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[INLINE] Solar enegy is widely used. Cyprus' energy consumption is mainly oilbased and because it has no crude oil of its own, Cyprus is a heavy oil importer. Practically all industrial electricity is procuced from imported oil and some 50% of foreign exchange earnings from domestic exports of goods are absorbed by petroleum products. Surprisingly, therefore, the two oil price 'shocks' of the 1970s imposed severe strains on the island's economy and prompted efforts to find alternative energy sources. The focal point of these efforts was Cyprus' most valuable resource - sunshine. Each year the island records 340 days of sunshinefor an average of around 10 hours each day. This abundance of sun led some far-sighted entrepreneurs to invest in solar-powered water heaters in the early 1960s. However, it was the oil price hikes of 1973 and 1979, combined with the desperate need to conserve foreign exchange in the wake of the Turkish invasion, which prompted a solar-power boom. The adoption of new techniques and Government support meant that by 1985 Cyprus ranked first worldwide in per capita consumption of solar energy and financial savings have been especially significant for consumers, given that energy consumption has been increasing by about 9% annually in recent years. [INLINE] Cyprus refinaries provide for the island's energy needs. T he use of solar heating has also spread to greenhouse agriculture, a major growth area with enormous export potential, and following the introduction of multipanel solar systems in 1980, to the tourist industry. The Cyprus energy industry comprises two basic conversion centres: the Electrictiy Authority of Cyprus, established in 1952, which operates two power stations at Dhekelia and Moni, and the Cyprus Petroleum Refinery in Larnaca, established in 1972. [INLINE] Moni electricity power station. D espite all impressive achievements and the emergence of strong (mainly Middle Eastern) export demand for solar heaDers, oil still accounts for 96% of the island's energy needs. But, as international concern with the environment and global warming increases, Cyprus is well placed to take the lead in supplying an ecologically friendly low-cost alternative energy source to consumers across the world. At the same time, measures are taken to increase awareness for the efficient use of energy. . . [INLINE][INLINE] [INLINE] [INLINE] [The Economy] [Cyprus - EU Relations] [ Foreign Trade] [ Agriculture ] [ Wine Industry ] [ Water Development ] [ Fishing ] [ Manufacturing ] [ Energy ] [ Services ] [ Shipping ] [ Tourism ] [ Handicrafts ] [ Back to Main Cyprus Page ] [INLINE] [INLINE] [Location][Weather][Links][Kastoria][Daily News][Akamas]["Live-Chat"][The Cyprus Problem][FoodGuide][Tourist Guide][Picture Tour][Cyprus-Cafe "Chat-Board"] [ Cyprus Airways][Add A Link][ Fresh produce][Hotel Guide][Diary of Events] [Business Section ][Guestbook ][Rent A Car][Search Our Page [INLINE] For corrections,additions or suggestions please send E-Mail to :argiris@cosmosnet.net Since January 12 1996: You are visitor number[INLINE] This Site Is Maintained By Argiris (Gary) Zias Designed and produced by CosmosNet. Copyright ©1996-98 CosmosNet All Rights Reserved.