Greece has unveiled a draft version of its offshore wind energy development programme, presenting a roadmap for harnessing the wind energy potential of its coastal waters. The proposal, introduced by the Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company (HEREMA), designates 25 strategic areas across the country's seascape, with the potential to accommodate at least 12.4 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind turbines in the long term.
This momentous program was publicly disclosed during an official event in Athens, accompanied by a comprehensive strategic environmental impact assessment (SEIA). The proposed seabed areas encompass an impressive 2,712 square kilometers, signaling a commitment to harness the power of wind as a clean energy source.
Greece's forward-looking plan sets the stage for the installation of approximately 4.9 GW of wind farms by 2030-2032, strategically located within ten of the designated zones that are deemed suitable for offshore wind deployment. These sites have been carefully chosen, taking into account factors such as seabed conditions, with many of them being prime candidates for floating technology installation.
As a significant first step, the draft program identifies five concrete zones for medium-term development, which together could yield up to 2.5 GW of offshore wind capacity. East Crete is expected to host 800 MW of wind energy generation, while Southern Rhodes is slated to accommodate between 300 MW and 550 MW. The Central Aegean region is set to contribute 200 MW to 450 MW, and both Evia-Chiosa and the Ionian Sea will see the development of 300 MW and 450 MW, respectively.
However, it's worth noting that the marine area situated between Evros and Samothraki is conspicuously absent from the proposal, as these two locations have been reserved for pioneering pilot offshore projects, according to an official statement.
The draft programme is now undergoing a thorough review process by the Spatial Planning Directorate of the Ministry of Environment and Energy, marking a critical step in the journey towards Greece's ambitious offshore wind energy transformation.
