WRITTEN QUESTION E-3620/00

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(22 November 2000)

Subject: Wind farm in a protected area on Syros

In the Mount Syringa area of north west Syros, which is included in the Natura 2000 Network (Priority B) and is included in the European Corine Biotopes list, the Aegean Regional Administration and the Prefect for the Cyclades, with funding under the second CSF, are planning to construct a group of four wind powered turbines each 60 metres high, producing 2,64 MW. Environmental organisations and the local population have made representations expressing their concern over the disastrous effect the project would have on protected resident and migratory birds in the area and the damage to the landscape.

However desirable wind powered electricity generation may be, it should not be at the expense of sensitive and important protected areas.

1. Does the Commission intend to intervene to have these wind turbines located in other parts of the island where there would be no environmental impact?

2. Have any studies been carried out into the siting and installation of this plant?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(30 January 2001)

Mount Syringa in Syros is part of the area that the Greek authorities nominated for inclusion in the Natura 2000 network under Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora(1). As such, it is important to protect the area from commercial activities that may undermine its conservation value. However, despite its importance for the local and migratory bird population, this area is not listed as a special protection area under Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds(2) and does not fulfil the ornithological criteria to be listed.

An environment impact assessment must be carried out for the project and alternative solutions must be looked into.

In this context, and on the basis of data submitted by the Honourable Member, the Commission will contact the Greek authorities to ascertain whether the impact assessment for the project in question fully took into account the site nominated for the Natura 2000 network and alternative solutions.

The project in question was selected by the Greek authorities for co-financing under measure 3.2 of the Energy Operational Programme of the Community Support Framework for the period 1994-1999. This programme was set up, inter alia, to co-finance energy projects in the private sector to develop wind energy in Greece.

According to information received by the intermediary body responsible for the above-mentioned measure, the project has not yet been carried out following a complaint lodged by a group of citizens to the Greek government concerning the location of the wind turbines.

In line with the principle of subsidiarity, the Commission will not intervene concerning the location of a public or private infrastructure in a Member State, provided that Community legislation on environmental and other aspects is respected. Moreover, again for reasons of subsidiarity, the Commission is not always informed of the location of projects, but it contacts national authorities when third parties bring to its attention infringements of Community law.

The Commission has not carried out any studies on the siting of wind turbines. Information is, however, available from the Greek authorities who have had several studies carried out into the most suitable sites in terms of energy yield.

(1) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.

(2) OJ L 103, 25.4.1979.