Technical Chamber of Greece opposes wind farm in Asi Gonia

The Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE), Western Crete branch, has issued a negative opinion regarding the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) for a proposed 52.8 MW wind farm in the Asi Gonia area of the Apokoronas municipality. The project, which involves a company within the Public Power Corporation (DEI) group, plans to install eight wind turbines, each approximately 185 meters tall, at altitudes between 834 and 1,358 meters.

The TEE has requested that the Region of Crete return the study for revision, citing significant deficiencies. Key concerns include inadequate assessments of impacts on birdlife, the landscape, noise levels, and hydrogeology. The Chamber also noted that the study fails to adequately address the cumulative effects of the broader wind energy complex, which totals 1,023.5 MW in Crete.

Additional environmental concerns involve the project's impact on 437 stremmata of primarily forested land, the construction of 14.2 kilometers of roads, and the placement of a substation within a Natura protected area. The TEE specifically highlighted potential risks to Lake Kournas and its karst feeding system, calling for a specialized hydrogeological study.