91999E1841

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1841/99

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(13 October 1999)

Subject: Construction of a solar thermal power plant at Frangokastello in the Sfakia region of Crete, Greece

I have received complaints from residents of Frangokastello in the Sfakia region of Crete about plans to construct a solar thermal power plant in the area, which will, however, be powered by liquid gas as an alternative during periods of reduced sunlight. According to these complaints, finance for the construction of the plant is also to be provided by the European Union under the Thermie programme.

Will the Commission say whether, in fact, it plans to fund this project? If so, to what extent has an environmental impact assessment been carried out, both from the environmental viewpoint the region has been designated an area of exceptional natural beauty and is covered by the Natura 2000 programme and from the economic and cultural points of view as the plant is to be built in the vicinity of an archaeological site and villages and towns with a thriving tourist industry, which provides the basic source of income for the population?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(17 November 1999)

Within the Thermie programme, the project TE-235-96 (thermal solar European power station at Frangokastello, Crete-Theseus) has received support for its first phase, which regards the design of the plant.

Implementation of the project will be fully dependent on the national (Greek) legislation and procedure as far as permissions and authorisations are needed for the land use, spatial planning, environmental impact, building, operation, and connection to the grid. If such authorisations are not granted, the project will not be eligible for further support. In particular,the Frangokastello area is located within a site included in the list of sites of Community importance proposed by the Hellenic authorities by virtue of Council Directive 92/0043/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora(1) for the Natura 2000 network. The relevant environmental impact studies carried out for the development should therefore take proper account of the conservation value of that site so that its deterioration can be avoided.

When permissions are given by national or local authorities, the Commission can only assume that environmental considerations have been taken into account. It is not the responsibility of the Commission to interfere with local issues. However the Commission may intervene should evidence of a potential breach of Community legislation be brought to its attention.

(1) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.