DEME and local developer eye share of 4.9GW Greek floating wind cake
Cooperation deal signed after Greece announces national development programme for wind at sea having energy independence and even future exports in mind
Belgian contractor DEME and Greek renewable energy developer Faria have signed a cooperation agreement to explore opportunities and jointly develop offshore wind farms in Greece, which recently announced a draft of a national programme for wind farms in its part of the Mediterranean Sea.
The two companies said they will conduct in-depth research and exploration, engaging with stakeholders and local communities, and also plan to create synergies with the domestic supply chain.
“DEME is delighted to be contributing to the development of Greece's offshore wind market, which we believe holds immense potential,” DEME Concessions general manager Kristof Van Loon said.
“Teaming up with Faria Renewables, a company that shares our commitment to a sustainable future and recognises offshore wind as a cornerstone of Greece's clean energy transition, is an exciting step forward.”
The cooperation deal comes after the Greek government recently announced a draft of its ‘National Offshore Wind Farms Development Programme’ which is overseen by the Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company (Herema).
As part of the programme, Herema has defined several development areas in Greek waters with an estimated capacity of about 4.9GW of mostly floating offshore wind projects that can be developed by the 2030-32 period, which it calls ‘mid-term’. In the longer term, the programme estimates a capacity of around 12.4GW could be developed.
“Our involvement in the development of offshore wind projects is now taking a significant step forward, and we are excited to contribute to the mid- and long-term expansion of the offshore wind sector in our country, helping Greece achieve its goals and transforming into a major energy producer and exporter,” Faria Renewables CEO Thalia Valkouma said.
Herema, which will be responsible for the management of offshore wind exploration and identification rights, on Oct. 31, 2023, had presented its programme with a first ten eligible areas for development by 2030-32 (excluding a marine area between Evros and Samothraki, which is reserved for offshore wind pilot projects).
Greece’s offshore wind development areas for the mid-term include:
– Eastern Crete, where it is estimated that projects with a total capacity of 800MW will be developed
– Southern Rhodes, with a maximum installed capacity of between 300MW and 550MW
– In the central Aegean, with a maximum installed capacity of between 200MW and 450MW
– In the Evia-Chios axis, with a maximum installed capacity of 300MW
– In the Ionian Sea, with a maximum installed capacity of 450MW.
“The development of these projects is a national priority not only because it will contribute decisively to our energy independence, but also because it enables us to export green energy in the future,” environment and energy minister Thodoros Skylakakis said at the launch of the national offshore wind farms development programme.
“It therefore gives us the opportunity for further economic growth and the opportunity to strengthen our country’s role as a critical regional energy hub.”
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