Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ energy transition must be properly planned to respect the environment and comply with EU guidelines on ecosystem protection, the federation of environmental organisations Opok said on Monday.
The federation said renewable energy sources remain a top priority for Cyprus’ energy transition and for meeting climate goals, but warned against continued approvals of large-scale projects without a clear framework.
Concerns over project approvals
Opok said the state could not continue approving large-scale projects, such as those in Lythrodontas-Mathiatis and Alambra-Ayia Varvara, on the basis of what it described as a vague government order without a clear framework.
The federation said the situation continued to demonstrate what it called the “sloppiness” of energy planning.
Environmental impact warnings
According to Opok, this approach allows the destruction of valuable ecosystems in the name of “green development”.
It said the uncontrolled expansion of photovoltaic parks into forest areas and cultivated land threatens local biodiversity, contributes to erosion and creates a serious aesthetic and ecological burden.
Call for closer scrutiny
Opok said the development of high-power photovoltaic parks near communities requires particular attention.
Any environmental impact from such projects must be thoroughly investigated, the federation said.