Deputy energy minister Alexandra Sdoukou and Crete’s regional authorities have agreed to postpone further talks on the island’s prospective offshore wind farm plan until mid-June, following European Parliament elections. Voting in Greece is scheduled for June 9.
Market officials have feared the matter would be delayed over political cost concerns ahead of the European Parliament elections.
The government’s offshore wind farm plan has met strong resistance on Crete, despite the belief that the island offers the Mediterranean’s greatest wind-energy potential.
The two sides brought a loaded pre-election agenda to yesterday’s meeting, essentially preventing any detailed discussion on the island’s offshore wind farm plan.
The latest delay adds yet another month of idleness to the country’s offshore wind farm strategy, which has been in the works since at least last November when the energy ministry began highlighting the need for swift action so that Greece could avoid missing out on strong investment interest amid growing international competition.
Greece has set an ambitious 1.9-GW offshore wind farm target for 2030. If this goal is to stand any chance of being achieved, the country will need to announce an inaugural offshore wind farm auction by no later than mid-2026.
Sea territory off Elounda, northeastern Crete, is one of ten areas included in the 1.9-GW plan for offshore wind farm development around Greece. The government views this emerging sector as one of major importance to the national economy.
Local Cretan authorities, seeking to limit Crete’s offshore wind farm development to just two parks and a total capacity of 600 MW, have raised strong resistance fearing visual disturbance, and energypress.eu reports.
