Filenews 22 February 2022 - by Angelos Nikolaou
The environmental pollutants reduction that were implemented in 2010 and for which the Republic of Cyprus secured a derogation until the end of 2023 for the EAC power plant in Dhekelia, now pose a serious risk to the country's electricity adequacy. The exemption granted for the operation of aged power plants has expired and the plant must be closed.
The serious issue was addressed by a meeting at the Presidential Palace chaired by President Anastasiades and the participation of ministers and services involved. It should be noted, however, that the Republic of Cyprus is at an impasse and there are no answers as to how to avoid the closure of the station, which is now officially becoming unsuitable. Through the years that have passed, the pollution from the concentration of sulphur dioxide in the exhaust gases of the station has not been achieved, while the goal of using alternative fuels, such as the use of natural gas for the needs of power generation, has not been achieved so far.
The only feasible solution is to continue the illegal operation of the Dhekelia station and the EAC, and by extension the consumers, to bear any financial cost decided by Brussels.
It is emphasized that the production of the six polluting steam turbines represents 25% of the electricity supply of the EAC's power generation system. It seems extremely difficult to put a padlock under such conditions, since the Authority will not be able to meet the needs of electricity demand, especially during the summer season.
In the derogation secured by the Republic from the Directive on industrial emissions, which was included in the legislation on industrial emissions, it is emphasized that "the six steam plants of Dhekelia E/S in their entirety may operate up to 18,000 hours from 1/1/2020 until 31/12/2023 without observing the emission limit values". Since last January, however, Dhekelia station has exceeded 18,000 hours of its operating license and is now becoming environmentally unsuitable.
