cyprus energy system and the use of renewable energy sources

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.

Energy 30 (2005) 1889–1901
www.elsevier.com/locate/energy
0360-5442/$ - see front matter q 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

doi:10.1016/j.energy.2004.11.011

* Corresponding author. Tel.: C30 2310 995968; fax: C30 2310 996012.

E-mail address: [email protected] (C. Koroneos).

http://www.elsevier.com/locate/energy

Fig. 1. Cyprus primary energy sources.

C. Koroneos et al. / Energy 30 (2005) 1889–19011890

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.

Table 1

Cyprus power station installed capacity

Power station Installed capacity (MW) Total capacity (MW)

Vasilikos power station 2!130 oil/steam 260

Vasilikos power station 1!38 gas turbine 38

Dhekelia power station 6!60 oil/steam 360

Moni power station 6!30 oil/steam 180

Moni power station 4!37.5 gas turbines 150

Total installed capacity 988

C. Koroneos et al. / Energy 30 (2005) 1889–1901 1891

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).

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].


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).

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

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.

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.

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 24

Plastic 5

Food 39

Yard wastes 14

Glass 1.5

Metals 2

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 68,500 31.02 15,400 44.5

Limassol 77,800 35.24 15,500 48.5

Larnaca 37,500 16.98 15,950 38.5

Paphos 37,000 16.76 15,400 39.5

Total 220,800 100 15,529 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.

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 0.2 0.2 0.3 15,000 0.06 200

2003 0.4 0.6 0.9 45,000 0.06 600

2004 0.6 1.2 1.8 90,000 0.06 1200

2005 0.8 2 3 150,000 0.06 2000

2006 1 3 4.5 225,000 0.05 3000

2007 1.2 4.2 6.3 315,000 0.05 4200

2008 1.2 5.4 8.1 405,000 0.05 5400

2009 1.3 6.7 10.05 502,500 0.05 6700

2010 1.3 8 12 600,000 0.04 8000

Total 8 8 46.95 23,475,000 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 10 10 18 736,434 0.06 20

2003 10 20 36 1,472,868 0.06 40

2004 10 30 54 2,209,302 0.05 60

2005 20 50 90 3,682,170 0.05 100

2006 20 70 126 5,155,038 0.05 140

2007 20 90 162 6,627,906 0.04 180

2008 20 110 198 8,100,774 0.04 220

2009 20 130 234 9,573,642 0.04 260

2010 20 150 270 11,046,510 0.03 300

Total 150 150 1188 48,604,644 1320


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.

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cyprus energy system and the use of renewable energy sources

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