Kythira Wind Turbines Information

HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION:

If you want to object and CO-PARTICIPATE in the public consultation, just fill in the form below.




    Beyond collective participation, it’s crucial to submit INDIVIDUAL objections!

    CURRENT STATUS AS OF JUNE 2025:

    The ongoing campaign against industrial wind farms on Kythira has achieved significant results. Community opposition and legal challenges have successfully led to the cancellation of several originally planned wind parks. However, the situation remains dynamic, with new permits continuing to be issued alongside these victories.

    Current Approved Projects:

    – 3 Wind Parks are now officially permitted

    – 30 Industrial Wind Turbines total across all sites

    – 135 MW combined capacity

    The maximum allowed wind turbine capacity for the island is approximately 295 MW. This means there’s potential for an additional 160 MW of wind parks to be developed!

    The map below shows the updated situation as of June 2025, reflecting both the progress made through community action and the ongoing challenges that remain. Each of these 30 mega-turbines will stand 150 meters tall, fundamentally altering Kythira’s landscape and character.

    This represents a significant reduction from the original proposals, demonstrating the power of organized community resistance while highlighting the continued need for vigilance and action.

     

    10 FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW

    Currently, permits have been issued for 30 wind turbines with a total capacity of 135 MW. The maximum permitted capacity on the island is 295 MW, meaning another 35 wind turbines of 4.5 MW each can potentially be placed. The current licensed locations are Foinikies, Kserokambos, and Kordelides

    All wind turbines will be 150 meters high including the propellers. They will be visible during both day and night, as aviation safety regulations require them to be equipped with bright red warning lights. Some turbines will be visible from across the entire island due to their height and strategic positioning on hills and elevated areas.

    Checkout the map for the location of the parks.

    The electricity generated will not directly benefit Kythira. Instead, it will be transported via undersea cables to the main Greek electricity grid, and Kythira will continue to receive its power from the national grid exactly as it does now.

    Research indicates that people living or working near wind turbines may experience “Wind Turbine Syndrome” symptoms, including sleep disturbance, headaches, anxiety, depression, cognitive dysfunction, and decreased quality of life. These symptoms are attributed to turbine noise, ultrasonic sounds, ground vibrations, and shadow flicker effects.

    Kythira attracts visitors seeking nature, tranquility, and unspoiled landscapes. Research in similar locations shows that nearly 90% of tourists consider scenic views very important, and wind farms significantly diminish landscape attractiveness. Many tourists indicate they would choose alternative vacation destinations if wind farms were installed.

    The project will permanently alter Kythira’s natural landscape, with two proposed sites located within Natura 2000 protected areas. Kythira is a crucial hub for migratory birds and one of Greece’s most important bird areas. Millions of birds, bats, and insects are killed annually by wind turbines worldwide, which could severely impact local ecosystems and the famous Kythirian thyme honey production.

    Explore the environmental impact map of Kythira at https://kythira-windturbines.com/en/the-map-that-tells-the-real-story to see the comprehensive data behind the environmental concerns.

    Multiple sites of major cultural significance are located in or near the proposed wind parks, including monasteries, Byzantine churches, archaeological sites, UNESCO-heritage dry stone walls, and ancient footpaths (monopathia). The industrial development threatens to irreversibly damage these irreplaceable cultural landmarks.

    Wind turbines significantly decrease local property values, with research showing average declines of 10-15%, though some areas experience drops up to 50%. Given Kythira’s real estate market dependence on vacation home buyers, the impact could be even more severe, potentially making properties near visible turbines virtually unsaleable.

    The turbines are not guaranteed to be installed. Current licenses are only production permits (feasibility approvals). Companies must still obtain environmental approval, grid connection offers, installation licenses, and operation licenses. Many appeals have been filed by individuals, the Municipality, and organizations, making this a lengthy ongoing legal process.

    Viable alternatives exist that could achieve the same climate goals while respecting Kythira’s environment and character. Solar energy has become 1.5 times cheaper than wind energy and could be implemented with far less environmental and cultural impact. Solar parks can even contribute to biodiversity and be designed to respect the island’s cultural-historical landscape value.

    UPDATE 2025: MAP OF THE PLANNED TURBINES

    LATEST POSTS

    VIDEO OF THE PROPOSED WIND PARKS

    ABOUT US

    We are an independent group of citizens in favour of renewable energy on Kythira. But we believe that the proposed plans of 115 large wind turbines along the Kythirian coastline and in close proximity to villages is not the path the island should follow!

    Instead we think that we can realize an alternative solution that fits the needs and the character of the island and that also contributes to the solution of the problem of climate change. A solution that respects the Kythirian natural and cultural environment. We believe that the people of Kythira should work together in harmony with the Municipality and all other parties involved and put this subject high on their agenda.

    HISTORY

    Between 2007 and 2009, nine applications were lodged with the Energy Regulatory Board (RAE) for the construction of wind farms on Kythera. The total potential output should all nine applications be granted was 321 MW.

    For years the issue seemed defunct, but on January 22nd 2020, it suddenly became clear that  two production permits were granted for in total 30 turbines, with a fan blade diameter of 71 metres. In February 2020 two more permits followed for again 30 turbines, now with a fan blade diameter of 90 meters. Permits for 55 more turbines, some even up to 250 meters high, have been granted in 2021.

    It is important to understand that these are only Production Permits; in order to actually install the turbines, Installation Permits will have to be issued, and a complex legal procedure to be followed including environmental impact studies and consultation with local government and inhabitants. On the other hand, current government policy is a national energy plan which includes the installation of wind farms on as many islands as possible.

    KYTHERA TURBINE TERROR

    SUPPORT LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS

    Support from the K.I.P.A.

    The Kytherian Foundation for Culture & Development has just published a statement signed by its president, Professor Yiorgos Kassimatis, which...

    Read More ...

    A petition organised by James Prineas against the proposed industrial size wind parks on Kythira.

    BANK ACCOUNT FOR DONATIONS

    KIPA
    Kato Livadi
    80100 Kythira, Greece
    ΙΒΑΝ: GR2301103800000038000241984
    BIC/Swift: ETHNGRAA

    It is now possible to financially support the legal fights against the installation of industrial wind farms on Kythira.

    The Kythirean Foundation for Culture and Development (KIPA), has opened a bank account which enable its friends, members as well as anyone else who wishes to contribute.

    We are appealing to everyone who loves and cares for the natural and cultural environment of the island to donate. Any financial contribution, no matter how small or big, is invaluable.

    A receipt will accompany each bank deposit.

    KIPA is a Social Institute that has been founded, under Presidential Decree 1363/14.9.06, therefore it is subject to the state legal auditing, as well as inspected by the Governing Board of the Trifylleion Foundation, which enables a comprehensive audit control.

    INTERVIEWS WITH LOCALS

    In our candid interviews with Kythirian professionals knowledgeable with the island’s economy and development, we explore attitudes and responses to the imminent prospect of the island’s transformation into a wind turbine hub.