Alambra, Cyprus. The construction of a planned power storage station for renewable energy in the Rotseri area of Alambra may pose risks to public health and the environment, the Federation of Environmental Organisations (Opok) said on Thursday. The federation alleged the project was licensed without sufficient information and consultation with local stakeholders.
Permitting and consultation concerns
Opok said permits were granted without substantial information or consultation with the local community, the municipality, or local government. It alleged residents were not accurately informed about the construction plans for a storage unit in their direct neighbourhood.
Capacity changes and impact assessment
While describing energy storage facilities as indispensable for the Republic’s future energy provision, particularly for renewable sources, Opok said such projects needed comprehensive planning and transparency. It said initial plans presented the unit as a 40-megawatt facility, later adjusted to 80 megawatts, and alleged the environmental and social impact assessment was not updated following the change.
Proximity and classification of the area
Opok said the modifications affected environmental protection and safety requirements and the health of residents, citing one home located 45 metres from the storage unit. It also alleged the permit application wrongly described the area as sparsely populated and concluded the project would not have any significant impact on its surroundings, which it said did not correspond to reality.
Parliamentary review request
Opok said it contacted the House interior committee, which is examining the licensing of the project, and called for a comprehensive review of the project and a freeze on similar developments planned in the area.
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