The path to green transition in a way that shields the country’s energy security is shown by two major PPC projects.
The first is the state-of-the-art lignite unit “Ptolemaida 5” and the second is the construction of the largest 200 MW photovoltaic park in the Ptolemaida mines.
Ptolemaida 5
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the facilities of the 660 MW power plant using lignite fuel on Tuesday afternoon.
The unit is in trial mode and will soon start commercial operation.
At “Ptolemaida 5” he was welcomed by the Minister of Environment and Energy Kostas Skrekas, the president and CEO of PPC Giorgos Stassis and the president and CEO of GEK TERNA, which built the plant, Giorgos Peristeris.
Mr. Mitsotakis, after being given a guided tour by Mr. Stassis and PPC executives at the unit, emphasized that “my visit is connected to an important energy security project for the country. A project that leaves significant added value. This is a project perfectly compatible with our strategy as it ensures the country’s energy security and does everything possible, thanks to technology, to leave a low environmental footprint. It needs less lignite and emits less carbon dioxide pollutants.”
Strategic reserve
According to the prime minister, “Ptolemaida 5” will be a strategic reserve unit in the future.
This particular unit, said Mr. Mitsotakis, marks the 70th anniversary of PPC’s presence in the region of Western Macedonia.
The largest photovoltaic
The prime minister emphasized once again regarding the energy planning of the country: “The strategy of the green energy transition is a given and non-negotiable. And PPC is making its own transition by building the large photovoltaic park. In the course of the transition, we must not forget energy sufficiency in the coming years”, he concluded.
Skrekas
From the facilities of Ptolemaida 5, Mr. Skrekas announced some comparative advantages of the unit compared to other existing and older lignite plants:
· The production of 1 MWh of electricity requires the burning of 1.5 tons of lignite, while the existing lignite plants burn 2.2 tons.
· Fuel costs are at 30 euros/MWh compared to 45 euros/MWh of the existing units.
· The CO2 cost is at 90 euros/ton while in the existing lignite units it is at 120 euros/ton.
· The cost of electricity production is at 120 – 130 euros/MWh while in the existing lignite units it amounts to 170 euros/MWh.
According to Mr. Skrekas, Ptolemaida 5 can even compete with natural gas plants
Stassis
For his part, the president and CEO of PPC Giorgos Stassis emphasized that “clean energy is at the center of PPC’s strategy. However, our country also needs energy sufficiency. “Ptolemaida 5 takes on a new role of energy security”.
The president of PPC pointed out that “Western Macedonia will remain the heart of our energy system” and in addition, speaking about the transition of the company, he said that in Ptolemaida the company is building the largest photovoltaic park in Europe. It is noted that the total power will be 200 MW, while the first 50 MW power section is nearing completion.
Peristeris
The president and CEO of GEK TERNA Giorgos Peristeris taking the floor taking pride in the new unit thanked the workers and partners for the construction of the unit who responded in a difficult economic environment, as well as the local community that embraced the project, and the workers. He also thanked PPC for the very good cooperation.
The president and CEO of GEK TERNA spoke about the difficulties of the project, and also spoke about the necessity of the country’s energy independence: “I would like to close by saying what we said at the signing of the contract for the unit, for God’s sake we must not leave the domestic sources of energy. Especially those that have a large domestic added value. Lignite does have a larger environmental footprint than other energy sources, but with a gradual reduction of natural gas and an increase in Renewable Energy Sources, we can keep production in Greece, and Greece can be an energy independent country, even an exporter.”
στο Google News και μάθετε πρώτοι όλες τις ειδήσειςLatest News
German Ambassador to Greece Talks Ukraine, Rise of Far Right & Tariffs at Delphi Economic Forum X
Commenting on the political developments in his country, the German Ambassador stressed that it was clear the rapid formation of a new government was imperative, as the expectations across Europe showed.
Athens to Return Confiscated License Plates Ahead of Easter Holiday
Cases involving court orders will also be excluded from this measure.
Servicers: How More Properties Could Enter the Greek Market
Buying or renting a home is out of reach for many in Greece. Servicers propose faster processes and incentives to boost property supply and ease the housing crisis.
Greek Easter 2025: Price Hikes on Lamb, Eggs & Sweets
According to the Greek Consumers’ Institute, hosting an Easter dinner for eight now costs approximately €361.95 — an increase of €11 compared to 2024.
FM Gerapetritis Calls for Unified EU Response to Global Crises at EU Council
"Europe is navigating through unprecedented crises — wars, humanitarian disasters, climate emergencies," he stated.
Holy Week Store Hours in Greece
Retail stores across Greece are now operating on extended holiday hours for Holy Week, following their Sunday opening on April 13. The move aims to accommodate consumers ahead of Easter, but merchants remain cautious amid sluggish market activity.
Green Getaway Ideas for Easter 2025 in Greece
Celebrate Easter 2025 in Greece the sustainable way with eco-farms, car-free islands, and family-friendly getaways rooted in nature and tradition.
Civil Protection Minister Details Summer Firefighting Plans at Delphi Forum
At the 10th Delphi Economic Forum, Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Yiannis Kefalogiannis discussed Greece's plans for the upcoming fire season.
How Shops and Markets Will Operate During Easter Holy Week
The Easter holiday schedule has been in effect since April 10, with retail stores open Palm Sunday, and most supermarkets also operating to meet consumer demand for Easter shopping
Why Is the French Aircraft Carrier Charles De Gaulle in Piraeus?
Docking in Piraeus after a four-month deployment in the Indo-Pacific region, the admiral of the aircraft carrier the Charles de Gaulle says, "Greece is our best partner in the Mediterranean."
