Kythira - RAE: Rejected review requests for wind turbines

The Kythira Citizens' Movement issued a press release following the latest developments regarding the rejection of the appeals by the Regulatory Authority for Energy (RAE). Read it here:

On March 18, 2022, the Energy Regulatory Authority’s (RAE) regarding the requests for review submitted, on the one hand, by the Municipality of Kythira and the Local Property Committee, and on the other hand, by the Kythira Foundation for Culture and Development (K.I.P.A.) and 200 citizens and associations on the island, regarding the three power generation licenses held by the TERNA Group in the northwestern part of the island.

The three production licenses have been granted in the areas of Kordellides and Xerokampia in the northern part of the island, within the area NATOURA 2000 and, once again, in the Foinikies area, where a national record has been set with the licensing of wind turbines with a rotor diameter of 155 meters and a total height of 250 meters, roughly the same height as the Eiffel Tower!

These permits have been issued unlawfully, as they do not take into account key parameters of the spatial plan for Renewable Energy Sources, such as:

1. Minimum distances from the settlements of Petrouni and Gerakari.

2. Minimum distances from the island’s main road network.

3. Distances from tourist accommodations in the areas.

4. Distances from individual residences and ensuring compliance with the required noise level.

5. Compliance with the rules governing the integration of wind turbines into the landscape and the resulting visual impact on the horizon.

OThese three industrial wind farms are located within the grid area NATOURA 2000, while the work of preparing the Special Environmental Studies for the protection of these areas is underway.

In addition, these licenses are in addition to the four existing production licenses held by the ELLAKTOR and Kopelouzos groups, each with a capacity of 150 MW. Thus, the total licensed capacity of the 116 wind turbines is 282 MW That is, 80 times more than the island's energy needs!

Following the rejection of the three motions for reconsideration, motions to annul these decisions will be filed and heard by the Athens Administrative Court of Appeals.

The struggle isn't just continuing—it's BEGINNING NOW.

However, since part of the money that has been collected to date will be used to cover court costs, there will be a need for new donations so that this long-running legal battle can continue.

From the very beginning, the people of Kythira have fought to protect their property and their island. Also important is the dialogue on renewable energy sources that began years ago on the island and has yielded  very important  alternative proposals.

FIRST AND FOREMOST, HOWEVER, IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING AND TO ASSERT THERESPECT FOR THE RULE OF LAW.

We therefore call on all residents of Kythira and friends of Kythira to lend their support.

We call on the island’s residents and organizations to contribute, as much as they can, by making a financial donation to the following K.I.P.A. bank account, so that it can continue its long-term legal battles to save the island from industrialization.

For each payment Please contact K.I.P.A. by email or phone, so that the corresponding receipt can be issued and sent in the depositor's name.