Frenaros residents fuming over massive photovoltaic parks

Residents of Frenaros in Famagusta are furious over planned photovoltaic parks that would cover a combined area almost twice the size of the village itself, it was reported on Saturday.

The parks would take over 989,000m² of land, daily Politis reported, while the built-up area of Frenaros covers only 554,000.

This translates into approximately 140 Fifa grade football pitches, compared to 79 that the village of Frenaros takes up.

One of the companies involved, Bioland, cut short a presentation on Thursday due to protests by residents. Famagusta MPs assured the local authorities that they would raise the issue shortly in parliament.

The park it proposed was the largest, to cover 900,000m² of state land.

The residents said the 36 MWd and 42 MWd capacity parks – the former adjacent to a residential area – would affect the fauna and flora, as well as the quality of life of the people, take away agricultural land and cause a serious alteration of the geomorphic nature of the area.

They said that turning to green energy was necessary, however there were more environmentally friendly ways to do that, such as covering roofs with panels.

Politis said there were other firms interested in setting up photovoltaic parks in the area which, if approved, would bring the total area to be used up to 989,000m².