The island of Lesvos has garnered significant attention as a candidate for geothermal development, particularly following its selection as one of the “30 Renewable Islands by 2030". As part of the initiative’s technical assistance framework, a dedicated event - the Lesvos Clean Energy Transition Week - was organised to foster awareness, build capacity, and facilitate collaboration among stakeholders. A significant highlight of such an event was the Geothermal Energy Conference, held on Tuesday, 17 September 2024, in the settlement of Polichnitos. The conference convened key actors, including representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Energy, the Public Power Corporation Renewables (PPCR), academic experts, and the Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (HSGME), as well as local authorities and community members.
This report is a comprehensive compilation of the conference proceedings, scientific analyses, and proposed actions. It begins by establishing the legal and regulatory framework governing geothermal energy in Greece, followed by a detailed exploration of the geothermal potential identified on Lesvos, especially in the Polichnitos Lisvori area. The report also integrates findings from notable studies conducted by PPC Renewables and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (E²ReLab), including a cost-benefit analysis and implementation roadmap. Furthermore, it examines the benefits and challenges associated with geothermal development, highlights the role of key stakeholders, and outlines the next steps required to move from planning to execution.