A proposed solar project in the Limassol district has triggered fierce debate at a parliamentary committee meeting, with lawmakers, government agencies and environmental groups opposing the development over its environmental impact.
The 26MW photovoltaic park with 16MW energy storage facilities planned for the Alektora community has drawn criticism for requiring the removal of thousands of olive trees and centuries-old cypress trees.
MP Panikos Leonidou expressed personal concern after visiting the area three times in 15 days. “We are erasing the natural environment,” he warned, emphasising the need to support renewable energy in ways that do not destroy the environment.
He questioned how permits were granted amid serious environmental and planning concerns.
The president of the Green Party, Stavros Papadouris, directed sharp criticism at the Environmental Department, which was the only authority to give a positive assessment while all other agencies opposed the project.
“You are hiding behind the connection works to avoid taking responsibility for the consequences of the project itself,” he told department representatives.
The Commissioner of the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organisation, Andreas Kyprianou, highlighted “many serious questions” regarding the Environmental Department’s positive opinion despite universal opposition from other involved agencies.
“This is an enormous photovoltaic park. There are loopholes in the legislation. Burnt land will green again, but panels will create a lunar landscape,” he stated.
Iphigenia Theodosiou from the Town Planning Department confirmed the photovoltaic park was rejected after evaluating all available data, noting that a subsequent letter from the Environmental Department following their positive opinion was taken into account.
Environmental Department official Neoklis Antoniou defended the department’s actions, explaining the project was examined under the new Renewable Energy Directive.
He admitted the positive opinion was given under strict conditions, including preserving cypress trees and transplanting olive groves.
However, according to presented evidence, 2,187 citrus trees have already been removed, with an additional 4,835 olive trees set to be uprooted.
Approximately 650 cypress trees aged 15-35 years from the 6,500 surrounding the plot will also be affected.
Environmental organisation Terra Cypria noted the area includes exclusion zones, making the environmental approval highly problematic.
The project will install 43,338 solar panels, replacing 5,755 olive trees, 2,187 citrus trees, and 650 cypress trees that function as windbreaks.
An official from the Department of Agriculture expressed opposition to installing renewable energy projects on arable land, requesting priority be given to industrial zones. “We will end up turning farmers into electricity traders at the expense of agricultural production,” he warned.
The Game and Fauna Service noted it did not take a position during the environmental study review because supplementary information requested from the consultants was never submitted. However, the service emphasized that such developments must ensure protection of the natural environment and wildlife, especially in areas with rich biodiversity.
The Alektora community leader categorically opposed the project, stressing that all departments initially expressed negative opinions. He also denounced the irregular destruction of citrus trees and called for transparency in the procedures.
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