Naxos: Unanimous opposition to new wind turbines

The Municipal Council of Naxos and Small Cyclades issued a unanimous vote against the new Special Spatial Framework for Renewable Energy Sources. The decision was reached without opposition, which sources note signals a unified front among council factions. The opinion is part of a consultation process preceding the finalization of the spatial framework.

The central issue before the council is the designation of the Drymaleia Municipal Unit as an “Area Suitable for Wind Energy Development.” Under the proposed framework, this classification would indicate that the area is appropriate for the development of wind energy installations. The council issued a clear resolution that the local community will not permit the installation of new wind turbines on the island.

Beyond rejecting this classification, the council called for the revocation of permits already issued for facilities on Naxos. This demand extends far beyond a simple negative opinion, as it concerns administrative decisions already completed. No details have been announced regarding which specific permits are affected or what stage the corresponding projects are at.

The reasoning behind the decision, as reflected in the sources, cites impacts on the natural environment, primary sector, cultural identity, and tourism. Drymaleia comprises mountain settlements and extensive agricultural and livestock areas, forming part of Naxos with distinctive historical and architectural character. Similar discussions have emerged on other Cycladic islands, such as Andros.

For the Cyclades overall, the issue has become one of the most divisive in recent times. Municipalities cite the small size of the islands, their economic dependence on landscape, and the absence of tangible benefit to local communities. Conversely, national energy planning requires increased installed renewable capacity, with the islands possessing high wind potential.

A municipal council opinion is not binding on the state, meaning the final content of the spatial framework will be determined at the central government level. No announcement has been made regarding whether the competent ministry intends to modify the Drymaleia classification. It is also unclear whether other Cycladic municipalities have voted negatively on comparable designations of their territories.

The next steps involve transmitting the council’s opinion to competent authorities and evaluating it alongside other consultation feedback. The municipality has not announced whether it plans to appeal or take other legal action should the classification be upheld. The issue is expected to resurface when the final text of the Special Spatial Framework for Renewable Energy Sources is published.

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