Almost nine in ten Cypriots, or 88%, consider the energy transition urgent for the country, the highest share in the EU, according to the European Investment Bank’s (EIB) eighth Climate Survey, published on Thursday.
Meanwhile, 55% of Cypriots expect the energy transition to reduce their energy bills, compared with 20% across the EU. This is also the highest proportion among EU member states, according to the EIB.
The survey was conducted by Ipsos BVA among 23,000 people across the EU’s 27 member states. In Cyprus, 500 people aged 16 and over took part.
Cypriots mainly expect the energy transition to bring lower or more stable energy prices and reduce dependence on imported oil and natural gas. Both expectations were shared by 89% of respondents, while 82% believe the transition will help slow climate change.
According to the EIB, a majority of respondents in every EU member state expect the energy transition to slow climate change, with figures ranging from 58% in Estonia to 87% in Hungary.
Energy prices affect purchasing power
More than seven in ten Cypriots, or 72%, said increases in natural gas, fuel, heating oil and electricity prices had significantly reduced their purchasing power over the previous 12 months. The EU average was 60%.
One in four respondents in Cyprus, or 25%, said the impact on their purchasing power had been “very significant”, compared with 20% across the EU.
The EIB survey also found that 47% of Cypriots had cut daily spending on essentials such as food or healthcare because of rising prices, compared with 38% across the EU. A further 25% said they had reduced heating.
One in five respondents in Cyprus, or 20%, said they had been forced to borrow money, seek financial assistance or delay paying an energy bill. The corresponding EU figure was 16%.
Rising costs lead to fewer essential journeys
Higher prices have also affected car use. Some 68% of Cypriots, compared with 60% across the EU, said price increases had changed the way they use their cars.
More specifically, 47% said they had reduced journeys for essential needs, such as shopping, medical appointments or administrative matters. This compares with 31% across the EU and is the highest proportion among member states, according to the EIB.
Meanwhile, 37% had cut back on weekend trips, holidays or visits to family and friends, compared with 30% across the EU. A further 23% said they now drive more slowly to save fuel, while 9% had replaced some individual journeys with car-sharing, public transport or cycling.
Asked about the consequences of a slow energy transition in the EU, 86% of Cypriots identified higher energy prices and living costs in the long term as a risk, compared with 79% across the EU. This was the highest figure among member states.
Another 84% pointed to increased dependence on imported oil and natural gas, compared with 78% across the EU, again the highest proportion in the bloc.
The survey also found that 75% of Cypriots would feel greater pride in their European identity if the EU achieved energy independence. The EU average was 62%.
Solar power leads energy preferences
Some 89% of Cypriots want low-carbon energy sources to be prioritised, compared with 87% across the EU.
Solar power ranks first among their preferences, supported by 81% of respondents, against 52% across the EU. This is among the highest proportions in the bloc.
Natural gas follows, with 47% support in Cyprus, compared with 10% across the EU, the highest figure among member states. Wind power received 18% support, one of the lowest proportions in the EU.
On how the transition should be implemented, 48% of Cypriots favour building a competitive European clean technology industry, even if this takes longer. Meanwhile, 42% support a faster rollout of clean technologies using imported equipment.
Some 71% want Cyprus to work more closely with other countries on the energy transition, compared with 68% across the EU. A further 23% believe the country should rely mainly on its own capabilities.
The survey also found that 66% of Cypriots support EU member states jointly financing the investments needed for the transition, compared with 59% across the bloc. Meanwhile, 23% prefer each country to finance its investments independently.
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