Greece plans first offshore wind farms to reduce fossil fuel dependence

Greece on Tuesday moved toward building its first offshore wind farms, identifying areas for private development in a draft plan that the current government hopes will lessen the country's dependence on fossil fuels.

The Mediterranean country, which is surrounded by sea and has strong, steady winds suitable for producing energy, generated more than 50% of its power from onshore wind, solar and hydro last year. The rest of its electricity was produced from greenhouse gas-emitting natural gas, coal and oil.

Greece is aiming to build installed capacity of at least 2 gigawatts from offshore wind by 2030, representing one-tenth of its onshore capacity.

The draft plan includes 25 eligible development areas in the Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean seas that will become available in two time periods, some between 2025 and as late as 2032, and some later, said the...