Cyprus’ dependence on imported oil is leaving the country exposed to international energy price shocks, while hundreds of gigawatt-hours of potential renewable electricity are being lost because of restrictions on the power grid.
Around 306 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of solar electricity were curtailed in Cyprus in 2025, according to a report published on Monday. The figure highlights the challenge facing the country as it continues to rely heavily on imported fuel for electricity generation.
The report points to damage to energy infrastructure in Ukraine and the Middle East, which has contributed to fuel shortages and higher international prices. Cyprus is particularly vulnerable because electricity generation relies mainly on heavy fuel oil and diesel, while transport is also heavily dependent on imported petroleum products.
Solar electricity lost while Cyprus burns imported fuel
The curtailment of renewable energy means that some electricity which solar installations could potentially generate is not fed into the grid.
Data published by the Cyprus Transmission System Operator (TSOC) show that its estimated renewable energy curtailment for 2025 amounts to 395 GWh across the year. This figure covers renewable sources and should not be confused with the 306 GWh of solar electricity cited by Politis.
The TSOC’s figures are estimates based on the potential renewable energy production that would have been available if no curtailments had taken place. They cover renewable energy systems monitored by the transmission and distribution system operators.
The operator says curtailments are carried out when necessary to safeguard the reliable operation of the electricity system. It also uses specialised tools and algorithms to distribute restrictions as fairly as possible among the renewable energy installations under its control.
The scale of the challenge was also visible in 2024, when the TSOC estimated that curtailments affected 12.2% of the potential production of all renewable energy sources covered by its monthly figures.
Battery storage expected to provide relief in 2027
Energy storage is expected to play an important role in reducing the amount of renewable electricity that goes unused.
According to the Politis report, battery systems with a combined power capacity of 120 megawatts (MW) and storage capacity of 400 megawatt-hours (MWh) are expected to become operational before the summer of 2027.
Such systems could store surplus solar electricity during periods of high production and make it available when demand rises or solar generation falls.
The development is expected to form part of wider efforts to reduce Cyprus’ dependence on imported fuels and make better use of its renewable energy capacity.
The challenge is not simply to increase renewable energy production, but also to develop the infrastructure needed to store and distribute it. Without sufficient storage and grid capacity, further growth in solar generation risks being accompanied by continued curtailments.
Also read: Cyprus Finance Minister to raise cost of living and energy crisis at EU meetings
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