Offshore wind a ‘national priority,’ says Greek government, as it launches development plan

Deputy Minister Sdoukou said, “This programme represents the culmination of an effort that began in our ministry in 2021. Offshore wind energy is a pan-European priority. It is predicted that by 2050, 35% of the EU’s electricity could be generated purely from offshore sources. At the same time, it presents a number of benefits for our national energy sector, our national economy and the local communities that will host or be adjacent to offshore wind projects.

“The National Offshore Wind Development Program sets the framework for the balanced, strategically planned development of offshore wind energy, respecting the environment, alternative uses of our seas and our need for renewable energy. Completion of the National Programme also confirms the choice we made in 2022 to entrust the responsibility for the development of the national offshore windfarm sector to HEREMA, the state entity with the greatest expertise in offshore energy projects and with the most competent administrative and technical staff. The programme that has been developed not only serves our main objective – protecting our energy system – but also creates conditions for Greece’s emergence as an energy hub in the wider region.”

HEREMA chief executive Aristofanis Stefatos said the draft national programme “is of strategic significance for Greece.” He said it lays the groundwork for the exploitation of offshore wind, which he described as “a new clean source that will contribute decisively to our energy transition. 

“This is a thorough plan for the development,” said Mr Stafatos, “of which HEREMA’s team of experts spent 12 months in close co-operation with the Ministry of Environment, as well as with other Ministries and entities that contributed substantially to the consultation of the eligible areas. 

“The programme and the strategic environmental impact assessment (SEIA) are the first step on a path that will create important opportunities for sustainable development, both economically and socially. I am optimistic to see many national and international investors at their launch. We are already preparing for the next steps to create the right framework for the rapid development of this new sector.”

The programme, which has already been submitted to the Spatial Planning Directorate of the Ministry of Environment and Energy, qualifies 10 eligible areas for development from 2030-2032, with a total capacity of approximately 4.9 GW, mainly for floating projects. This does not include an area between Evros and Samothraki, which has been defined as an area for the development of offshore wind pilot projects.

The areas identified for development in the medium term are located in: eastern Crete, where it is estimated that projects with a total capacity of 800 MW could be developed; southern Rhodes, with a maximum installed capacity of between 300 MW and 550 MW; the central Aegean, with a maximum installed capacity of between 200 MW and 450 MW; the Evia-Chios axis, with a maximum installed capacity of 300 MW; and the Ionian Sea, with a maximum installed capacity of 450 MW.

Regarding the SEIA, which was developed by LDK Group, HEREMA said 20 exclusion criteria had been applied to safeguard environmentally sensitive areas and marine activity in Greek territory. These criteria took into account, among others, issues of national security and navigation, airports, minimum distances from coastline, areas of environmental and cultural importance, tourist activities, aquaculture areas and other uses of the sea. The SEIA has been submitted to the Environmental Licensing Directorate of the Ministry of Environment and Energy and is expected to be released shortly for public consultation.

HEREMA also commissioned the Foundation for Economic and Industrial Research (IOBE) to conduct a study on the economic benefits of developing offshore wind in Greece, including an assessment of the importance of developing a domestic supply chain for the construction and operation of offshore windfarms. 

IOBE sectoral studies head George Maniatis said offshore wind could boost GDP by up to €1.9Bn (US$2.01Bn) a year on average over the period 2024-2050 and provide government revenues of up to €440M a year. IOBE also noted that, over the same period, it can make a significant contribution to boosting employment, supporting up to 44,400 jobs per year.

Mr Aivaliotis said offshore wind is an integral part of Greece’s energy transition efforts and will provide significant benefits to the economy and society. “Through a series of actions, such as the development of grid infrastructure, implementation of appropriate licensing procedures, mobilisation of private sector investment, research and innovation and strengthening the supply chain we will be able to create favourable industrial, economic and social impacts, while enhancing energy security and the reliability of the electricity system,” he concluded.

If you want to learn more about offshore wind and how windfarm vessel owners are decarbonising their operations, make your plans now to attend Offshore Wind Journal Conference 2024 in London 6 February 2024