EU Climate Law, Recovery and Resilience Policy: Outcomes for Greece First Energy Transition Steps.

In view of the fast energy transition implementation, communities depending on fossil fuel exploitation activities are facing structural economic disruptions. This is the case for West Macedonia (W.M.) and Megalopolis (central Peloponnese) regions in Greece, which are severely affected by the rapid decommissioning of lignite-based power stations. Also, the North and South Aegean (N&S A) Non-Interconnected Islands (NIIs), traditionally relied on Autonomous Power Stations (APS) for covering their electricity needs, operating on oil products, are going to face also the consequences of the implementation of zero-carbon energy policy. This study supports the argument that financial and regulatory boosts build resilience only if they are providing reliable and solid prospects for the post-carbon local economy, while the gradual (and not violent) abandonment of fossil fuels utilization, serving as bridge towards a low-carbon economy, may be a realistic option for the near future.