Greece slashes wind farm licensing to 1.5 years in bold renewable push

Greece has taken a major step to speed up renewable energy projects with a new draft law. The Ministry of Environment and Energy submitted the bill for public consultation, aiming to cut licensing times for wind farms to just 1.5 years. The plan also includes measures to support battery storage, offshore wind development, and self-consumption schemes for municipalities and irrigation groups. The proposed law introduces key changes to simplify renewable energy expansion. Licensing for wind farms will now take no longer than 18 months, a significant reduction from previous timelines. It also designates specific 'go-to areas' for new projects and repowering existing units, though these require approval from both national and local authorities.

For investors, the bill offers more flexibility. Battery storage developers can keep their letters of guarantee until their systems are fully connected to the grid. Meanwhile, two standalone battery projects—totalling 16 MW—have already gone live, with another 300 MW set to follow this month and a target of 700 MW by July. Offshore wind is another focus. The legislation allows for wind and bathymetric surveys in selected marine zones, targeting an initial 1.9 GW of capacity. Greece's long-term goal is 3.5 GW across five regions: 1.1 GW off southern Crete, 0.9 GW in the southwest Peloponnese, 0.7 GW west of the Cyclades, 0.5 GW in the northeast Aegean, and 0.3 GW in the Ionian Sea. However, the national offshore wind programme has seen no progress since October 2024. The bill also extends net metering and virtual net billing to municipalities and water irrigation organisations. These schemes will apply for the first ten years, shifting to net billing for the remaining 15 years of a project's 25-year lifespan. The EU has added safeguards, ensuring compensation for investors if further delays occur. Yet challenges remain. Many renewable projects without state support are struggling under heavy debt, leaving their future uncertain.

The new measures aim to accelerate Greece's shift to cleaner energy by cutting red tape and supporting storage and offshore wind. If passed, the law will set clearer rules for investors while pushing forward the country's renewable targets. The success of these changes will depend on swift implementation and sustained financial backing for struggling projects.