The Cyprus Interior Ministry has raised strong reservations about a series of parliamentary proposals aiming to simplify licensing for renewable energy infrastructure. The bills, currently under discussion in the House Energy Committee, would allow automatic issuance of building and planning permits for photovoltaic installations by small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as for energy storage systems and data centers linked to licensed renewable power stations.

Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou told lawmakers he supports streamlining procedures for energy-related construction but warned that any simplification must operate within a clear framework with defined criteria. He pointed in particular to gaps in the proposed legislation, noting the absence of safeguards on land ownership and project siting for solar systems, and the lack of safety and zoning provisions for storage facilities and data centers.

Officials from the Fire Service and the Department of Environment have already flagged risks if such installations proceed without robust conditions to ensure safe operation. The Ministry said it is preparing a decree that will exempt storage systems added to existing renewable projects from the need for a building permit—provided specific terms and safety requirements are met. This decree, already subject to consultation, is expected to be published in September.

The Ministry is also recommending that the draft laws be amended to give the Interior Minister the authority to set technical and safety parameters by decree. These could include minimum distances from property boundaries, the creation of firebreak zones, and additional protective measures such as water reels.