The Department of Town Planning has rejected an application to build a major solar park on 130,000 square metres of state land in Troulloi, ending months of uncertainty over the project.
The authority turned down Greenfin Energies Ltd’s proposal following sustained opposition from the local community, Troulloi Community Council and St George Mavrovouni Monastery, which led the campaign to protect the area.
The rejection was based on four key grounds, according to the official notification.
First, the Environment Department issued a negative environmental opinion. Second, an Interministerial Committee decided in June 2025 that applications for state land for renewable energy projects would be rejected if previous applications existed for agricultural or livestock purposes on the same plot. In this case, farmers and livestock breeders had already applied to lease the land.
Third, Troulloi Community Council, the Larnaca District Local Government Organisation and the Agriculture Department all opposed the project, whilst neighbouring landowners and Troulloi residents filed objections. Fourth, authorities determined the development would adversely affect the area’s natural resources, environment and landscape.
The site’s proximity to the Natura 2000 Special Protection Area of Kosia-Pallourokampos proved critical. The environmental authority issued a negative Special Ecological Assessment Report and opinion in May 2025, warning of significant, irreversible negative impacts.
Experts found the plot serves as a nesting and active territory area for a protected bird of prey. They said that disturbance and habitat alteration could not be addressed through any corrective measures. The land also contains ancient olive trees and water infrastructure supplying St George Mavrovouni Monastery and an adjacent National Guard outpost.
The monastery, which borders the plots, had expressed strong objections to the project and dissatisfaction with delays in issuing the planning refusal. In letters to the Interior Minister, the monastery described the procedures as unprecedented, noting the company was given time to submit modified plans despite negative environmental reports and opinions.
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