4. Cyprus renewable energy potential An analysis of all available RES would give an indication of the percent of energy needs that could be satisfied. The RES that could be used economically are wind energy, solar energy and biomass. 4.1. Wind potential In the eastern Mediterranean area generally, surface winds are mostly western or south-western in winter and north-western or northern in summer [8]. Usually of light or moderate strength, they rarely reach gale force. Over the island of Cyprus, winds are quite variable in direction with orography and local heating effects playing a large part in the determination of local wind direction and strength (Fig. 7). Differences of temperature between sea and land, which are built up daily in predominant periods of clear skies in summer, cause considerable sea and land breezes. The wind regime of Cyprus is influenced by three major factors: (a) The eastward moving cyclones that pass over the island, the effect of the Siberian anticyclone as well as the extension of the Indian monsoon low over Cyprus in summer; (b) The large temperature differences between the sea and the land; and, (c) the effect of the mountain ranges, where local wind systems develop. Although high wind potential is not typical in Cyprus, several areas are identified as having annual mean wind speeds greater than 5 m/s at 10 m height. These locations are situated in the southern coastal zone of the island and in some exposed locations in the mountains. These areas seem to be very promising for wind turbines
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Fig. 7. Annual mean wind speed (m/s) over the Island of Cyprus at 10 m height. Using the numerical model WAsP [8].
installation [8]. Fig. 8 gives a good indication of the wind speed at various locations in Cyprus. As shown, the mean average is around 4 m/s. Recently, the EAC has announced a high expenditure tender, concerning the development of the first Wind Park in Cyprus. The Project includes the establishment of a Wind Park near the Kouris Dam in
Fig. 8. Frequency distribution vs wind speed of various locations in Cyprus.
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Fig. 9. Duration of daily radiation.
Limassol District, of installed capacity 6–8 MW, consisting of four Wind Turbines of rating 1.5–2 MW each. Also, as an optional work, this Tender includes the provision and installation of one Wind Turbine of rating 1.5–2 MW, at Vasilkos Power Station. 4.2. Solar potential All parts of Cyprus enjoy a very mild climate with a lot of sunny days. In the central plain and eastern lowlands the average number of hours of bright sunshine for the whole year is 75% of the time that the sun is above the horizon (Fig. 9). Over the whole six summer months there is an average of 11.5 h of bright sunshine per day whilst in winter this is reduced to 5.5 h in the cloudiest months, December and January. Even on the high mountains, the cloudiest winter months have an average of nearly 4 h of bright sunshine per day and in June and July the figure reaches 11 h. Mean daily global solar radiation varies
Fig. 10. Mean hourly direct solar radiation.
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Fig. 11. Installed flat plate solar collector area per inhabitant.
from about 2.3 kWh/m2 in the cloudiest months of the year, December and January, to about 7.2 kWh/m2 in July [9]. Mean hourly direct solar radiation in Cyprus (Fig. 10) varies from 250 to 700 Wh/m2. Compared to other European Union countries, Cyprus is in a very good position with respect to the exploitation [10,11] of solar energy (Fig. 11). The estimated area of flat plate solar collectors that are in working order is 560,000 m2, which corresponds to approximately 0.86 m2 per inhabitant. It is estimated that the number of solar water heaters installed in Cyprus exceeds 190,000 units [12]. However, solar energy is used exclusively for domestic hot water needs in terms of solar heaters and there is still no commercial application of industrial process heat [13]. Furthermore, although costs have fallen dramatically, with a 25% cost decrease over the past 5 years, as far as photovoltaics are concerned, solar electricity is barely met on the island. 4.3. Biomass Biomass is a prevalent resource as it includes in addition to woody biomass and the residues of the wood working industry, energy crops, agricultural residues and agrofood effluents, manures as well as the organic fraction of municipal solid waste and sewage sludge. Energy from biomass is versatile in that it can produce electricity and heat. According to a resent research carried out by the Higher Technical Institute of Cyprus [14], turning the total amount of municipal wastes into heat for use in electricity production would amount to a total of 3.2!109 MJ, an energy amount equivalent to the 8.5% of the total energy produced by the imports of Table 2 The average percentage weight composition of the solid wastes in Cyprus—all cities Item
Composition, % by weight
Paper Plastic Food Yard wastes Glass Metals
24 5 39 14 1.5 2
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Table 3 Calorific values and percentage of moisture content of the solid municipal wastes, Cyprus City
Weight (tons/year)
Percentage (%)
Meana calorific value (J/g)
Meana moisture (%)
Nicosia Limassol Larnaca Paphos Total
68,500 77,800 37,500 37,000 220,800
31.02 35.24 16.98 16.76 100
15,400 15,500 15,950 15,400 15,529
44.5 48.5 38.5 39.5 44
a
Mean refers to summer–winter values.
