Greece starts EUR 223 million program to support solar heaters and heat pumps

A new support program has been launched in Greece to help households install new solar heaters or heat pumps.

The government has announced a new EUR 223.2 million support program to facilitate the use of green heating systems for households, such as rooftop solar heaters and heat pumps. It takes place under the RePowerEU policy initiative and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan Greece 2.0. They are financed from the EU’s NextGenerationEU package for economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program supports the purchase of new solar heaters, covering 50% to 60%, depending on the applicant’s income. Eligible costs for heat pumps amount to 50%, while installation works are also covered with 50% to 60%.

The systems can be installed in primary or secondary residences. The program also takes into account the number of children, the location of the house and the local climate to determine the extent of the support. In previous programs, the condition of the house and its energy label were the primary considerations.

Households can apply until the end of March.

More programs for houses, water utilities and schools

Another significant program running this year is for energy saving in houses with a budget of EUR 434 million. Its goal is to reduce energy consumption by a minimum of 30% and lift the energy class by at least three grades. Houses in Evrytania, Kozani, Florina, Imathia and Kastoria have priority as the coldest areas in the country.

In addition, the Ministry of Environment and Energy prepared a program to upgrade schools, water utilities and hotels in mountainous regions. It earmarked EUR 49.6 million, EUR 40 million and EUR 10 million, respectively.

While the grant schemes are vast, a major question is whether the state will pay beneficiaries on time. During previous energy saving schemes, big delays were reported and many citizens and businesses have not received the money yet. In any case, Minister of Environment and Energy Thodoros Skylakakis said the application deadlines wouldn’t be extended.