A proposal to construct a 180 MW solar farm in the communities of Lythrodontas, Kataliontas and Mathiatis has generated controversy.
The size of the project and the proposed felling of 1,400 pine trees over 25 years old have raised concerns among residents, environmental groups, and the Movement of Ecologists – Citizens’ Cooperation. Critics argue that cutting down trees to create a green energy source is counterintuitive.
The proposed project is currently undergoing a public consultation process, which ends on August 24, as required by law. The Environmental Authority will then evaluate the project.
The Department of Environment has clarified that the submission of the study does not predetermine the decision of the Environmental Authority. The department emphasised that the project has not yet been evaluated and no permit has been issued for its implementation.
The green party has called for the immediate rejection of the mammoth solar farm proposal in Mathiatis. The party expressed its long-standing opposition to large-scale renewable energy projects for various reasons. Additionally, the Greens raised concerns about the process of granting state land for the project.
They also criticised the plan to cut down 1,400 trees, citing the temporary nature of pine processionary moth infestations and their minimal impact on tree survival.
“Finally, we consider it a scandal to plan the cutting down of 1,400 trees with the ridiculous excuse that the trees have been infected by pine pitch canker. It is known that the infection of pines by pine pitch canker does not affect the survival of trees in most cases,” the party said in a statement.
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