Nicosia, Cyprus. Heating and cooling account for around 70 per cent of household energy consumption in Cyprus, according to a report published on Thursday by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. The report said cooling degree days in Cyprus reach 610 per cent of the European average, while heating degree days are around 81 per cent lower than the EU average.
Household energy demand
The report highlighted Cyprus’ significantly lower heating needs and the resulting impact on building energy systems. It found that heat pumps in Cyprus are used primarily for cooling, with cooling demand exceeding heating demand by more than five times.
Household conditions and energy sources
According to the report, around 15 per cent of households in Cyprus are unable to keep their homes adequately warm, while 8 per cent have overdue utility bills. It also found that renewable energy sources account for approximately 43 per cent of the total energy used for heating and cooling across all sectors.
Heating systems and efficiency
The report said around 150,000 households, or 39 per cent of the total, continue to rely on diesel or gas boilers for heating. It added that replacing a diesel boiler with an electric heat pump could reduce energy consumption by approximately 83 per cent and carbon dioxide emissions by around 68 per cent.
Data and estimated consumption
The findings are based on publicly available data, including information from Eurostat and national statistical services. Average final energy consumption for heating in Cyprus is estimated at 22 kilowatt-hours per square metre annually, although the report noted that the actual benefits of switching systems depend on factors including building insulation and user behaviour.
