CASE STUDY /
New zoning framework for RES aims to support sustainable development
Greece has approved new zoning rules governing the creation of new renewable energy facilities, with the aim of balancing the country’s energy development with its tourism and industrial sectors.
The Special Spatial Planning Framework for Renewable Energy Sources creates clear rules for the siting of new RES projects and storage stations, with additional safeguards for the protection of the environment, local communities and cultural heritage. It is designed to work in parallel with similar zoning laws for tourist development and industry, creating for the first time a coherent and integrated spatial planning framework for the country.
The new framework prohibits the development of RES projects near excluded areas, such as ancient monuments or designated modern Greek memorials. And it caps the extent of photovoltaic installations to 1.5% of a municipality’s land area to ensure adequate land for agriculture and other purposes.
Restrictions are also extended to a range of environmentally protected locations. These include Natura 2000 areas, other specially protected areas, forests, wetlands, and mountain areas above 1,200 meters. Special constraints have also been established to protect tourism or recreational activities. For example, the new rules restrict the development of renewable energy technologies, such as floating photovoltaics, near diving parks, shipwrecks, anchorage areas, artificial underwater attractions or fishing grounds.
The new framework also provides for other forms of renewable energy that may be developed further in the future, such as biogas, biomethane, biomass, geothermal and small hydroelectric projects.