The Greek government has introduced a programme for offshore wind that will identify areas suitable for developing these projects off the Mediterranean country.
The Hellenic Wind Energy Association (ELETAEN) has welcomed the announcement of the National Program for Offshore Wind Farms (OWF) by the Ministry of Environment & Energy and HEREMA.
After its public announcement, the programme will undergo a strategic environmental impact assessment and will be approved with a joint ministerial decision.
The country’s preliminary energy planning includes a target for offshore wind of 1900MW by 2030 and 6200MW by 2035.
The target for 2050 is 17,300MW.
Achieving these goals requires over €6bn of investment by 2030 and over €28bn by 2050.
ELETAEN has also urged several actions, after the announcement of the programme.
These include the creation of a flexible licensing system, based on the provisions of the European legislation of the REPowerEU.
It also calls for “rapid promotion” of the country’s international interconnections, in order for the rich wind potential of the Aegean Sea to become a necessary part of the Europe’s energy independence.
Another is the preparation of a focused investment support programme for the supply chain, to make Greece an industry hub for the wider eastern Mediterranean region.
ELETAEN also advises on creating continuous dialogue with the society, local administrations and professional associations involved with the marine area, in order to “explain the benefits and to address promptly and validly concerns and questions that always arise”.
The preparation at high level and the implementation of a road map for the exploitation of the rich wind potential throughout the Aegean Sea, based on international law.
ELETAEN stated: “In particular, it is emphasised that in order to maximize the benefits for Greece, the development of OWF must be accompanied by the development of a domestic supply chain that will involve traditional and new sectors of our economy, such as shipyards, ports, cable, cement and electrical equipment industries, metal construction industries, transport, shipping, services, etc.”
President of ELETAEN, Panagiotis Ladakakos, said: “The announcement of the National Program for Offshore Wind is an important step for the implementation of the law passed last summer by the Greek Parliament.
“Offshore wind farms, along with onshore wind farms and other renewables, can make Greece a clean energy exporter.
“This will provide significant economic and development benefits and strengthen our energy independence and the geostrategic role of our homeland for the benefit of peace and security in the region.”