Abstract
Following the EU guidelines towards a carbon free electricity sector by 2050, wind energy is expected to contribute a large part of the produced electricity, if not the largest. In this respect, wind installations are expected to multiply over the next years. There is significant development until today and wind is generally considered as a “clean” source of energy. However, although arguably less than other sources, the impacts concerning wind installations are certainly there amidst ever-growing local opposition and will certainly grow, especially in locations with high density. Attempting to quantify the total impacts per local regions in the case of Greece, a methodology is developed for those impact factors that are considered the most important. Certain focus areas are used for applying this methodology, based on installation density, location inside natural protected areas, as well as locations of touristic value. The results show that in general the total impacts might be considered on average mild to low. The tool developed is a first attempt to evaluate impact in a cumulative way and help investors, policy makers and local communities work together in achieving the best possible outcome. Further work is necessary to further develop this methodology, verify and detail the formulas used and establish a robust pattern that will be a useful tool for everyone to use.
Modeling the relationship among energy demand, CO2 emissions and economic development: A survey for the case of Greece