Development of offshore wind farms from an environmental perspective

AbstractThis study presents an integrated, multi-criteria spatial assessment for the sustainable siting of OWFs around the island of Crete, combining expert-derived weights, a GIS-based weighted overlay analysis, and an updated socio-environmental exclusion framework. Sixteen evaluation criteria were incorporated, reflecting environmental, technical, economic, and socio-political dimensions, each adapted to the unique geographic and ecological conditions of the Mediterranean island environment.Results confirm the robustness of the original multi-criteria model while refining local suitability by incorporating real environmental evidence. In particular, areas characterised by circalittoral rocky substrates and low biodiversity (e.g., Agios Nikolaos, Chersonissos) align with previously identified high-suitability zones. In contrast, sites under archaeological or ecological protection (e.g., Zakros, Elounda–Spinalonga) were validated as unsuitable.Several areas along the northern and eastern coasts emerged as comparatively favourable due to the combination of strong wind potential and relatively short distances to existing transmission infrastructure and coastal access points. Approximately 493 km2 of marine areas were classified as moderately to highly suitable. Detailed engineering, geotechnical, financial, and grid-integration analyses would be required to assess practical feasibility and project-scale implementation. Nevertheless, the analysis also underscores the importance of integrating ecological sensitivity into planning processes, particularly for migratory birds and species that rely on soaring–gliding flight.Overall, the findings indicate that Crete has significant spatial potential for offshore wind development within a strategic planning framework, particularly given advances in floating wind technologies and ongoing grid interconnection projects.