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Cyprus Government Unveils New Energy Storage Grants To Slash Electricity Costs

In a bold move to combat rising energy costs and strengthen energy security, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides has announced new government grant schemes for energy storage systems aimed at both businesses and households.

The initiative is designed to reduce electricity costs by promoting the use of energy storage technologies and increasing the share of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in the national energy mix. Christodoulides emphasized that this move is part of broader efforts to enhance energy security across the island.

During the presentation of the Government’s Annual Programme for 2025 on 29 January, the President revealed that the government is launching the “Photovoltaics for All” scheme, targeting small businesses. This initiative is set to play a key role in encouraging businesses to invest in solar energy solutions, thus lowering their energy bills. Additionally, the competitive electricity market is expected to open fully, giving consumers more choice and flexibility.

The government is also making significant strides to improve Cyprus’ energy infrastructure, with the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal at Vasilikos near completion. This project is expected to reduce the reliance on conventional electricity generation methods and help lower overall electricity costs.

Looking further ahead, the President confirmed that efforts to exploit natural gas reserves in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) would intensify throughout 2025. Specifically, he announced plans for two new drilling operations at the ‘Elektra’ and ‘Pegasus’ targets. On top of that, President Christodoulides is set to travel to Egypt on 17 February to sign agreements aimed at the commercial development of the ‘Kronos’ and ‘Aphrodite’ gas fields, marking a significant step in Cyprus’ energy strategy.

Cyprus Emerges As A Leading Household Consumer In The European Union

Overview Of Eurostat Findings

A recent Eurostat survey, which adjusts real consumption per capita using purchasing power standards (PPS), has positioned Cyprus among the highest household consumers in the European Union. In 2024, Cyprus recorded a per capita expenditure of 21,879 PPS, a figure that underscores the country’s robust material well-being relative to other member states.

Comparative Consumption Analysis

Luxembourg claimed the top spot with an impressive 28,731 PPS per inhabitant. Trailing closely were Ireland (23,534 PPS), Belgium (23,437 PPS), Germany (23,333 PPS), Austria (23,094 PPS), the Netherlands (22,805 PPS), Denmark (22,078 PPS), and Italy (21,986 PPS), with Cyprus rounding out this elite group at 21,879 PPS. These figures not only highlight the high expenditure across these nations but also reflect differences in purchasing power and living standards across the region.

Contrasting Trends In Household Spending

The survey also shed light on countries with lower household spending levels. Hungary and Bulgaria reported the smallest average expenditures, at 14,621 PPS and 15,025 PPS respectively. Meanwhile, Greece and Portugal recorded 18,752 PPS and 19,328 PPS, respectively. Noteworthy figures from France (20,462 PPS), Finland (20,158 PPS), Lithuania (19,261 PPS), Malta (19,622 PPS), Slovenia (18,269 PPS), Slovakia (17,233 PPS), Latvia (16,461 PPS), Estonia (16,209 PPS), and the Czech Republic (16,757 PPS) further illustrate the disparate economic landscapes within the EU. Spain’s figure, however, was an outlier at 10,899 PPS, suggesting the need for further data clarification.

Growth Trends And Economic Implications

Eurostat’s longitudinal analysis from 2019 to 2024 revealed that Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania experienced the fastest annual increases in real consumer spending, each growing by at least 3.8%. In contrast, five member states, with the Czech Republic experiencing the largest drop at an average annual decline of 1.3%, indicate a varied economic recovery narrative across the continent.

This comprehensive survey not only provides valuable insights into current household consumption patterns but also offers a robust framework for policymakers and business leaders to understand economic shifts across the EU. Such data is integral for strategic decision-making in markets that are increasingly defined by evolving consumer behavior and regional economic resilience.

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