Nicosia, Cyprus. Residents of the Nicosia district village of Koutrafas have voiced opposition to plans for what they described as an “unacceptable and massive” photovoltaic (PV) park in their area. A local initiative group said it is collecting signatures to submit to President Christodoulides and the speaker of parliament.
Petition and demands
In a letter, the initiative group said it is collecting signatures to deliver to President Christodoulides and the speaker of parliament. The group said it is demanding an independent environmental study, the institutional protection of arable land and full transparency regarding those involved.
Project details and objections
The complaint concerns plans to construct a photovoltaic park with an energy storage capacity of 2,765 megawatts in Pano Koutrafas. The group said it is not opposed to green energy but objected to PV parks being installed on fertile agricultural land.
Concerns cited by residents
In its statement, the group said it refuses to “sacrifice our fertile land, flora, fauna, the region’s climate and groundwater for large commercial interests.”
Location and background
Koutrafas is located around 38 kilometres from Nicosia and consists of Kato and Pano Koutrafas. The village is known for its stone bridges and stone watermill.
Community meeting and population figures
The statement followed a community council meeting on the PV park held on Tuesday. The village had 14 residents as of 2001, down from 58 in 1973, with the highest recorded population in 1931 at 130.
What actions do you think should be required before a photovoltaic park is built on agricultural land in your area?