Large-Scale Wind Energy Farm Development and its Impacts on the Landscape: A Review of the Greek Case

The expansion of large-scale onshore wind turbines supports climate goals and reflects broader energy transition strategies, yet it often conflicts with the values and meanings embedded in local landscapes. As landscape is increasingly understood as a lived, cultural, and perceptual experience, the resulting landscape transformation raises concerns about identity, place attachment, and democratic planning. This review article examines the impacts of large-scale wind energy development through a socio-cultural analysis of landscape change, focusing on key dimensions of landscape within the framework of protection, management, and planning as outlined by the European Landscape Convention (ELC). Using the widespread development of industrial wind farms in Greece as a case study, it also offers insights relevant to broader geographic contexts. The paper advocates for more nuanced, small-scale energy solutions that respect landscape diversity, character and identity and are grounded in rational spatial planning, public consultation, and a coherent energy strategy. It concludes with guidelines for the appropriate siting of wind farms and proposes measures for improved implementation, including innovative renewable energy alternatives.