Greek prosecutors have ordered a nationwide preliminary investigation into wind farms following a major wildfire that began in Boeotia and spread into western Attica, raising questions about the safety, licensing and maintenance of energy infrastructure in fire-prone areas.
The investigation was ordered by the magistrate overseeing the Fire Brigade’s Arson Crime Investigation Division, in coordination with the Supreme Court prosecutor. Investigators will examine whether wind farms across Greece are operating with the required permits and whether rules governing their installation, maintenance and operation are being followed.
The inquiry follows the investigation into the Boeotia-Attica wildfire, where authorities reportedly concluded that sparks from conductors on a private electricity network carrying power generated by wind turbines to the main grid may have started the blaze.
The nationwide investigation will include the collection of records from relevant authorities and agencies, as well as technical reports and other expert evidence where necessary.
Wind farms under scrutiny
Authorities are expected to examine whether facilities have the necessary licenses and whether their electrical and other technical infrastructure meets required specifications.
The move does not establish that wind farms or wind turbines generally cause wildfires. Rather, prosecutors are examining whether individual installations may have operated in violation of regulations or whether infrastructure associated with them may have contributed to a fire.
That distinction is important because wind power has become a major part of Greece’s renewable-energy strategy. At the same time, the relationship between wind-energy infrastructure and wildfires has been the subject of public debate.
A 2025 study presented by the Hellenic Wind Energy Association, using wildfire and wind-farm data from Greece, reported no correlation between the presence of wind farms and wildfire occurrence.
The new prosecutorial investigation will therefore focus on compliance and potential criminal offenses rather than treating wind energy itself as the cause of wildfires.
For Greece, the inquiry could have wider implications for the regulation of renewable-energy infrastructure as the country continues expanding wind power while confronting increasingly destructive summer fires.
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