Implementation of the national offshore wind farm development program is proving to be trickier than expected, according to competent market sources, as local opposition and a number of constraints have raised questions over the feasibility of the initial plan.

Sites designated to host offshore wind farms are sufficient for the plan’s first wave of facilities until 2030, but the spatial sufficiency for further expansion, beyond 2030, is questionable.

The designation of offshore plots has been made by selecting marine areas situated at least six nautical miles, or 11 km, off coastlines, which, sources told energypress, ends up being inadequate if capacity targets of between 2 and 3 GW are to be achieved beyond 2030. An expansion of marine territory will be needed, the sources noted.

On the other hand, this distance criterion has also raised concerns among various local officials who fear offshore wind farm proximity could have an adverse effect on local economies.

Municipal and regional committees, tourism industry associations, hoteliers and a number of environmental groups are all on high alert and are even considering to take legal action in order to challenge the development of offshore wind farms. Strongest reaction, so far, has come from officials in Crete’s northeast, Ikaria and Corfu.

According to a preliminary national plan, an offshore wind farm target of 1,900 MW has been set for 2030, while a 6,200-MW target has been set for 2035. Further ahead, this plan’s goal for 2050 is 17,300 MW.