ENERGY TRANSITION - 88% OF CYPRIOTS CONSIDER IT URGENT - 47% CUT SPENDING ON FOOD OR HEALTH - Filenews 5/11
88% of respondents in Cyprus consider the energy transition urgent and 55% expect to pay lower energy bills. Both rates are the highest among the 27 member states, according to the European Investment Bank's (EIB) eighth Climate Survey. In the EU, the percentage of those expecting lower bills is limited to 20%.
Energy price increases have already affected the daily choices of households. In Cyprus, 47% cut back on food or health spending, compared to 38% in the EU. The same percentage also limited travel by car for basic needs, such as shopping and medical appointments. In the rest of the survey, no Member State recorded a higher rate of restriction of these movements. The EU average was 31%.
Ipsos bva carried out the survey on 23,000 people in the 27 Member States. In Cyprus, 500 people aged 16 and over participated. The EIB published the results on Thursday.
One in five needed borrowing, help or delayed an account
72% of respondents in Cyprus said that increases in the prices of electricity, natural gas, fuel or heating oil have significantly reduced their purchasing power in the previous 12 months, compared to 60% in the EU. 25% described the effect as "very significant", compared to 20% in the Union.
One in four has reduced heating. One in five reported being forced to borrow, seek financial assistance, or delay paying their energy bill. The corresponding figure in the EU was 16%.
The price increases changed the way 68% of respondents in Cyprus use the car, compared to 60% in the EU. In addition to routes for basic needs, 37% limited weekend trips, holidays or visits to relatives and friends, compared to 30% in the EU. To save fuel, 23% drive slower, while 9% replaced some individual journeys with carpooling, public transport or cycling.
What Cypriots expect from the energy transition
89% of respondents in Cyprus expect lower or more stable energy prices from the transition. An equal percentage expects less dependence on imported oil and natural gas. 82% believe that the transition will help slow down climate change. This estimate is shared by the majority in each Member State, with the percentages ranging from 58% in Estonia to 87% in Hungary.
If the EU delays the energy transition, 86% in Cyprus see a risk of a long-term increase in energy prices and the cost of living, compared to 79% in the EU. 84% are concerned about greater dependence on imported oil and gas, compared to 78% in the Union. In both cases, Cyprus records the highest rates among Member States.
75% also said they would feel more proud of their European identity if the EU gained energy independence, compared to 62% in the Union.
Solar energy is the first choice
89% of respondents in Cyprus want low-carbon energy sources to be prioritised, compared to 87% in the EU.
Among the individual sources, solar energy concentrates 81% in Cyprus, compared to 52% in the EU. It is followed by natural gas with 47%, the highest percentage in the Union and significantly above the European average of 10%. Wind energy is chosen by 18%, one of the lowest percentages in the EU.
In terms of equipment for the transition, 48% prefer to develop a competitive European clean technology industry, even if it takes more time. 42% prefer the faster development of these technologies with imported equipment.
71% want closer cooperation with other countries, compared to 68% in the EU, while 23% prefer Cyprus to rely mainly on its own capabilities. 66% are in favour of joint financing of investments by member states, compared to 59% in the EU. 23% prefer each country to cover the cost of its own investments.
Source: CNA
