.“ The Greek Green islands”-(Renewable Energy in Greece)
An article drafted by Panagiota Maragkozoglou, Associate and Mira Todorovic Symeonides, Partner for Lexology on July 6, 2024.
The Greek Green Islands initiative is a pivotal part of the EU’s energy transition, aiming for climate neutrality by 2050 under the European Green Deal. This initiative focuses on transforming Greece’s numerous islands into hubs of renewable energy and sustainability. Key strategies include connecting islands to the mainland grid, developing renewable energy sources (RES) and high-efficiency combined heat and power (HE CHP) systems, and executing pilot projects on small islands.
The legal foundation for these initiatives is established by Law no. 4495/2017, which supports Non-Interconnected Islands (NII) by increasing RES participation. The law mandates selecting three small islands for Special Pilot Projects (SPPs) with the Ministry of Environment and Energy overseeing the competitive bidding process. The “Gr-eco Island Initiative” further promotes RES with storage systems, e-mobility, and sustainable energy management.
Notable implementations include:
- Agios Efstratios: Supported by the National Strategic Reference Framework, this project will feature a hybrid RES plant, district heating, energy-efficient municipal buildings, and e-mobility, set to be operational by 2024.
- Tilos: Financed by Horizon 2020, Tilos boasts Greece’s first hybrid power station and has been included in the “30 Renewable Islands for 2030” initiative. The island aims to upgrade its power station, develop a smart marina, and enhance energy efficiency in buildings.
- Astypalaia: Part of the SPP and “30 Renewable Islands for 2030”, the “Astypalaia Smart and Sustainable Island” project, launched in 2020, aims for full decarbonization by 2050. It features a hybrid energy system, e-mobility incentives, smart mobility services, and autonomous driving initiatives.
- Chalki: As the first completed Gr-eco Island, Chalki serves as a model for others. It includes a photovoltaic plant, electric vehicles, green lighting for public buildings, and virtual net-metering to reduce energy costs.
- Poros: The latest initiative involves sustainable development in RES, electromobility, and waste management, with plans set for completion by 2026.
These projects illustrate Greece’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development, positioning its islands as innovative green energy hubs.
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