The deputy energy minister Yiannis Tsironis has expressed strong opposition to any prospective development of large-sized renewable energy (RES) projects on the Greek islands.

“Our islands are an energy paradise. For starters, their geothermal and RES potential has not been utilized in the slightest. We don’t need to install 300 MW on Skyros, as is being planned. That’s a pharaonic project. Let’s install 30 MW intead,” Tsironis noted in an interview hosted by Thessaloniki-based radio station Praktorio 104.9 FM.

The deputy minister said Greece remains committed to reducing greenhouse emissions by 40 percent until 2030 through increased reliance on renewable energy sources in the energy and transportation sectors, stressing, however, that enormous RES projects are not necessary for the country to achieve environmental objectives.

RES projects of excessively sized proportions and “forests” of wind-energy parks prompt reaction from locals, Tsironis noted, while adding that moderately sized wind turbine installation plans for the islands would be worked out in agreement with municipalities and local residents.

Commenting on a Bank of Greece long-term report that forecasts the country will have spent 700 billion euros in consumption of fuel, lignite and other costly resources if a permanent shift towards renewable energy sources is not made by 2100, Tsironis said such a development would be hugely detrimental for the country.