9 July 2025 - Red card for the photovoltaic park in Lythrodontas – Kataliontas – Mathiatis. Vindication for the communities and the natural environment

Volt welcomes the decision of the Environmental Authority for a negative opinion on the construction of a photovoltaic park, with a total capacity of 180MW, in the communities of Kataliontas, Lythrodontas and Mathiatis. From the very beginning, we visited the area, listened to the concerns of the residents and stood by them, demanding the cancellation of the project.

Jul 9, 2025

This development confirms Volt’s firm and irrevocable position on the need for a fair, sustainable and participatory energy transition, as well as the protection of nature.

The decision comes following strong reactions from local communities, environmental organisations and other groups, who highlighted the serious and irreversible environmental, social and technical impacts that the project would have on local communities and the natural environment. The project would require the deforestation of more than 7000 trees, of which 1400 are protected, would alter the physical landscape and the area, would affect archaeological sites and natural habitats in violation of existing laws and decrees, would threaten protected species of fauna, and would create a problem in the electrical connection since it was considered unmanageable or even technically impossible.

Statement by Natasa Ioannou, Volt Environment & Energy Committee Coordinator

“This decision is a significant victory for local communities and the environment. It shows that the state must stop mega-projects that benefit no one except private interests. Cyprus’ energy transition must be based on energy democracy, decentralisation and justice, and not be done at the expense of our natural, cultural and social wealth.“

Volt will continue to stand by citizens for a sustainable Cyprus for all and support:

  • Transparency in the approval procedures for large RES projects and meaningful consultation with local communities.

  • Stricter regulation of the framework for the installation of RES parks in the countryside, and especially in areas of fertile agricultural land.

  • Development of energy communities that will allow collective and participatory energy production and consumption for citizens.

  • Upgrading the electricity grid to support decentralised production and storage.

  • A National Energy and Green Transition Strategy