Greece Adopts Low-Carbon Energy Projects in Its Islands in Drive to Meet Climate Goal

Greece is working to reduce harmful emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030 and aspires to make all of its inhabited islands environmentally friendly. Several projects are being implemented across the country which will allow some islands to replace their oil-burning generators with renewable energy produced by Greece's plentiful wind and sun. 

Naxos, one of the largest islands at the windswept western tip of Greece, and many nearby islands have evolved into an unusual stronghold in the nation's fight against climate change. One example is the new power station connected to a 180-mile undersea electrical cable that connects Naxos to a network of other breezy holiday destinations across Greece.

The archipelago has also adopted several other environmental initiatives. For example, islands such as Paros and Donoussa recently pledged to become plastic waste-free zones. Also, the hybrid wind and solar power station on Tilos have gained recognition worldwide, and the creative seabed cleanup techniques have caught the interest of both domestic and international media. Greece also welcomed Volkswagen's Smart & Sustainable Island project. Starting with Astypalea island the Hellenic Republic and Volkswagen Group want to transform the island into a Smart & Sustainable island with a brand-new energy system by 2026.

Greece has opened its doors to a greener, more sustainable life as several ambitious and distinct projects are being implemented. Each island is distinct and has a neutral environmental footprint, making such projects and their locations appealing for many, where these projects have strong financial support. The European Commission is expected to disburse 700 million euros to many of the country’s environmentally friendly islands, according to the Greek Ministry of the Environment and Energy.

Also, recently, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman traveled to Greece to sign a new energy agreement. The Official Saudi Press Agency has reported that the memorandum of understanding, signed on July 27, sets a framework for bilateral collaboration in several energy fields. These fields are carbon capture, clean hydrogen, petrochemicals, and Saudi electricity exports to Greece.

Greece's sustainable revolution also includes passing strict climate laws. Greece's government passed the nation's first climate law on May 26, 2022, mandating that by 2028, neither lignite or coal will be used in the nation's power production. In 2023, the timetable for phase-out of fossil fuels will be reevaluated. The law also sets new guidelines for climate change adaptation and calls for the establishment of a brand-new observatory. It also anticipates taking steps to safeguard natural heritage.

With a population of about 10 million, Greece has emerged from a horrific ten-year debt crisis and still largely relies on fossil fuels for electricity, so the push for a transition to renewable energy would seem to be an impossible challenge for them. But as the EU strives to set an example for the rest of the world in the fight against climate change, Greece is betting that shifting its economy toward a carbon-free future will change its course economically.

Despite the challenges Greece faces, there are some positive results that the country is showing. According to a study released by travel intelligence platform Mabrian Technologies, which looked at the aviation carbon footprint of five well-known Mediterranean destinations, Greece had the best efficiency in average CO2 per passenger received during 2022 with 97.72 kg/passenger, 14% below the average. And with the extensive measures and efforts the government is undertaking, The Greek islands could soon become models of sustainable development.

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References:

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