MP Özgür Ferhat calls for fairer wind energy revenue sharing for local communities

Özgür Ferhat, a member of parliament from the Rhodope representing the New Left Party Greece, has submitted a parliamentary question urging the government to increase the share of wind energy revenues allocated to local communities and expand eligibility criteria.

The proposal, addressed to the Ministries of Environment and Energy, Development, and National Economy and Finance, brings renewed attention to how renewable energy benefits are distributed at the local level.

Current System “Insufficient” Amid Rising Energy Costs
Under Greece’s current legal framework, approximately 3% of annual turnover from wind energy plants is allocated as a special return fund. This share is distributed among local municipalities, residential consumers, and the Green Fund.

However, Ferhat argues that the portion reaching households remains inadequate, particularly in the context of rising energy costs. He stressed that citizens living near wind farms are not receiving meaningful financial relief on their electricity bills.

Gaps in Eligibility Raise Fairness Concerns
The MP highlighted that around 1,300 residents in mountainous and border areas of Rhodope currently benefit from the scheme. Yet, several settlements located in close proximity to wind farms remain excluded.

Villages such as Domruköy, Yeniköy (Çardaklı), and Dundarlı—situated near wind installations in the Alan Tepe area—are not covered under the existing framework, a situation Ferhat says fuels perceptions of inequality among local populations.

Impact on Rural Economies
Ferhat also pointed to the broader socio-economic impact of large-scale energy projects in rural and mountainous regions. He noted that wind farms can place pressure on traditional sectors such as agriculture and livestock farming, directly affecting local livelihoods.

Key Questions to the Government
In his parliamentary submission, Ferhat called for clarity on several issues:

• Whether the share allocated directly to citizens will be increased to provide tangible relief on electricity bills
• Whether eligibility criteria will be expanded to include all settlements located near wind energy facilities
• Whether municipalities will receive a larger share to support infrastructure and local development projects
• Balancing Energy Transition and Social Equity

Ferhat emphasized that a fair distribution of renewable energy revenues is essential not only for supporting local communities but also for ensuring public acceptance of the energy transition.

As Greece continues to expand its renewable energy capacity, the debate highlights the growing importance of aligning green policies with social equity and regional development.