Plans for three large solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage parks in the community of Agios Theodoros, Larnaca, have entered a public consultation phase, sparking a debate among residents over the “industrialisation” of the rural landscape.

The Environmental Impact Assessment Studies (EIAs) for the three projects, submitted by SAOLA Ltd to the Department of Environment, are open for public comment until 26 November 2025.

The developments, which fall within an agricultural zone, are part of Cyprus’s national strategy for energy transition and the promotion of Renewable Energy Sources (RES). The projects have a combined installed capacity of 14.5 MWp and a storage capacity of 40 MWh.

Local controversy

The controversy came to a head at a public presentation of the projects on 11 September, attended by the Community Council President and SAOLA Ltd representatives.

Some residents expressed strong concerns that the parks would alter the agricultural and natural landscape, leading to the “industrialisation” of the view and a reduction in available farmland. They demanded mitigation measures, such as extensive tree planting, natural barriers, and appropriate fencing, to help the projects harmonise with the environment.

Conversely, other residents supported the investment, arguing that agricultural activity in the area has largely been abandoned. They view the RES projects as an opportunity for sustainable land use and a new source of income for agricultural plot owners.

Environmental impact

Environmental groups and the Agios Theodoros Hunting Association raised concerns regarding the potential loss of wildlife habitats and the fragmentation of the natural environment due to clearing and fencing. They requested the preservation of species corridors and specific biodiversity protection measures.

The study team assured attendees that mitigation measures, including ecological restoration after the projects’ lifespan, have been incorporated into the EIAs.

The studies acknowledge that the construction phase may involve temporary environmental impacts, such as dust and noise emissions, temporary soil and runoff alteration, land-use change, and visual degradation. SAOLA Ltd has committed to sound waste management, recycling of PV panels and inverters after their end of life, and restoring the area to its original state after decommissioning.

The three projects consist of:

• A 5.5 MW PV park with a 15 MWh storage unit.
• A 5 MW PV park with a 15 MWh storage unit.
• A 4 MW PV park with a 10 MWh storage unit.

Read more:

Proposed solar park in Limassol to cut 5,000 trees