Greece surpasses 11 GW in renewable energy capacity

Power plants in Greece that run on renewable sources had 11.3 GW in capacity at the end of June, according to the Renewable Energy Sources Operator and Guarantees of Origin (DAPEEP).

Out of all installed renewable electricity facilities in Greece excluding large hydropower units most are photovoltaics – 5.8 GW, followed by 4.8 GW in wind farms. Small hydropower units accounted for 280 MW while a combined 131 MW on biomass and biogas and 255 MW in the cogeneration segment was registered.

Growth in the renewables category, as defined by DAPEEP, came in at 1.9 GW year over year or almost 20%. At the end of June last year, there was 9.42 GW in renewable energy plants including 4.4 GW in wind power and 4.3 GW in photovoltaics.

At mid-year 2023, natural gas plants had 6 GW overall, followed by 2.87 GW in lignite-fired capacity and 3.2 GW in large hydroelectric plants, for a total of 12 GW in conventional systems.

Geographically, the region with the highest renewable energy capacity is Central Greece, with 1.7 GW. Evia follows with 878 MW and the Peloponnese had 760 MW.

DAPEEP also published data on output. In the month of June, solar provided 52.7% of green power. Wind made up 34.3%. Next on the list are small hydropower plants, 4.6%.

According to the Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO or Admie), electricity production from natural gas was 3,5 TWh in June, or 39.4%. Coal plants generated 6.1% from lignite and 10.5% came from large hydro while renewables provided 43.9%. One year earlier, renewable energy sources accounted for 40.6% and output at fossil fuel stations came in at 50.3%.

It should be noted that the new National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), which has been submitted to the European Commission pending review, is expected to target 27.8 GW in renewable electricity capacity by 2030.