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Toxic emissions that can harm human health are still billowing from the smokestacks of Cyprus’ Dhekelia power station after years of missed deadlines and repeated grace periods, a lawmaker warned Thursday, accusing authorities of letting the problem drag on while nearby residents pay the price.
Charalambos Theopemptou, an MP with the Movement of Ecologists - Citizens' Cooperation, told Parliament the Electricity Authority of Cyprus has been granted three separate extensions to replace aging generators at its Dhekelia plant but hasn’t done so and may not until 2029.
“The emissions coming out of those chimneys harm people and the environment. Human health,” he said, stressing the concern isn’t about long-term climate debates but immediate exposure to pollutants.
The issue dates back to when Cyprus adopted environmental rules tied to its membership in the European Union, he said. The plant was identified as needing upgrades, but instead of changes, deadlines kept shifting.
“They were given an extension. They didn’t change them. Another extension. Still nothing. Then an extension until 2029,” he said. “And from what I understand, they still won’t change them.”
He added that residents in the surrounding area, including people living in a nearby refugee settlement, have filed complaints about pollution coming from the plant, describing the emissions as dangerous to human health.
Broader energy delays
Theopemptou argued the slow response at Dhekelia reflects wider problems in the electricity sector.
Smart meters were supposed to start rolling out in 2018, he noted, yet installations are still ongoing in 2026. Homeowners trying to install solar panels face red tape and long waits to connect to the grid, he said, while broader electricity-market reforms tied to EU rules have not materialized as expected.
“There are many things the EAC needs to run after,” he told lawmakers. “Unfortunately, we keep leaving them while time passes, like we do with many other issues in this country.”
The power authority has not yet publicly commented on his remarks.
