Renewables

Municipality in Athens to launch solar energy community with citizens

Municipality Chalandri Athens solar energy community citizens

Photo: Municipality of Chalandri

Published

April 22, 2024

Country

Comments

comments icon

0

Share

Published:

April 22, 2024

Country:

Comments:

comments icon

0

Share

The local authority in Chalandri in North Athens called on citizens to join its energy community by investing EUR 2,000 to EUR 3,500 in a solar power project of 150 kW. The municipality estimated they would return their investments within three years.

A canopy with a solar power plant will be built on a public parking lot in a northern Athens suburb to supply municipal buildings and households. The local authority in Chalandri in the administrative region of Attica said it would also provide free electricity for vulnerable households as a measure to combat energy poverty.

Greece hosts one of the highest numbers of energy communities in the European Union and is among the top solar power markets. The Municipality of Chalandri added it is the first in the country to include citizens in such an endeavor.

Of note, Mayor of Athens Haris Doukas presented the Athenean Energy Coalition initiative last month with his counterparts from Aigaleo, Vyronas, Zografou, Kallithea, Moshato-Tavros, Papagou-Cholargos and Nea Ionia. The goal is to provide cheaper energy to citizens.

Investment valued at EUR 100,000

Chalandri, part of the North Athens regional unit, is planning to install a 150 kW solar power plant under the energy community. The expected annual output is 230 MWh and the facility would operate for 25 years.

All members will have an equal vote, it explained. The facility will cover the entire electricity needs of all participating households, reducing their bills to zero, the local authority said. It also estimated that they would return the investment in two to three years.

The municipality sees total costs at EUR 100,000 and expects 30 to 40 households would join within the first phase. Each would participate with EUR 2,000 to EUR 3,500.

Attempt at achieving energy autonomy in Chalandri

A department of the University of West Attica is participating in the project. It cooperates with the Electra Energy Cooperative in the establishment of energy communities.

“Without citizens and their participation, the energy crisis and energy poverty cannot be tackled. That is why this effort that we are starting is of great importance. We need to change the perception of large-scale green energy projects that only result in ever-increasing energy costs and increasing environmental impact. The energy transition is currently not conducted in a democratic way, thus undermining the idea behind it. We have constant changes in legislation that create obstacles to any attempt at achieving energy autonomy,” Chalandri Mayor Simos Roussos said at a presentation of the initiative.

In addition, the municipality obtained licenses for 800 kW, which would cover more than 30% of its needs, local officials said. Chalandri also applied for an EU grant of EUR 1.98 million for photovoltaics, heat pumps and energy efficiency measures for 11 schools. It said it would participate with EUR 2 million of its own funds.

Comments (0)

Be the first one to comment on this article.

Enter Your Comment
Please wait... Please fill in the required fields. There seems to be an error, please refresh the page and try again. Your comment has been sent.

Related Articles

Slovenia adopts spatial plan for Ojstrica wind farm amid local outcry

Slovenia adopts spatial plan for Ojstrica wind farm amid local outcry

08 November 2024 - The Ojstrica wind power project got its spatial plan but locals and the Municipality of Dravograd remain opposed to it

Dama Solar over 1 GW Romania court biodiversity

Dama Solar project of over 1 GW in Romania stuck in court over biodiversity

07 November 2024 - At 1.04 GW, Dama Solar would currently be the largest photovoltaic system in Europe, but environmentalists are disputing the project in court

montenegro ibrd locan energy efficiency distribution grid

Montenegro to invest EUR 34 million in energy renovation, distribution grid

07 November 2024 - Montenegro earmarked EUR 33.8 million for the energy efficiency of public buildings and modernization of the power distribution network

Greece PPC 727 MW solar power Romania

Greece’s PPC working on 727 MW solar power project in Romania

07 November 2024 - PPC Renewables Romania is developing a 727 MW solar power project. The company is about to double its operational capacity in the country.