The Republic of Cyprus is facing a serious dilemma about the illegal operation of the EAC power plants at Vasilikos and Dhekelia, due to non-compliance with the Directive on Industrial Emissions. The power stations have been operating without a permit since there is no compliance with the limit values and therefore there is a clear risk that the European Commission will impose sanctions on the Republic of Cyprus. Furthermore, since the basic requirements of the legislation for industrial emissions permits are not met, the Environment Department, as the competent authority, has prepared a written report of facts to the Attorney General of the Republic for criminal action against the EAC.
At the same time, the revision of the Industrial Emissions Directive is expected soon and, by extension, the amendment of the national legislation on integrated pollution prevention and control, which under strict conditions allows the Republic to apply for a derogation for full compliance by 31 December 2029.
To this end, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for the Environment, in a letter dated 13/5/2024 to the Republic of Cyprus, requests information on whether it intends to make use of the specific paragraph of the revised Directive concerning the compliance plan for large combustion plants in Cyprus.
The letter was sent to the competent authorities of the Republic of Cyprus by Veronica Manfredi, Director of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for the Environment.
It is expected that this issue will be discussed at the level of the Ministers of Agriculture and Energy in the presence of all relevant stakeholders and authorities.
This meeting will decide whether the Republic of Cyprus intends to submit a request for a derogation, as well as to prepare the relevant action plan for compliance.
It is noted that in case a derogation is requested, combustion plants must comply with the emission limit values for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and dust by 1 January 2030.power plants. illegal operation, EAC power plants, non-compliance
