Offshore wind is growing in Europe and worldwide, changing the energy mix of countries towards a sustainable energy future.
Greece came to the spotlight this summer after implementing the first offshore wind energy law that can unfold the delivery of offshore wind farms in the coming years.
Aeolus Ltd, bringing 15 years of offshore wind experience, is proud to have acted as the technical expert for the last 2 years for the development of the legal and regulatory framework for offshore wind in Greece. The work managed by Grant Thornton has been supervised by the Hellenic Ministry of Environment and Energy and was supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
Aeolus has been active in Greece since 2018 when a first holistic feasibility study for fixed and floating wind was conducted for the Greek Energy Regulator RAE. https://energypress.gr/news/ta-offshore-aiolika-xanarhontai-stis-ellinikes-thalasses-anathesi-meletis-apo-ti-rae-stin
For the Greek regulatory framework, Aeolus provided critical input considering good industry practice from European projects and particularities of the Greek market, engaging closely with regulatory, spatial planning, environmental and legal experts. Key items considered included:
· Selection of the appropriate development model and evaluation of pros and cons of different options.
· The role of the Transmission System Operator and the Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company.
· Timelines for implementation.
· Added value to the Greek economy.
Some aspects of this approach were published by Aeolus director Marios Papalexandrou before the commencement of the works for the new regulatory framework. The article focused on the strategy of Greece for offshore wind farm development and can be found below (in Greek).
https://energypress.gr/news/mia-energeiaki-stratigiki-gia-ta-thalassia-aiolika-parka
The Greek government through the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) has committed to have at least 2 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030. The new framework is a milestone for Greece’s energy sector and can help Greece capitalise on its unique offshore wind energy sources supplying clean and reliable energy to the mainland, as well as the Greek islands.