Parliament approves new legislation
The House of Representatives unanimously approved a bill proposed by AKEL MPs Giannakis Gavriel, Andreas Pasiourtidis, and Valentinos Fakontis, amending existing law to ban commercial renewable energy installations on agricultural land. The law preserves the right to install solar systems for the benefit of the agricultural and livestock sector.
Key provisions and modifications
The legislation prohibits commercial renewable energy projects on high-value agricultural land, fertile or permanently irrigated land, areas within irrigation schemes, or lands located in protected zones such as Natura 2000 sites. High-value land will be mapped by the Department of Environment, while fertile and permanently irrigated land will be determined by the Department of Agriculture.
Amendments also ensure compliance with urban planning and environmental protection laws. The law excludes commercial installations in these areas but does not restrict self-consumption systems benefiting farmers.
Political support and discussion
AKEL MP Giannakis Gavriel highlighted the need to regulate the uncontrolled use of fertile agricultural land, noting that no restrictions are placed on self-consumption by farmers. DIKO MP Christos Orphanides stressed the importance of proper limitations and criticised issues in energy storage management. ELAM MP Linos Papagiannis emphasised the state’s delay in imposing necessary restrictions.
DIKO MP Michalis Giakoumis called for prioritising rooftop and private parking installations over farmland. DISY MP Charalambos Pazaros criticised the granting of permits for productive farmland and urged installations in non-arable areas, rooftops, or parking spaces. Independent MP Alexandra Attalidou warned that uncontrolled use of farmland undermines food security. AKEL MP Kostas Kosta noted energy surpluses in winter are wasted and summer shortages persist, highlighting storage and net metering/billing issues.
Towards balanced energy and agricultural policy
The law represents a step towards balancing renewable energy development with the protection of valuable agricultural land. Lawmakers agreed that prioritising farmland for the primary sector while encouraging sustainable self-consumption installations is essential for Cyprus’ long-term energy and food security.
Also read: Cyprus solar energy: Self-consumption, storage, and citizen role
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