The company Bioland Energy made an announcement after the intense reactions of the residents and the organized bodies to the creation of photovoltaic parks on state land in Frenaros. The company clarifies the following and lists the benefits that will arise for the local community.
The same announcement:
Following what unfolded on the evening of Thursday 17/10/24 in Frenaros, with the forced interruption of the planned public presentation of the company Bioland Energy and what has been made public in the media regarding the creation of photovoltaic parks on state land, which has been reserved in the area for this purpose, Bioland Energy wishes to clarify the following and list the significant and tangible benefits that will accrue to the local community:
The proposed projects fall under the spatial planning of the Ministry of Energy, according to which the available areas, throughout Cyprus, for the installation of renewable energy projects have been determined.
Based on the Environmental Impact Assessment of Certain Law Projects of 2018 (L. 127(I)/2018), for the preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment Studies (EIA), the Researchers in collaboration with the competent Local Authority should to make a public presentation of the project.
In this context, representatives of the company Bioland Energy had a meeting on 7/8/2024 with the Mayor of Paralimni, Mr. Giorgos Nicolettos, in the presence of the Vice-Mayor of Frenarous, Mr. Kostas Michael, during which the organization of the gathering was co-decided, with the aim of presenting to the citizens the projects planned by the company in the Municipal District of Frenarous. At a later time and in full consultation with the Deputy Mayor, Mr. Michael, the gathering was set for 17/10/2024 and the relevant invitations were issued.
Bioland Energy's aim was to present the projects and listen to any views of the attendees, which unfortunately was not achieved, as at the beginning of the presentation and after individual reactions from a small number of attendees, the Deputy Mayor intervened and presented data that did not correspond to reality for the works in question and, while inviting those present to leave the room.
Not having the opportunity to present, in front of the community, the projects it is planning in their area, as provided for by the current legislation, Bioland Energy is obliged to address publicly and to the local community, conveying the realities and correcting any misinformation that has existed:
The topographic land maps presented by the protestors do not reflect the actual planning of the company's projects. Bioland Energy's intention is to use 449,071 sq.m., of which 342,461 sq.m. they are barren stony ground. The remaining area of 106,610 sq.m. will be used for the installation of agro-photovoltaics, in full cooperation with the existing growers, who will not only not lose the ability to cultivate the land, but in cooperation with the company, will also produce energy at the same time. The agro-photovoltaic infrastructure will also protect their crops from extreme weather events.
The Company has not included in its plans the parcels on said government land that are already in use. Also in its design, it has ensured that the specific livestock estates or plots of land that are cultivated, if they are adjacent to a photovoltaic park, have the corresponding access to a road.
The Company, as stated above, clearly, has no intention of obstructing the operation of any livestock or other properties, as it was wrongly given the impression that it would. The breeders and farmers who are active in the specific area will not only not be evicted, but will continue their work unhindered on the said pieces of land.
Bioland's investment of 449.071 sq.m. that has been reserved by the state is only 4% of the total area of state land in Frenaros, while it will result in many benefits for the community. Specifically, through Bioland Energy's planned projects:
There will be perimeter and intermediate tree planting of the projects to increase the flora and fauna. In particular, more than 14 thousand trees and shrubs will be planted.
In cooperation with the Game Fund and the local hunting club, watering cans and feeders will be installed in the parks with the aim of attracting birds and other species of fauna.
New jobs will be created. Staff will be hired from the Community to take care of the above.
The electrical network of the wider area will be upgraded, through the upgrade of the Frenarous substation, at the expense of the Company, which will simultaneously help the operation of the craft and industrial units of the community.
Priority will be given to the residents of the community, as well as to industries, crafts, shops and supermarkets operating within the boundaries of the community for cheaper electricity in the case of purchasing electricity from Bioland Promithia (10-15% reduction in household electricity bill and 10 % in the rest of the facilities).
A serious discount will also be given to the residents of the community who will want to install photovoltaic panels on their homes through Bioland Energy.
The possibility of training and employment in new technologies and crops will be offered.
Finally, as a compensatory measure of its activity within the boundaries of the community, the Company plans to contribute annually with a significant expenditure, which will amount to up to €150,000, to the implementation of community projects in the community, in collaboration with the local Authority.
Bioland Energy Group Ltd was founded in 2012 and is one of the largest and fastest growing companies in the Renewable Energy Sources (RES) sector in Cyprus, specializing in photovoltaic system technology and waste management. Its activity significantly contributes to the achievement of the goals of the Republic of Cyprus vis-à-vis the EU in relation to the development of RES and the reduction of pollutants in the atmosphere.
