To reduce dependence on fossil fuels, Greece is planning its first offshore wind farms. On Tuesday, she identified areas for private development in a draft plan.
How reports Ekathimerini edition, Greece is surrounded by sea and has constant strong winds, these conditions are excellent for energy production. Last year, the country generated more than 50% of its electricity from onshore wind, solar and hydroelectric power. The rest of the electricity was produced from greenhouse gas-emitting natural gas, coal and oil.
By 2030, Greece plans to build an installed capacity of at least 2 gigawatts from offshore wind, which will amount to 1/10 of its onshore capacity. The ambitious plan includes twenty-five development zones in the Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean seas. They will become available over 2 periods: one between 2025 and 2032, and others later, says the Greek Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company (HEREMA), which is responsible for the program.
The zones cover a total area of 2711 square meters. km, and their minimum power is 12.4 gigawatts. Most of them are suitable for floating technologies, HEREMA notes. Minister of Energy and Environment Theodore Skilakakis says:
“The development of these projects is a national priority, not only because it will make a decisive contribution to our energy independence, but also because it will enable us to export green energy in the future.”
Environmentalists have raised concerns that they could harm biodiversity, mainly during construction or installation, and should not be located in sensitive ecological areas. HEREMA said it takes into account issues such as environmentally sensitive areas, national security, passenger shipping, areas of cultural significance and tourism activities.
The Greek Wind Energy Association (ELETAEN) estimates that Greece will need investments of more than six billion euros to achieve the 2 gigawatt target.
The plan identifies 10 eligible areas for offshore wind farms through 2032, including off the islands of Crete and Rhodes, in the central Aegean and Ionian seas, with a total capacity of about 4.9 gigawatts.
Final approval of the plan is expected before the end of the year, ahead of the official demarcation of the allocated zones at the end of 2024, HEREMA said.
More Stories
Fruits and vegetables: imports up 50.2% in April
Greek products on their way to France
Reduced fees for POS transactions, limited bank fees