Dorita Yiannakou
The Environmental Authority has approved the development of a 6,534 kW solar park within the administrative boundaries of the Sotira Community, in the Famagusta District. The project, owned by ESPERIA ENERGY FAMAGUSTA LTD, is expected to generate 14,800 MWh of electricity annually (2.265 kWh/kWp) and will feature 12,015 solar panels, each with a capacity of 545 W. The solar park will be oriented southward, with a horizontal tilt of ±55°.
The electricity generated by the panels will be in direct current (D.C.) form. To connect the solar park to the grid, the D.C. will be converted to alternating current (A.C.) using inverters. The project will utilize 26 SUNGROW SG250HX inverters, as outlined in the environmental impact assessment.
The 2.5MW and 5.0MW solar projects by the Esperia Energy Group, with the family farm located in between.
The plot is not part of any irrigated or dry reclamation plan, as confirmed by the Department of Environment. The protected landscape of the "Kohiloma Sotira Gorge" is located less than 100 meters from the project's immediate study area. The nearest NATURA 2000 network areas are the Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) of Paralimni Lake (CY3000008), which is 2,230 meters northeast of the study area, and the Special Protection Area of Agia Thekla – Liopetri Area (CY3000009), located 3,000 meters to the south.
The competent authority has expressed that the project is expected to have positive impacts, as the production of electrical energy aligns with modern sustainable development practices in the energy sector. This includes minimizing pollutant emissions and maximizing the conservation of natural energy resources.
However, the Environmental Authority has outlined several measures to prevent, mitigate, or minimize any potential environmental impacts during both the construction and operational phases of the project. These measures include demarcating and fencing the worksite, adhering to a strict work schedule, implementing a Site Safety and Health Plan, conducting regular checks and maintenance of machinery and vehicles, applying a Spill Action Plan for oil leaks and fire incidents, placing waste bins at the worksite, and designating temporary waste storage areas. The environmental impact assessment also stresses the importance of waste segregation by type, separating and disposing of solid waste at licensed sites, removing waste from the site daily, and cleaning work areas on a daily basis, among other precautions.
*This article was translated from its greek original.
