Heating and cooling account for around 70% of final household energy consumption in Cyprus, according to a new report by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre on the state of the heat pump market across EU member states.
The report highlights the particular energy profile of Cyprus, where buildings require significantly less heating than most of Europe but much more cooling. Cyprus has around 81% fewer heating degree days than the EU average, but 610% more cooling degree days, shaping how energy systems are used in homes and other buildings.
The findings are based on aggregated public data from sources including Eurostat, EurObserv’ER, the European Heat Pump Association and national statistical authorities.
According to the report, renewable energy sources cover around 43% of the total energy used for heating and cooling across all sectors in Cyprus. At the same time, about 150,000 households use an oil or gas boiler for heating, representing roughly 39% of all households.
Energy savings
Heat pumps in Cyprus are mainly used for cooling, with cooling output more than five times higher than their use for heating.
In terms of energy efficiency, replacing an oil boiler with an electric heat pump could reduce energy consumption by around 83%, while carbon dioxide emissions could fall by about 68%, according to the report. The actual savings depend on factors such as building insulation, the efficiency of the heat pump and user behaviour.
The average final energy consumption for space heating is estimated at 22 kWh per square metre each year.
The report also points to the age of Cyprus’ building stock. Around 57% of buildings were constructed before 2000, before stricter energy efficiency standards were introduced. This makes building renovation a key part of the energy transition, especially as cooling needs continue to weigh heavily on household energy use.
Across the EU, the bloc has set a target to double annual building energy renovation rates by 2030, linking upgrades to lower emissions and improved energy efficiency.
The JRC notes that heat pumps perform better in more energy-efficient buildings, while the decarbonisation of heating depends both on upgrading the building stock and on the adoption of cleaner technologies.
Cost and subsidies
The uptake of heat pumps is also affected by the cost of electricity compared with conventional fuels, as well as the availability of subsidy schemes.
According to the report, heat pumps become competitive when the price of electricity is up to around three times higher than the price of heating oil.
The report also records signs of energy vulnerability in Cyprus. Around 15% of households are unable to keep their home adequately warm, while 8% have arrears on utility bills.
Subsidies are available in Cyprus covering up to 60% of the cost of installing heat pumps, subject to specific conditions.
Source: CNA
