Urban Development Permit for the creation of an 8MW photovoltaic park in such a way that there is still the possibility of parallel utilization / cultivation of the fertile good agricultural land (agro-photovoltaic park), as well as the construction of supporting uses (auxiliary building, A.H.K. Substation) , in the administrative region of Avgorou, on June 30, 2023, the Department of Town Planning and Housing issued to the private company Bioland Project 56 Ltd.
Location of the project
The project is located in the location "ANDRIOU", in the community of Avgorou. The total area of the parcels was determined at 124998m2 and the area that will be used for the construction and operation of the project is estimated at 112655m2 and falls within the Ga - Agricultural Use zone and the Reclamation area. The plots under development have an altitude of 28-32m above mean sea level and until today were used for agricultural purposes, mainly growing grains, vegetables and potatoes. Access to the parcels under development is ensured by registered roads, which adjoin it to the north.
Project description
The Photovoltaic Park unit will consist of 70 network converters, the electrical equipment (cables, closed monitoring system, etc.), the A.H.K. meter room, 21333 photovoltaic panels (which will be supported on stable metal bases with the piling method) and the perimeter fencing of the pieces. Regarding the connection of the production system, the specific PV park will channel its generated energy to the 11/22kV network of the Distribution System Operator (D.S.D.) and special Medium Voltage (11/22kV) equipment is required within of the PV park but also in the Central System connecting it to the grid. It is noted that the Single Pile Monoaxial Tracker of Photovoltaic Panels will be used and at the present moment the plot under study is being used for grain cultivation.
In the indirect study area (IPA) the natural environment is characterized by agricultural land, cultivable or abandoned, mainly olive and grain groves. In addition to the EPM there are livestock units, which are in operation or abandoned, residences, photovoltaic parks, irrigation tanks, corrals and a banqueting center.
No Special Protection Zone (SPA) or Site of Community Importance (SCI) is located in the immediate study area (SAS) of the PE. The nearest protected area is the "Achnas Dam" Area (CY3000007) and is located at a distance of 4.95 km northwest of the APM. Also, according to the map of migration corridors-passages in Cyprus of the Thira department, the area does not fall under any corridor and passage of migratory birds.
As regards the recording of the flora in the APM, in the said MEEP there is a reference to the existence of the following: Pallura/Konnarka, Cappari, Wheat, Wildflower, Sorrel, Mallow, Poppies, Reeds, Lapsana, Potatoes, Tomatoes, Clover, Pumpkin, Olives and Margarita. To record the avifauna, 33 species of birds with a total of 1131 individuals were identified, among them are the Fragolina, the Ampelopulli, the Fassa, the Tzikla and the Bee-eater. In addition, two (2) species found in Annex 1 of the European Directive 2009/147/EC were identified.
It is pointed out that the company proceeded, as provided by the relevant Law, to notify the submission of the MEEP, in two daily newspapers, as well as the right to submit to the Environmental Authority, within 30 days, opinions or representations regarding the content of the MEEP or regarding the effects that the execution or operation of the project may have on the environment.
For the said proposed project (PE), it was posted on the website of the company that prepared the study, and the MEEP was made available in printed form at the offices of KS Avgoros for any comments and opinions from the involved and interested parties. The Environmental Impact Assessment Committee examined the Project in its session, on 07.03.2023, within the framework of the Environmental Authority's Opinion on the "Strategic Environmental Impact Study (SEIA) on the Siting of Projects Utilizing Renewable Energy Sources in the Power Generation Sector ». Based on the opinions of the members of the Commission, the site visit, the positions of the various Departments and the MEEP, the Opinion of the Environmental Authority was prepared.
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