Log in
Search
Εθνική Στρατηγική της Κύπρου για το Υδρογόνο
The Cypriot National Hydrogen Strategy represents the country’s first official publication dedicated to hydrogen policy and development. It outlines a national roadmap for introducing hydrogen as a key element in Cyprus’s clean energy transition, aligned with European Union goals for climate neutrality by 2050. The strategy sets out how hydrogen will be produced, transported, regulated, and used across sectors, focusing particularly on renewable hydrogen from solar energy and its integration into industry and transport. Cyprus does not currently have hydrogen production facilities, and the regulatory framework for hydrogen production is under development. Key sectors that can be identified for hydrogen development include high-temperature industrial processes, road transport for heavy vehicles, and the shipping and aviation sectors.
PRODUCTION
Hydrogen production in Cyprus is centred on renewable sources, particularly through water electrolysis powered by solar energy, leveraging the island’s abundant solar potential. The strategy also considers alternative production methods such as biogas reforming and biomass conversion, provided they meet sustainability standards. However, the current cost of renewable hydrogen remains high, and the sector faces challenges related to water scarcity, the absence of existing hydrogen infrastructure, and the need for significant upfront investment. The strategy anticipates that with technological advancements and economies of scale, production costs will decrease over time, making hydrogen more competitive.
TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION
At present, Cyprus does not have a natural gas pipeline system. The strategy outlines plans to develop new pipelines and storage facilities, ensuring that future natural gas infrastructure is “hydrogen-ready” to facilitate a smooth transition. The EastMed pipeline, primarily intended for natural gas, is being designed to accommodate hydrogen transport from 2036 onwards. The development of a robust transmission and distribution network is recognised as essential for the widespread adoption of hydrogen across various sectors, but being an island, other methods will likely also be explored.
EDUCATION, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The strategy places strong emphasis on education, training, and research. It calls for the development of specialised training programs for technicians, operators, and other stakeholders, as well as public awareness campaigns to foster acceptance of hydrogen technologies. Collaboration with academic institutions is encouraged to support research and development, pilot projects, and the transfer of technical know-how. These efforts are seen as critical for building local expertise and supporting the long-term growth of the hydrogen sector.
CROSS-CUTTING
A central pillar of the strategy is the establishment of a comprehensive regulatory and legislative framework to govern all aspects of the hydrogen value chain, from production to end-use. This includes safety standards, licensing procedures for the operation of H2 production and refuelling infrastructure, quality control for H2 as a fuel and certification processes for renewable hydrogen. The strategy also identifies strengths such as Cyprus’s solar resources and strategic location, while acknowledging weaknesses like the small industrial base and lack of infrastructure. Opportunities include access to EU funding and the potential to become a regional hydrogen hub, but there are also threats from high costs, technological uncertainties.
END-USES
Key sectors that can be identified for hydrogen development include high-temperature industrial processes, road transport for heavy vehicles and the shipping and aviation sectors.
Mobility
The mobility sector is a primary focus for early hydrogen adoption in Cyprus. By 2030, the strategy envisions the introduction of hydrogen-powered buses and trucks, supported by the development of refuelling infrastructure. Hydrogen is seen as particularly suitable for heavy-duty vehicles where battery electrification is less practical. Hydrogen could account for 4% of energy consumption for trucks and buses in 2030, rising to 15% in 2050.
Industry
In the industrial sector, hydrogen is targeted for use in high-temperature processes such as cement, brick, and tile manufacturing, where electrification is not feasible. The strategy outlines both conservative and ambitious scenarios for hydrogen penetration, with the latter projecting significant uptake by 2050. However, the small scale of Cyprus’s industrial base limits the immediate potential for large-scale hydrogen use, making pilot projects and gradual integration more realistic in the near term. Hydrogen could cover 10% of the energy needs of the cement sector in 2030, rising to 50% in 2050.
Transport
The shipping and aviation sectors are expected to incorporate hydrogen on a moderate scale by 2030, with significant uptake and application expected in 2050.
Energy
Hydrogen is identified as a valuable tool for energy storage and grid balancing, particularly in managing the intermittency of renewable energy sources like solar and wind. By converting surplus renewable electricity into hydrogen, Cyprus can store energy for later use, enhancing the flexibility and resilience of the electricity system. The strategy also considers the potential for blending hydrogen with natural gas for power generation.
