The Greek Ministry of Culture has reversed its earlier decision to block three potential sites for offshore wind development, following a review by the Central Archaeological Council. This decision reinstates two sites off the coast of Crete and one near the uninhabited island of Gyaros in the northern Cyclades, which had been previously rejected due to concerns regarding protected monuments and areas of archaeological significance.
These three locations are part of six areas identified for medium-term development between 2030 and 2032. The remaining sites include Agioi Apostoloi in Evia, a northern section of the Gulf of Patras between Antirrio and the Aitoliko Lagoon, an area south of Prasonisi off Rhodes, and Donousa.
According to the National Energy and Climate Plan, Greece aims to develop offshore wind farms with a total capacity of 1.9 GW by 2030. The original plan to initiate the tender process for Crete 1, one of the previously banned areas, can now proceed. The inaugural offshore wind tender is anticipated to take place in 2026 or 2027.
