Nicosia, Cyprus. Energy policy in Cyprus must move beyond pre-election slogans and towards a coherent long-term national strategy, according to Andreas Poullikkas, professor of energy systems at Frederick University and former chairman of the Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority.
Post-election assessment
In a post-election analysis, Poullikkas said the new House of Representatives offers an opportunity to shift to a professional, evidence-based and sustainable energy strategy. He said the debate during the recent election campaign was largely limited to the price of electricity.
“We heard many general references to cheap electricity without sufficient explanation of how security of supply, system reliability, economic viability and compliance with EU targets will be ensured,” he said.
Need for continuity
Poullikkas said energy policy cannot depend on wishful thinking or fragmented promises. He said it must instead be based on techno-economic documentation, institutional seriousness and continuity in planning.
He added that while some political parties put forward more balanced proposals, the overall pre-election discussion remained incomplete.
Broader energy sectors
According to Poullikkas, the debate focused almost exclusively on electricity and overlooked other energy sectors, including transport, buildings, industry and heating and cooling, despite their significant contribution to Cyprus’ energy footprint.
“In everyday discussion, energy is often equated with the electricity bill, but in reality the energy transition extends equally to transport, buildings, industry and heating and cooling,” he said.
He said the transport sector remains dominated by conventional vehicles and that Cyprus needs to expand electromobility significantly by 2030.