Energy Transition and Community Participation:
Co-creating a Vision for the Restoration and Reuse of Amorgos' Windmills 

Context and Rationale

Amorgos, the easternmost island of the Cyclades, faces critical challenges related to energy dependence, water scarcity, and climate vulnerability. Currently reliant on diesel-based electricity generation, the island experiences high environmental and economic costs, particularly during the peak tourist season. At the same time, the cultural heritage of Amorgos — including its historic windmills — remains underutilised as a driver for sustainable local development.

This project introduces a community-based energy transition model that integrates renewable energy innovation with cultural heritage preservation. By transforming the traditional windmills of Chora into hybrid renewable energy systems, the project seeks to provide clean power and water solutions while symbolising the continuity between the island’s past and its sustainable future.

General and Specific Objectives

The overall goal is to co-create a shared community vision for the energy transition of Amorgos, through participatory governance, technical innovation, and cultural revitalisation. The project is structured around four specific objectives:

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• Develop a participatory co-creation model

• Build knowledge and skills for the energy transition

• Translate technical and scientific analyses into community scenarios

• Formulate a long-term Energy Transition Roadmap for Amorgos

•  Support the preparation for a future energy community on Amorgos.