Island facts
Naxos, the largest island of the Cyclades, covers an area of approximately 495.8 km² and has a population of 20,578 residents. It is known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and strong agricultural sector. The island attracts visitors year-round due to its unique blend of cultural heritage, pristine beaches, and mountainous terrain, making it a key hub for tourism in the region.
Naxos, the largest island of the Cyclades, covers an area of approximately 495.8 km² and has a population of 20,578 residents. It is known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and strong agricultural sector. The island attracts visitors year-round due to its unique blend of cultural heritage, pristine beaches, and mountainous terrain, making it a key hub for tourism in the region.
Naxos follows the same energy mix as mainland Greece, with a renewable energy share of approximately 57%. The island has installed around 2,165 kW of solar PV capacity and 8,850 kW of onshore wind energy. The total annual energy demand for Naxos and the surrounding Small Cyclades islands is estimated at 617 GWh. Naxos is well-connected to the mainland electricity grid and the Cyclades through high-voltage submarine cables (150 kV) linking it to Paros and Mykonos, along with multiple medium-voltage interconnections to nearby islands like Koufonisi, Iraklia, and Schinoussa.
The energy transition vision for Naxos and the Small Cyclades aims to establish a self-sustaining energy system that minimizes fossil fuel dependency while maintaining a stable and affordable electricity supply. By improving energy infrastructure, optimizing grid interconnections, and adopting energy efficiency measures, Naxos seeks to enhance its sustainability and resilience. This transition will focus on reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring long-term energy security for the local population and the growing tourism sector.
Naxos and the small Cyclades islands are connected with the mainland through a number of interconnections in the hall cluster islands of Cyclades. Naxos is interconnected with the Paros and Mykonos islands in high voltage with submarine cables at 150 kV. In addition, it is interconnected with Paros at medium voltage with 5 submarine cables in total (3 cables, 3x150Al, 15 kV – 2 cables, 3x95 Cu, 15 kV). Naxos is also interconnected with Koufonisi island with one submarine cable (3x35 Cu, 15 kV) and Iraklia island with one submarine cable (3x35 Cu, 15 kV). Iraklia is interconnected with Sxoinoussa with one submarine cable (3x35 Cu, 15 kV), and Sxoinoussa is interconnected with Koufonisi with one submarine cable (3x35 Cu, 15 kV).