Greece produces record 47.1% of electricity from renewables so far in 2022

The share of electricity demand in Greece covered from renewable sources climbed to an unseen 47.1% in the first ten months of the year. Net imports covered 6.6%, the least since 2013. In October alone, demand was 9% lower than in the same month of 2021.

Electricity production from renewables including large hydropower plants amounted to 20.2 GWh in the ten months through October, according to data released by Greece’s Independent Power Transmission Operator – IPTO or Admie. It exceeded the combined share of fossil gas and lignite, at 19.9 GWh, for the first time so far for the period, Green Tank reported.

Fossil fuels were still ahead in the first nine months of the year, but an increase in renewable electricity production, a significant decline in electricity demand,  high gas prices and other economic parameters reversed the trend. Power output from fossil gas and lignite dropped 58% and 23%, from October 2021.

Demand in October was fourth lowest for any month in past decade

Renewables including large hydro met 47.1% of demand in the first ten months or five percentage points more year over year. The share of net imports was 6.6%, the lowest level since 2013. Total demand tumbled 9% in October on an annual basis. At 3.65 GWh, it was the fourth-lowest result for any month in the past ten years.

The share of lignite in power demand climbed only slightly in October on an annual basis

Green energy’s share and total output surged despite a decline in the large hydro segment, caused by drought. Lignite accounted for 10.9% from January through October, just 0.4 points more than in the same period of 2021.

Renewables excluding large hydro are largest electricity source from January 1

Renewables without large hydro achieved the highest percentage increase (18.4%) in production, to 16.7 GWh, beating gas for the first time and becoming the largest source.

Monthly production from renewables was the second-highest so far, trailing the record from July.

On October 7, the demand in Greece’s electric power system was covered 100% from renewable energy sources for at least five hours for the first time.

Greek renewables and especially solar are set for a record year, as 888 MW was added in the first six months and the combined capacity of new installations is expected to rise even further in the second half.