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National Bank of Greece (Cyprus) Achieves Remarkable €13.6 Million Profit in 2024

Overview of 2024 Financial Success

The National Bank of Greece (Cyprus) has reported a notable net profit after tax of €13.6 million for 2024. This represents a substantial 143% increase compared to the previous year, showcasing the bank’s strong performance.

Impressive Asset Growth

The bank’s total assets have seen a significant rise, reaching €1.2 billion, marking an impressive year-on-year increase of 123%. This growth is primarily attributed to the bank gaining increased customer trust and strengthening its presence in the market.

Operational Efficiency and Loan Management

With a cost-to-income ratio now at 48.6%, a 24-percentage-point improvement, the bank demonstrates efficient use of resources through investments in its workforce and digital infrastructure. Furthermore, the bank achieved a notable decline in its non-performing loans (NPL) ratio, down to 1.8%, emphasizing effective credit risk management and a robust loan portfolio.

Interestingly, the bank’s consistent lending activities resulted in new loans totaling €625 million for the year, consolidating its support for the local economy.

Capital Resilience

With a Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 22.6%, the bank continues to maintain a strong capital base amid the evolving financial environment. This aspect highlights its resilience and capability to adapt to market changes.

George Agioutantis, CEO of the National Bank of Greece (Cyprus), expressed optimism saying, “Our strategic direction is clear. We aim to create sustainable value for our customers, our team, and shareholders.”

Solar Photovoltaics Drive Global Energy Demand: A Renewable Milestone

Solar Photovoltaics Lead The Charge

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems accounted for 27% of global energy demand growth in 2025, marking the first time a single renewable technology has led the increase. This compares with overall demand growth of 1.3% in 2025, 2% in 2024, and an average of 1.4% over the previous decade, highlighting the accelerating role of solar in the global energy mix.

Surpassing Traditional Energy Sources

Solar PV outpaced natural gas, which contributed 17% of the increase in energy demand. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), new solar installations added capacity equivalent to 600 terawatt-hours (TWh), bringing total solar generation to 2,700 TWh, or roughly 8% of global electricity production. This shift reflects growing reliance on renewable energy for power generation across major markets.

Traditional Fuels Under Pressure

Demand for fossil fuels showed slower growth. Natural gas consumption rose by 1% in the first half of the year, compared to 2.8% in 2024. Oil demand increased by 0.7%, with additional daily consumption reaching 650,000 barrels, down from 750,000 in 2024 and well below pre-pandemic increases of around 1.4 million barrels per day. Part of this slowdown is linked to the substitution of cleaner energy sources. Electric vehicle sales rose by 20% in 2025, accounting for roughly one-quarter of the global market.

Mixed Trends In Coal Consumption And Emissions

Coal demand increased by 0.4%, reflecting diverging regional trends. China and India reduced coal use as renewable capacity expanded, while the United States increased coal consumption in response to higher electricity demand. Coal contributed around 9% to demand growth, similar to wind energy.

Global CO2 emissions from the power sector rose by approximately 0.4%. Emissions declined in China due to increased use of renewables and nuclear energy, while U.S. emissions increased alongside higher coal usage.

Record-Breaking European Renewable Production

Europe recorded strong growth in renewable generation in the first quarter of 2026. Solar output increased by 15%, marking the highest quarterly rise on record, while wind generation grew by 22% year over year. Total renewable production reached 384.9 TWh, supported by solar, wind, and hydroelectric output. These gains helped offset volatility in gas markets linked to geopolitical tensions, including developments involving Iran.

Looking Ahead

Renewables are taking a larger share of global energy demand growth, with solar PV at the center of this shift. Combined contributions from renewables, biofuels, and nuclear energy now account for roughly 60% of new demand, indicating continued structural change in the global energy system.

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