The protection of agricultural land from the unregulated construction of renewable energy projects is a victory for AKEL, society and the farming community
Statement by Yiannakis Gavriel, AKEL MP and Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources
12 May 2026, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia
The protection of agricultural land from the unregulated installation of renewable energy projects is a victory for AKEL, society, and the farming community
The signing and publication of legislation to protect fertile agricultural land and environmentally protected areas from the uncontrolled installation of commercial renewable energy projects constitutes a significant victory for AKEL, society, and the agricultural community of our country.
I would like to remind you that the new legislation resulted from a bill proposal prepared and submitted by AKEL. It is a fact that the bill faced significant obstacles, including its referral by the government, which was rejected by the House of Representatives.
The new legislation prohibits the installation of commercial renewable energy projects on fertile agricultural land and in environmentally protected areas, thereby seeking to curb the unchecked influence of powerful private interests that has prevailed in recent years. At the same time, it ensures that farmers and livestock breeders can install photovoltaic systems for self-consumption to reduce their energy costs and provide substantial support for agricultural production.
The government now has a powerful legal tool at its disposal. Whereas for years there was inaction and tolerance toward the unregulated expansion of renewable energy sources, the state must now enforce the law and effectively protect agricultural land and the environment.
AKEL reiterates that the necessary energy transition and the development of renewable energy must be guided by the public interest and respect for the environment and the country’s productive base, rather than serving the interests and profits of the privileged few.
