Greece launches offshore wind development plan for first 5 GW

Greece's state energy licensing authority HEREMA has presented a detailed plan for development of up to 4.9 GW of offshore wind capacity.

The draft National Offshore Wind Development Program defines 25 areas covering some 2,700 sq km with an estimated minimum capacity of 12.4 GW.

Ten areas have been submitted to the Spatial Planning Directorate of the energy and environment ministry for development in the medium term to achieve the national target of 2 GW by 2030.

Another 7 GW of projects are seen as long-term plans.

"The development of these projects is a national priority not only because it will contribute decisively to our energy independence, but also because it enables us to export green energy in the future," said Energy and Environment Minister Thodoros Skylakakis, also noting economic growth opportunities unlocking investment of billions of euros.

HEREMA is to oversee the tendering of offshore concessions.

"We are already preparing for the next steps in order to create the right framework for the rapid development of this new sector," said HEREMA CEO Aristofanis Stefatos.

Eligible areas for development by 2030-2032 are Eastern Crete (800 MW), Southern Rhodes (up to 550 MW), central Aegean (up to 450 MW), Evia-Chios (300 MW) as well as 450 MW in the Ionian Sea, HEREMA said in a statement.

Evros-Samothraki (600 MW) was already previously selected as an area for a pilot project.

Greece aims to increase total wind capacity to over 7 GW and reach a 35% share of renewables in final energy consumption by 2030 with current installed onshore wind capacity approaching 5 GW.