Preparations for the Establishment of a Joint Solar Park Completed in the Buffer Zone

Mario Nava, Director-General of the European Commission for Structural Reform Support (DG REFORM), announced that preliminary work has been completed in the buffer zone in Cyprus for the establishment of a joint solar park between the two communities. The next step is for both sides to reach an agreement on its future location and technical solutions.

The European official made this statement in an interview with the Cypriot-Greek news agency (KİPE) before assuming his new position in the Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs, and Inclusion (DG EMPL).

According to Mario Nava, the solar park between the two communities, to be built in the buffer zone, will enhance cooperation in the energy sector and foster trust between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots.

The official added that a report on the EU-funded Research and Development (R&D) project was presented by negotiators from both communities in February.

The next step for both sides involves agreeing on the park's location, proposed technological and technical solutions, as well as the level of investment each community will contribute to the project, its ownership, and the distribution of electricity.

"In case of disagreements, the commission is ready to help find solutions,” Mario Nava stated.

Mario Nava also touched upon EU-supported projects under the aid program for Turkish Cypriots. He said that the primary instrument of this support is an aid program that contributes to “paving the way for the reunification of Cyprus.” Independent research indicates that “this program keeps the prospect of reunification open.”

It is worth noting that the decision to build a joint solar park in the buffer zone was made following the Pyla Agreement, signed between the two communities on October 9. It also includes the construction of two roads, including in the Yiğitler-Pyla direction, as well as the movement of people and goods. According to the rules of the European Union's “green line," this traffic must be controlled.

Additionally, as part of the agreement, a joint village of 400 houses and infrastructure for the photovoltaic park will be built. This will be the first joint urban and residential development project between the two communities since 1974.

TRNC President Ersin Tatar referred to the construction of the power plant as an "exemplary model of cooperation between the two communities."