The Municipality of the Heroic Island of Kasos is proceeding with an important initiative to utilize the island’s traditional windmills, with the aim of both producing electricity and boosting tourism development. The study, which will be assigned to an external contractor, will record all the actions required for the repair and operation of the existing windmills, as well as for the construction of new ones, suitable for producing electricity and at the same time friendly to visitors.
The study will assess the island’s current electricity needs, especially during the peak summer season. Reference will be made to the methods of energy production, the costs borne by consumers and the environmental impacts. At the same time, the existing windmills, their condition and repair possibilities will be recorded, while the appropriate areas for the installation of new windmills will be mapped, utilizing wind intensity measurements to ensure their productive operation.
The study will also examine the long-term coverage of electricity needs for the next 20 years, taking into account the electric propulsion of vehicles and boats, the heating of buildings and the operation of laboratories. Special provision will be made for the utilization of the interior space of the windmills as living spaces, combining energy production with tourist activity. This possibility is expected to enhance the visibility of the island and accelerate the return on investment.
The main priorities of the initiative include informing the local community about the benefits of repairing and constructing windmills, as well as creating jobs throughout the construction, repair and maintenance process. The study is expected to lay the foundations for a comprehensive plan that connects tradition, sustainable energy and tourism development in Kasos.
From flour to energy: The history of the windmills of Kasos
The windmills of Kasos are a characteristic element of the island’s architecture and traditional economy. They were built mainly in the 18th and 19th centuries and were used to grind grain, taking advantage of the strong Aegean wind. The cylindrical structures with wooden wings and internal mechanisms made of stone and wood, not only met the needs of the residents, but today they are an important cultural and tourist element. Their maintenance and reopening for energy production and accommodation highlight Kasos as an island that combines tradition and innovation.
