Filenews 4 February 2026 - by Angelos Nikolaou
The Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) is making an important move to strengthen the security of the electricity grid and protect the natural wealth in the region of Pomos.
According to the Information Report recently submitted to the Department of Environment, the project concerns the modernization of a 1.92 km long medium voltage line, with the main axis being the replacement of the old bare cables with state-of-the-art, fully insulated conductors.
The most important environmental aspect of the project is the use of XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) type pipelines. These new conductors eliminate the possibility of electric shock for wild birds, a problem often seen in networks with bare wires.
Despite the fact that the area is adjacent to the Paphos Forest (Special Protection Zone), the study reassures that there will be no disturbance to rare species, such as the Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata), as the nearest recorded nest is at a safe distance of more than 2 kilometers.
The potential impacts on biodiversity from the construction works of the project: 1. Loss, degradation and/or fragmentation of the area of habitat types 2. Loss, degradation and/or fragmentation of habitats of species 3. Loss of flora species 4. Disturbance of fauna species.
The project is not limited to the change of cables, but includes a more general restructuring of the network route. Specifically, the replacement and relocation of a total of 44 piles is planned. Some of the existing 10-meter-high piles will be replaced by new ones, 12-meter-high.
A small part of the existing line will be moved to new points to improve functionality, mainly using the existing network of forest roads to avoid the opening of new accesses.
The works are expected to be completed within 45 days from the day of issuing the necessary permits.