crude oil used in electricity production [14]. The composition, the calorific values and the percentage of moisture content of the solid municipal wastes in Cyprus are presented in Tables 2 and 3. These figures, as far the calorific value is concerned, are very much similar to those stated by other researchers. Nevertheless, the moisture content seems to be higher than that given in the literature. The higher percentage of moisture in the waste makes their use for power generation more expensive to be used as an alternative energy source. Nevertheless, municipal waste seems to be a very promising part of RES content of Cyprus.
5. Introducing renewable energy sources Considering all the important benefits of RES for the economy of Cyprus and the environment, it becomes apparent how important it is to introduce RES to the Cyprus energy system. In order to assist a real take off of RES for large-scale penetration, the EU proposes via its White Paper a campaign for take off of RES. The proposed campaign aims to promote the implementation of large-scale projects in different renewable energy sectors and it will send clear signals for greater use of RES. It is strongly recommended that Cyprus soon establishes its own take-off campaign, according to EU standards, with a final goal of doubling the share of RES to a total 10% of its gross energy consumption by the year 2010. The achievement of this objective depends on the success and growth of the various individual renewable technologies. The use of RES could create an annual cost benefit, concerning the avoided fuel costs. This benefit could be returned to the consumers as finance for using RES. Any effort towards the installation of photovoltaics should be financially encouraged and technically supported. Interested parties in utilizing RES and/or cogeneration for electricity generation should be given access for connecting to the local network. Under the assumptions of financing, a contribution of 8 MW (concerning 3000 2–3 kWh roofs) installed capacity in Cyprus from photovoltaics by 2010 seems ambitious but realistic. It is forecasted that this would be accounted for mainly by grid-connected installations into the structure of buildings (roofs and facades) (Table 4). The economic and environmental impact resulting from such an action would be very substantial. The photovoltaics campaign should promote the use of solar electricity in public buildings and especially schools. This action would have an educational effect and awareness at an early and receptive age. Solar-thermal energy could be used for commercial and industrial application, e.g. for seawater desalination by producing the thermal energy required to drive the phase change processes [15]. It could also be used for the heat process used in the food and textile industry for such diverse applications as drying, cooking, cleaning, extraction and many others.
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Table 4 Purchase price for photovoltaics according to benefit of annual avoided fuel cost Year
Additional capacity (MW)
Total capacity (MW)
Produced energy (GWh)
Benefit of annual avoided fuel costs (ECU)
Purchase price (additional) (ECU/kWh)
CO2 reduction (ton/year)
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Total
0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.3 8
0.2 0.6 1.2 2 3 4.2 5.4 6.7 8 8
0.3 0.9 1.8 3 4.5 6.3 8.1 10.05 12 46.95
15,000 45,000 90,000 150,000 225,000 315,000 405,000 502,500 600,000 23,475,000
0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.04
200 600 1200 2000 3000 4200 5400 6700 8000 31,300
As far as wind energy is concerned, it has the potential to play an important role in the future energy supply in Cyprus (Table 5). Within the last 15 years, wind turbine technology has reached a very reliable and sophisticated level. The growing worldwide market will lead to further improvements, such as larger wind turbines or new system applications, e.g. offshore wind farms. These improvements will lead to further cost reductions and over the medium term wind energy will be able to compete with conventional fossil fuel power generation technology. The hopeful announcement of EAC for a high expenditure tender, concerning the development of the first Wind Park in Cyprus, is expected to be followed by individuals. A recent research carried out in Mari village (near Vasilikos Power Station) and Cape Greko (South Eastern Cape of Cyprus) by a Wind-Solar Energy Corporation, confirm that the exploitation of wind energy in Cyprus’ southern coastal zone is able to compete with other forms of energy, and become economically viable. Table 5 Purchase price for wind energy according to benefit of annual avoided fuel cost Year
Additional capacity (MW)
Total capacity (MW)
Produced energy (GWh)
Benefit of annual avoided fuel costs (ECU)
Purchase price (additional) (EU/kWh)
