The Energy Transition in Akrotiri and Dhekelia

Akrotiri and Dhekelia, the UK Sovereign Base Areas on Cyprus, are progressively incorporating renewable energy to support energy security, environmental sustainability, and operational resilience. Although the bases primarily rely on electricity from the Republic of Cyprus grid, there are active initiatives to enhance self-sufficiency through renewable projects. Solar PV installations at RAF Akrotiri, alongside energy efficiency upgrades to military infrastructure, form key parts of the transition strategy. Plans to expand onsite solar generation and battery storage capacity are under review to reduce reliance on imported energy and cut emissions. Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, essential for renewable technologies and battery systems, are entirely imported, reflecting regional and UK-wide supply chain challenges. While the Sovereign Base Areas themselves are not sites for critical minerals exploration or large-scale offshore energy development, the broader Eastern Mediterranean offers growing regional interest in renewables and resource security. Despite operational demands and limited space, Akrotiri and Dhekelia are integrating sustainability goals into long-term infrastructure planning, aligning with UK defence energy transition objectives and broader global decarbonisation efforts.