The Dhekelia power plant has been emitting pollutants at levels far exceeding legal limits, according to data released by the Department of Environment to the Parliament.
The report, which came in response to a parliamentary request, shows that in 2023, all six production units at the plant approached or surpassed permitted deviation limits for nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and dust emissions.
Dust emissions, with a limit of 20 micrograms, approached 50 micrograms, more than double the permitted amount. Nitrogen oxide emissions, limited to 145 micrograms, neared 450 micrograms, triple the limit.
Most alarmingly, sulfur dioxide emissions peaked at around 1,700 micrograms, ten times the 175 microgram limit. Even at lower levels of about 1,420 micrograms, emissions were eight times the permitted amount.
Similar emission levels were recorded in four of the six units measured during the first five months of 2024.
The data reveals that even with the granted deviations, emissions remain significantly higher than existing limits. Officials note that these figures represent marginal emissions under the deviation allowance.
Residents have expressed concerns about visible pollution. Frangiskos Kekkou, representing the refugee settlement of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) near Dekeleia in the community of Ormidia, reported that ash from the plant’s chimneys is visible to the naked eye.
Kekkou said residents can catch the ash that comes out of the chimneys on their fingers, adding that the pollution affects land and water across Cyprus.
Charalambos Menelaou, from EAC, noted that the plant had reached its 18,000-hour operating limit in January 2022, despite having a deadline until the end of 2023.
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