Samothrace’s Struggles: Offshore Wind Farm Controversy and Other Challenges (Late 2024 – March 2025)
- Maia
- Mar 23
- 4 min read
Since late 2024, the Greek island of Samothrace has found itself at the center of a major environmental and political controversy. The government’s decision to approve an offshore wind farm near the island’s shores has triggered a strong backlash from the local community, environmental organizations, and scientific bodies. The proposed project, part of Greece’s National Offshore Wind Farm Development Program, has raised concerns over its potential ecological impact, threats to the local fishing industry, and the broader implications of large-scale renewable energy projects that fail to consider local perspectives.
The Offshore Wind Farm Project: Scope and Key Players
According to the Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA), the offshore wind farm initiative involves the development of wind farms in the sea area between Alexandroupolis and Samothrace, with a total capacity of 600 MW. The project is being undertaken by TERNA Energy and the Kopelouzos Group, major players in Greece’s renewable energy sector. The wind turbines will be fixed-bottom structures, reaching up to 280 meters in height, each with an installed capacity of 15 MW. The total number of turbines is expected to be in the dozens, with some positioned just one nautical mile off Samothrace’s shores, particularly in front of the island’s main port.
This initiative aligns with Greece’s broader goal of developing 4.9 GW of offshore wind energy by 2032, as outlined in the Offshore Wind Development Plan launched in November 2023. The marine zone between Evros and Samothrace has been designated as a so-called "pilot project"—a misleading label designed to downplay its true scale and significance. In reality, this project is just the beginning of a massive offshore wind farm expansion that threatens to industrialize the entire Aegean Sea, including the fragile ecosystems of the Small Cyclades. The deliberate use of the term "pilot" creates the illusion of a limited test project, when in fact, it sets a precedent for the widespread deployment of wind turbines across Greece’s most pristine marine environments.
Local and Scientific Opposition
The project has sparked widespread opposition. The Samothrace Municipal Council unanimously passed a resolution rejecting the installation of the offshore wind farm, citing severe consequences for the island’s marine ecosystem, fishing industry, and tourism sector. This decision followed an informational event held on August 18, 2024, where experts from the Fisheries Research Institute (INALE) and the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) outlined the risks associated with offshore wind energy development in the Thracian Sea.
HCMR further issued an official negative assessment of the project. Their report emphasized that the Thracian Sea is one of the most significant fishing areas in the Mediterranean, accounting for 62% of Greece’s total fishery production. The introduction of wind farms in these waters would displace key fishing grounds, directly affecting the livelihoods of local fishermen and the broader economic stability of the region.
Beyond fisheries, environmentalists have raised alarms about the impact on the local ecosystem. A study published in Sustainability highlighted that nearly 50% of surveyed local residents opposed the wind farm due to concerns about the destruction of Samothrace’s natural landscape and potential harm to the Balkan chamois population, a species native to the island.
Government’s Position and Legal Maneuvering
Despite mounting opposition, the Greek government has pushed forward with the project. On August 2, 2024, the Minister of Culture and Sports approved the SEIA for the National Offshore Wind Farm Development Program, stating that it would not cause direct or indirect harm to terrestrial, coastal, or underwater archaeological sites. However, other locations, such as Gyaros, Spinalonga, and the “Nisi” peninsula, were excluded from the project due to their historical and environmental significance—raising questions about why Samothrace was not afforded similar protections.
Nationally, the debate over wind energy development in Greece has been contentious. A Euronews report noted that while only 12% of Austria’s wind power stations are located in mountainous areas, in Greece, the figure is 92%, suggesting a lack of strategic spatial planning for renewable energy infrastructure. Critics argue that Greece’s approach to wind energy development is often driven by investor interests rather than ecological and social considerations.
Community Resistance and Broader Implications
The people of Samothrace are not backing down. Local organizations, environmental groups, and activists continue to rally against the project, emphasizing the importance of protecting the island’s unique natural and cultural heritage. Many residents have voiced concerns about the lack of proper consultation and transparency in the decision-making process. They fear that if the wind farm is constructed, it will set a dangerous precedent for other ecologically sensitive areas across Greece.
This issue extends beyond Samothrace, as the government’s broader offshore wind strategy threatens to transform the entire Aegean into an industrialized energy hub. Environmentalists and maritime experts warn that if these projects move forward, Greece’s coastal biodiversity, fishing grounds, and traditional island economies will be permanently altered. In the Small Cyclades, additional offshore wind farms are planned, potentially disrupting fragile marine habitats and the natural beauty that has made these islands globally renowned tourist destinations.
The situation remains unresolved as of March 2025. The Greek government continues to advocate for offshore wind projects as part of its broader renewable energy transition, while Samothrace’s residents and environmental advocates persist in their fight to halt the development. This conflict underscores a crucial issue in global renewable energy expansion: the need to balance clean energy initiatives with environmental preservation and local community rights.
The outcome of this dispute will likely influence future renewable energy policies in Greece, setting a precedent for how the country navigates its energy transition while addressing ecological and social concerns. Ultimately, the case of Samothrace highlights the necessity for better spatial planning, enhanced public dialogue, and policies that genuinely incorporate local voices in large-scale energy decisions.
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