At last. After many years of delays, the Public Works Ministry has finally opened the door for investment in renewable energy sources. A first draft law, currently in the consultation process, outlines the areas and the conditions for the creation of wind farms in Greece.

That means that major Greek and foreign investment plans will be finally dug out from desk drawers, so the country can move forward in an area where it severely lags its EU peers. Furthermore, progress in this sector will also lessen Greece’s dependency on fossil fuels, which take a hefty toll on the environment.

The renewable energy sources (RES) zoning plan is a huge step forward. But it’s still no more than the first step. A two-month consultation will follow before the exact drawing up of the RES zones. Past experience shows that regional vested interests put the brakes on big investments that are necessary for the country’s economy and sustainable development. Greek society must show its maturity. Investments must commence.