Alpha News

47% of Renewable Energy Wasted in Cyprus: The Reason Behind Curtailments and Their Impact on Bills

Published January 18, 2026, 20:13

According to an analysis by CyprusGrid, 47% of the energy generated from renewable sources in Cyprus is expected to be curtailed in 2025, reaching 306 gigawatt-hours. This means that for every two kilowatt-hours produced from renewables, one is discarded, while the curtailed energy could power 51,000 households for a year. Curtailments have increased by 83% compared to 2024, when 167 gigawatt-hours were cut. Despite renewables already covering 25% of the energy mix, without curtailments, the percentage would reach 31%, the target set by the European Union for 2030. Dr. Andreas Procopiou, an energy expert, explains that the curtailments are due to the structural rigidity of the Cypriot system, namely the lack of energy storage, interconnections, and technologies that provide reserves. Conventional power generation units must remain in operation with a stable load, limiting the space for the introduction of energy from renewables. The largest curtailments occur during midday hours, when renewable energy production is at its highest and demand is at its lowest. Each unit of energy curtailed from renewables must be replaced by conventional energy, leading to increased CO2 emissions. Estimates suggest that the 2025 curtailments will result in 200,000 tons of CO2 emissions, with an additional cost of 15 million euros for emission rights. The economic consequences of the curtailments burden household electricity bills, as they include charges for paying emission rights. This situation highlights the need for investment in energy storage infrastructure and interconnections in order to fully exploit the potential of renewable energy sources in Cyprus.