With the government under fire for taking last-minute measures to reach EU renewable energy targets leading to an increase in the price of fuel, figures published by Eurostat on Thursday show Cyprus’ dismal performance.
The latest available statistics (2018) show that the share of energy used for transport that comes from renewable sources stood at 8.0% in the EU, compared with 7.1% in 2017, 3.9% in 2008 and 1.4% in 2004, the first year for which data are available.
Compared with 2017, the share of energy from renewable sources used for transport increased in 21 of the 28 Member States in 2018, remained stable in two Member States and decreased in five.
Sweden had by far the highest share – lowest share in Cyprus
Sweden, with 29.7%, had by far the highest share of renewable energy in transport fuel consumption in 2018, ahead of Finland with 14.1%, the Netherlands 9.6% and Austria 9.8%.
At the opposite end of the scale, the lowest proportion was recorded in Cyprus (2.7%). Low shares (below 4%) were also recorded in Croatia, Greece and Estonia.
Under the relevant EU directive on sustainable biofuels set in 2009, member states are called to meet a 10% renewables target in transport by 2020.
To reach this goal, Cyprus’ Energy Ministry ordered fuel companies on Friday to mix biofuel that meets sustainability criteria with gas and diesel — something that will push up prices.
For more information
The share of energy from renewable sources is calculated in a harmonised manner across the EU Member States using the Shares Tool. More information about the Shares Tool, and the “Summary Results Shares 2018” can be found in Shares dedicated section.
Renewable energy sources used in transport typically include liquid biofuels, hydrogen, and biomethane. More generally, renewable energy sources also cover wind power, solar power (thermal, photovoltaic and concentrated), hydropower, tidal power, geothermal energy, ambient heat captured by heat pumps, and the renewable part of waste.
Data source: nrg_ind_ren
Read more
https://in-cyprus.com/energy-ministry-slammed-for-fuel-price-hike/
