Kythnos Aeolic Park

Kythnos may be a peaceful and picturesque island but, to the surprise of many, it was the place that experimentally hosted the first Aeolic Park in Europe and the first hybrid (Wind/PV (Photovoltaic)/Diesel) park in the world! More specifically, Kythnos became the first island that welcomed alternative sources for electricity production in 1982. The then Minister of Industry, Research and Technology, Evangelos Kouloubis, inaugurated the park.

Eight years later, in August 1990, the wind turbines were replaced by five new ones of greater power. The wind power produced was enough to cover up to 40% of the electrical load. After the wind turbines were installed, the aeolic park was expanded with the installation of the first photovoltaic park.
The operation of alternative energy sources in Kythnos had reached an average of more than 25%. On some days, the hybrid system covered 100% of the island's load, pausing the operation of all oil refineries.

The project's license was revoked in 2008 after the park had been non-operative for years. There is still an effort to re-install wind turbines in Kythnos. The majority of locals are against the reopening of the aeolic park, as they believe that such an investment threatens the island both ecologically and aesthetically.