Energy Transition and Disruption of Rural Communities in Northern Greece: The Role of Territorial Intelligence

Rural areas have undergone profound restructuring in recent decades, due to renewable energy projects that often overlap with traditional agricultural land uses. While most studies focus on technical issues, policy measures and social acceptability, research on the material socio-economic disruptions to rural life and the specific role of local territorial intelligence is lacking. Using a qualitative method, we investigated the impacts of photovoltaic parks on two distinct rural communities in northern Greece. Findings indicate that these projects caused significant socio-economic shifts, including decline in livestock and agriculture and social fragmentation. Limited territorial intelligence resulted in communities becoming “passive non-recipients” of the transition. This work highlights the need for participatory governance and “territorial observatories” to ensure energy projects contribute to sustainable rural development.