AKEL on developments with Renewable Energy sources

 

23 March 2023, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

What has come to light in recent days regarding the development of a large solar thermal park in the Nicosia district raises huge questions, especially regarding the allocation of state-owned land.

The integration of renewable energy sources into the energy mix must undoubtedly be a priority, but this cannot be done at the expense of all other parameters. All the more so when state-owned land and its impact on either the environment or on citizen’s health is included in the discussion.

AKEL has repeatedly stressed that the government should proceed immediately to tenders for both the production of energy from renewable sources in order to ensure low prices for consumers and its storage. As for gravel land, its allocation for the development of RES projects or for anything else should again be done within the context of an open procedure and not at will.

The way in which State land is managed must ensure that the principles of sound administration, transparency and equal treatment are observed, in order to ensure that the Republic’s property is handled in the most economical, efficient and effective way.

In addition to the above, AKEL reiterates the need to implement land use planning for renewable energy projects based on the criteria set by the relevant Departments, so as to ensure that fertile land, sensitive protected areas and the landscape are safeguarded and that in the long term there will be no negative impacts.

For AKEL, things are clear. For years we have been in favour of the development of renewable energy sources that will be part of an integrated long-term Strategic Energy Plan that serves green transition and ensures access to cheap energy for all.