Cyprus has set itself the “ambitious” target of having a third of energy consumption derive from renewable sources by the year 2030, the energy minister said on Thursday, while also announcing a drive toward using hydrogen fuel in transit.

Speaking at a conference in Nicosia, George Papanastasiou said Cyprus’ revised National Energy and Climate Plan (Necp) sets out the goal for renewables accounting for 33 per cent of gross final energy consumption by the end of the decade.

“We are at a crucial crossroads regarding our efforts to get to the green transition,” the minister said.

“On the one hand, climate change has a deep impact on everyone’s lives, and on the other the entire world, but particularly Europe, urgently seeks ways of diversifying its energy routes and its suppliers as a result of the energy crisis caused by the war in Ukraine and the current situation in the Middle East.”

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Papanastasiou noted the island’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels as well as the absence of energy links with the European continent. These two factors has driven energy costs up, making Cyprus “vulnerable” to oil price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions.

In the meantime, as Cyprus strives to increase use of renewables, it has had to deal with the challenge of the “intermittent nature” of renewables.

For this reason, energy storage systems and hydrogen-based solutions are necessary.

“It is not only a technical solution, but also a strategic asset for our country’s energy security.”

Papanastasiou said authorities here are exploring capabilities in the field of hydrogen as “a complementary solution”.

He noted that February 28 marked the launch of a public consultation for developing a ‘national hydrogen strategy’. The consultation will last until March 31.

To date, through technical assistance financed by the European Commission via the REPowerEU initiative, research has come up with important findings to bolster a national strategy for hydrogen use.

In addition, said the minister, it has been determined that a gradual introduction of hydrogen in transit by 2030 is “the optimal and most financially efficient method to include hydrogen in the energy mix”.

According to the estimates of the Necp, “we anticipate the gradual introduction of trucks and buses fueled by hydrogen by 2030”.