CO2 reduction (1000 ton/year)
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Total
10 10 10 20 20 20 20 20 20 150
10 20 30 50 70 90 110 130 150 150
18 36 54 90 126 162 198 234 270 1188
736,434 1,472,868 2,209,302 3,682,170 5,155,038 6,627,906 8,100,774 9,573,642 11,046,510 48,604,644
0.06 0.06 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.03
20 40 60 100 140 180 220 260 300 1320
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Biomass, which is gaining more and more importance in solving energy problems all over the world, has also been suggested in Cyprus. Environmental Energy Ltd in Cyprus has investigated the possibility of building a power plant generating electricity with biomass [3]. The advantages of exploiting biomass, based on new technologies, can be clearly seen in the case of biogas exploitation. It is estimated that the total energy content of landfill gas and digestible agricultural wastes in the EU exceeds 80 Mtoe. The contribution that could be made by biogas exploitation, as far as the EU is concerned, from livestock production, agro-industrial effluents, sewage treatment and landfill by 2010 is estimated at 15 Mtoe. Finally the promotion of the RES should be undertaken along with energy saving initiatives: † In the residential and tertiary sector, the Cyprus government should introduce a new building code for new buildings with emphasis on thermal insulation and solar shading. † In the industrial sector, it is necessary to provide technical assistance and incentives to industry (grants for audits, feasibility studies) for energy saving. † In the transport sector, the gradually development of mass-transport systems (buses, tramways) which have a much lower specific energy consumption per passenger-kilometer is needed.
6. Conclusions Cyprus has already proved its ability to utilize RES, as it is one of the leading countries in the world when it comes to utilizing solar water heaters. Considering all the important benefits of RES, such as fuel import reduction, increased security of supply as well as the environmental benefits, it can be concluded that Cyprus strategy for the introduction of RES is of major importance to the island. Cyprus should establish its own take-off campaign, based on EU standards, with a final goal of doubling the share of RES to a total 10% of its gross energy consumption by the year 2010. The achievement of this objective depends on the success and growth of the various individual renewable technologies along with energy saving initiatives. Cyprus Renewable Energy Potential seems capable to support the transformation of Cyprus’ energy system from an almost totally dependent on imported fossil fuels to a modern one where indigenous sources of energy will have an important role to play in reducing the level of energy imports with positive implications for balance of trade and security of supply.
References [1] Republic of Cyprus and European Commission. Preparation of an action plan for improving the efficiency of the energy sector of the Island of Cyprus. SYNERGY Programme; August 1997. [2] Electricity Authority of Cyprus, P.O. Box 54294, 3722 Limassol, Cyprus. Annual Report; 2000 [3] Greenpeace report: Cyprus energy revolution: a critical analysis of the present and future energy situation in Cyprus; 1999 [4] Statistical Service, Republic of Cyprus. Industrial statistics; 2000. [5] Meteorological service, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources of Cyprus. Climate changes and impact to rainfall in Cyprus. Cyprus;1996 [6] National observatory of Athens. Strategic plan towards the reduction of greenhouse emission in Cyprus, Athens, Greece; June 2001. [7] Energy for the future: renewable sources of energy. White paper for a community strategy and action plan;COM (97) 599. [8] Pashardes S, Christofides C. Statistical analysis of wind speed and direction in Cyprus. Solar Energy 1995;55:405–14.
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[9] Meteorological service, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources of Cyprus. Solar radiation and sunshine duration in Cyprus Cyprus;1985 [10] Kalogirou SA, Florides G, Tassou A. Energy analysis of building employing thermal mass in Cyprus. Renewable Energy 2002;(27):3335–68. [11] Florides G, Kalogirou SA. Modeling of the modern houses in Cyprus and energy consumption analysis. Energy 2000; 25(10):915–37. [12] Cyprus Union of Solar Energy Industrialists, Nicosia, Cyprus [13] Kalogirou SA. The energy subsidization policies of Cyprus and their effect on renewable energy systems economics. Renewable Energy 2003;(28):1711–28. [14] Elefhteriou P. Energy from wastes: a possible alternative energy source for Cyprus’ municipalities? Energy Convers Manage 2002;43:1969–75. [15] Kalogirou SA. Seawater desalination using the renewable energy sources, Nicosia OPET-Cyprus;2001