Last week, Parliament passed the legislative framework for offshore wind farms (OWF) as a first step to develop this new renewable energy technology in the country, which will bring great added value to the economy and society. We expect the contribution of RES to be very important given that by 2050 35% of electricity in the EU will be consumed. can be produced from marine sources.

The benefits of YAP for the energy system, especially today, when the energy crisis affects all economic activity, are of particular importance:

The installation of YAP in the Greek seas provides increased energy security for the country. Offshore wind power produces about twice as much energy per year as onshore projects. And the wind profile of the Aegean Sea, with very strong and constant winds every day in summer, perfectly matches the demand in the Greek electricity market, which peaks during these months.

Nuclear power plants produce clean energy at a competitive price, since, especially stationary nuclear power plants, show a sharply reduced levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), approaching the cost of land-based plants. At the same time, the framework of competitive procedures that we have adopted for NPPs will contribute to a further reduction in prices, along with the possibility of attracting grants for NPP projects and their submarine connections from European financial instruments.

The energy produced by YAP is not only abundant and affordable, but also the result of exploiting an inexhaustible and “independent” resource: the wind that blows in our seas! No geopolitical conditions can deprive us of this source and limit it. Through YAP, Greece achieves its energy independence faster.

But there is also an aspect of social benefit that needs to be highlighted:

First, the impact on the labor market.

The study, maturation, development, operation and maintenance of NPP projects will create many skilled, stable and well-paid jobs in an industry characterized by innovation, dynamism and growth worldwide. Even more important is the fact that most of these jobs, especially those related to the maintenance of offshore wind farms with a life cycle of more than 20 years, will be performed by a workforce from local communities that will be adjacent to the wind farms. proper projects.

Secondly, the benefits for local communities.

In addition to the significant rewards they will receive from operating the NAP, new features will be continually rolled out as we move closer to building and operating them. From the ability of the investor to “pay extra” in kind – for example, by building a hospital block, or a desalination plant – their compensation contribution for the entire life cycle of the project, to the possibility of participation of the local community, through the energy community, as a park management partner. The final form that the benefit package will take for each local community will be determined after ad hoc consultations, with full transparency and a willingness to cooperate with its representatives as well as with local agencies. This process will begin as soon as the first YAP development areas are announced and is expected to be completed prior to equipment installation in each park.

The installation of offshore wind farms in the Greek seas provides increased energy security for the country.

Third, the investment in infrastructure, equipment, and manufacturing capacity that accompanies the “opening up” of the PPE industry.

Ports, storage and assembly areas, transport networks, special vessels and watercraft, repair and maintenance infrastructure, new production facilities for nuclear weapons will help strengthen the national economy and develop the territories where they will be located. However, the impact will be even more pronounced as we set a medium-term goal for Greece to install the first offshore wind turbines in the Eastern Mediterranean and build the know-how and specialized infrastructure to become an offshore energy hub in the Eastern Mediterranean. region.

In doing so, we comply with all the basic principles of environmental protection and ensure compatibility with existing uses of the sea and coastal space.

These principles are fully reflected in the development model we are introducing, based on which:

South African Organized Development Areas undergo two overlapping strategic environmental impact assessment procedures, one at the national level and a specific one for each approved South African Organized Development Region (SAER).

The areas for organized development of YAP are selected after joint decision with all jointly competent ministries and departments, as well as extensive consultations with local communities, agencies and NGOs, to reflect national interests, as well as local needs and characteristics.

Sites of organized development of the NAP are proposed for operation on the basis of the state program for the development of the NAP and the assignment for installed capacity based on the ESEC. Thus, we guarantee the smooth development and gradual introduction of these new RES units.

The above reflects the added value of the new RES technology that we voted for, since up to 35% of the investment costs during the construction phase and more than 80% of the operating costs are in the domestic market. Added value, fully compatible with the strong commitment of the Prime Minister, the Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the strategic goal of abundance, clean and affordable energy for all.

* Ms Alexandra Sduku is the Secretary General for Energy and Minerals of the Ministry of Environment and Energy.