Greece has decided not to wait for the formal approval of its National Offshore Wind Development Program, instead moving ahead with preparatory work for future offshore wind projects.
A new provision introduced by the Ministry of Environment and Energy, as part of draft legislation implementing the EU’s RED III directive, will allow wind and seabed surveys to begin immediately. The measure aims to accelerate early-stage development and avoid further delays in the country’s offshore wind expansion.
To support this process, the Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company (EDEYEP) is expected to establish a special purpose vehicle in the second quarter of 2026. This entity will oversee the surveys, which are planned to be completed by June, in line with targets linked to the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility. Once the surveys are completed, EDEYEP will identify the most suitable offshore zones and publish them in the Official Gazette. These areas will form the basis for the first wave of offshore wind projects, expected to total around 1.9 GW.
In practice, this approach effectively restarts concession preparations even though the national offshore program has not yet been formally adopted. The broader regulatory framework has remained stalled for over a year, as the required joint ministerial decision has not been issued, leaving official development zones undefined.
The government appears to be using this delay strategically, advancing technical preparations so that projects can move forward once market conditions improve and costs decline. Authorities note that survey and permitting processes alone can take up to two years, making early groundwork essential.
The draft legislation also introduces changes for the Alexandroupoli offshore area, where 600 MW of pilot wind projects are planned. This zone will no longer be part of the fast-track renewable framework, requiring developers to complete full environmental impact assessments for the entire site. The pilot projects are being developed by PPC, TERNA Energy, and Motor Oil.
