Athenean Energy Coalition aims to reduce energy costs with renewables

Eight municipalities in the Attica peninsula participate in the so-called Athenean Energy Coalition, established to provide cheaper energy to their citizens.

Mayor of Athens Haris Doukas presented the plan with his counterparts from Aigaleo, Vyronas, Zografou, Kallithea, Moshato-Tavros, Papagou-Cholargos and Nea Ionia.

Doukas: Our goal is to create modern, green and welcoming cities

They said they would try to acquire space in the power grid to install renewables and pass the low cost of electricity on to vulnerable consumers. At the same time, the municipalities would significantly reduce their carbon footprint, the announcement reads.

“We are asking what we are owed. To be able to have access to the grid to give electricity to vulnerable households. We prioritize green initiatives through organized plans, participation and alliances to create modern, green and welcoming cities for their citizens and visitors,” Doukas said.

The City of Athens also plans to install rooftop solar systems in schools and plant 5,000 trees annually.

It should be noted that as part of the European initiative 100 Climate-Neutral Cities by 2030, Greece’s capital aims to reduce its CO2 emissions by 65% to 80% compared to the 1990 level.

Apollo program to be announced soon

The coalition is another version of the wider Apollo program, recently announced by the Greek government. The Ministry of Environment and Energy will carry out tenders to select mature projects around the country that would cover the electricity needs of vulnerable citizens, municipalities, water utilities, as well as local irrigation organizations.

The facilities have to be installed within two years and enter the net metering mechanism.

The details of the program, together with many other regulatory changes regarding renewables, are expected soon as part of a new bill of law.

Among other things, it will include conditions for participation in future renewable electricity auctions and net metering in non-interconnected islands and regulate licensing and pilot floating photovoltaic projects.