A year after the president announced plans to revitalise the remote Tillyria region, Kato Pyrgos has moved to the centre of developments as the island pushes to create its first climate-neutral community.
Deputy Minister to the President Irini Piki and the ministers of transport and agriculture visited the village on Friday to review progress on an ambitious green transformation spanning nine major projects.
The meeting at Kato Pyrgos community council aimed to check timelines and resolve challenges arising from the pilot implementation of Cyprus’s green community scheme.
Energy community draws 200 participants
The Tillyria Energy Community signed its founding act on 13 September 2025 as a non-profit company bringing together five communities: Kato Pyrgos, Pano Pyrgos, Pachyammos, Mosfiliou and Piganion.
Over 200 people have expressed interest in joining the energy community, with residents submitting more than 100 official applications for photovoltaic installations and storage systems. The first phase will proceed with a €1.8m grant from OPAP.
The Cyprus Energy Agency is preparing a techno-economic analysis that will determine which infrastructure projects make up the first phase.
Recycling and waste management advance
A green kiosk for collecting recyclable materials has completed inspection by the Electricity Authority of Cyprus and now connects to the network under management by the Nicosia Waste Management Board. The LIFE IP CYzero WASTE project will cover operating costs until September 2029, after which the Nicosia board assumes responsibility.
A small temporary wastewater treatment station will serve hotel units, the community council and police station at a cost of €300,000. The Nicosia Waste Management Board wrote on 10 November 2025 accepting full responsibility for purchasing, installing and operating the facility, provided all required permits and funding are secured.
The board estimates operating and maintenance costs will not exceed €1 per cubic metre. Hoteliers have committed to covering costs for their water quantities, whilst police and the community council agreed to cover their share.
Authorities have included provisions in 2026 budgets for a permanent solution—a collection network and treatment station with capacity for wastewater from all Tillyria communities.
Land search delays recycling point
Finding state land remains a challenge for the green point and recycling centre. The government is now examining possible expropriations. Once land is finalised, a tender will proceed for studies, plans and construction documents. The project costs between €700,000 and €800,000, with possible road network improvements adding to the bill.
A community composter serving 1,096 residents is undergoing licensing, with works targeted for completion in early 2027. The cost has increased to €860,000 for a capacity of 128 tonnes per year.
Infrastructure improvements
Maintenance work on Kato Pyrgos dam has reached 80% completion. Cleaning and drainage system replacement, funded with €600,000, ensures optimal water management for local farmers.
The fishing shelter improvement project has entered its final upgrade phase following positive environmental approval on 5 September 2025. A €300,000 fund will address the chronic siltation problem.
Kato Pyrgos is getting its first public electric vehicle charging point, whilst the community will receive a donated electric vehicle for official use from the Sfakianakis Group, the BYD representative.
One-stop service hub
A one-stop shop will allow citizens to process applications for planning permits, grants and agricultural subsidies without travelling outside the frontier region.
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