The Federation of Environmental Organisations of Cyprus (OPOK) says Cyprus's energy transition must proceed with full respect for the environment, responsible planning and complete alignment with European Union guidelines on the protection of ecosystems.
Renewables a top priority, but not at any cost
In an announcement, the Federation states that the development of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) is "undoubtedly a top priority for Cyprus's energy transition and the achievement of its climate targets".
However, it notes that the state cannot continue approving projects of enormous scale, such as those in the Lythrodontas - Mathiatis and Alambra - Agia Varvara areas, without a clear, statutory framework for RES spatial planning, relying merely on a vague government mandate.
Warning over ecosystem destruction
The current situation, the Federation continues, reflects a lack of rigour in energy planning, allowing the destruction of valuable ecosystems in the name of "green development". The uncontrolled expansion of photovoltaic parks on forest land and cultivated soil threatens local biodiversity, contributes to soil erosion and causes serious aesthetic and ecological damage.
In this context, the creation of high-capacity photovoltaic parks near communities requires particular attention and vigilance, and it is vital that the potential impacts on the wider ecosystem of each area are investigated in depth.
Call for full environmental assessment
The competent authorities should ensure that such projects undergo a full, comprehensive and independent environmental assessment before any final approval, the organisation states. It adds that a study assessing the cumulative impacts of a project is essential, safeguarding the preservation of natural heritage, the protection of biodiversity and balanced land use.
Legal amendment in the right direction
The Federation stresses that the amendment to the Law on the Promotion and Encouragement of the Use of RES (2025), which prohibits commercial RES projects on agricultural land while allowing installations serving the needs of the farming and livestock sector, is a step in the right direction.
