Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ parliament on Thursday rejected a referral by President Nikos Christodoulides concerning legislation on renewable energy sources that includes a ban on installations on fertile agricultural land. The vote was 15 in favour of accepting the referral and 26 against.
Referral and government concerns
The referral concerned a provision prohibiting renewable energy projects on fertile or irrigated land, land consolidation areas and protected zones. The executive branch argued the restriction could limit the expansion of renewables and potentially jeopardise Cyprus’ 2030 energy targets, and raised concerns over separation of powers, property rights and ambiguity in the legislation.
Parliamentary positions
Chair of the House agriculture committee and Akel MP Yiannakis Gavriel expressed regret over the referral, noting the law had been unanimously approved by parliament to end what he described as “anarchy” in installations on fertile agricultural land. He accused the government of maintaining an uncontrolled situation and of “inventing reasons” to serve specific interests, rejecting the referral.
Greens MP Charalambos Theopemptou referred to Cyprus’ obligation since 2023 to designate areas suitable for renewable energy development, citing delays, lack of coordination between ministries and limited transparency in licensing procedures.
Independent MP Costis Efstathiou said parliament intervenes when the state fails to regulate key issues, dismissing claims the law undermines renewable energy development. He said growth “cannot take place without limits” and described the executive’s objections as unfounded.
MP Alexandra Attalides said property rights do not automatically equate to development rights, and pointed to pressures in Cyprus to exploit private land, a practice she said is not common internationally.
Dipa MP Alekos Tryfonides said he supports Akel’s position and added that many restrictions on renewable energy development on agricultural land were already in place.
What do you think should be the balance between expanding renewable energy and protecting fertile agricultural land in Cyprus?
