Wind capacity installations in Greece encounter a slump this year, with the number of new applications dwindling
Greece's Wind Energy Ambitions and Challenges
Greece has been making strides in the wind energy sector, with significant investments in recent years. In 2023, the country added 544 MW of new wind farms, and in 2024, an additional 108 MW was installed, according to WindEurope.
Looking ahead, the European Wind Industry Association predicts that Greece will install approximately 300 MW of wind capacity in 2025, followed by 350-450 MW annually from 2027 to 2030. By the end of the decade, the country's cumulative installed wind capacity is projected to reach 7,480 MW.
However, the target set by the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) for wind capacity in Greece is much higher, at 8,900 MW. To meet this goal, WindEurope expects Greece to install 490 MW of wind capacity in 2026.
Despite these ambitious plans, WindEurope predicts that Greece will not see any offshore wind installations. The focus remains on onshore wind farms.
The Greek government has identified wind energy development as a priority moving forward. To encourage investment, they plan to implement regulatory changes. For instance, wind farms will be given a higher priority in the connection queue, aiming to speed up the process and make investments more attractive.
However, applications for new wind farms have seen a significant drop this year, with a 65% decrease from 618 MW to just 214 MW. This drop could be due to concerns regarding investment profitability, as some companies have already left the Greek market.
The energy mix in Greece is currently dominated by photovoltaics, leading to high curtailments and an anomalous production curve. To address this issue, Greece must fully apply the European directive for a simpler licensing process.
Recently, the European Commission announced that Greece would face referral to the European Court if it delays any further in applying the European directive. The Greek government is under pressure to act swiftly and ensure compliance.
Despite these challenges, the Greek government is committed to promoting wind investments and is taking steps to create a more favourable environment for the wind energy sector. With the right policies in place, Greece has the potential to significantly increase its wind capacity and contribute to Europe's renewable energy goals.
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