DESFA inaugurated the High-Pressure Natural Gas Pipeline to Western Macedonia, a landmark project of strategic importance that marks a new era for the development and energy transition of a region with a long history in the energy sector.
The ceremony took place in Ptolemaida, in the presence of the Secretary General for Energy and Mineral Resources, Despoina Paliarouta, the Regional Governor of Western Macedonia, George Amanatidis, as well as representatives of local government and other stakeholders, underscoring the project’s significance for the national and regional economy.
This is an investment that strengthens the country’s energy security and significantly expands the National Natural Gas Transmission System into new regions.
With a total length of approximately 157 kilometers, the pipeline extends from Trikala in Imathia to the wider Ptolemaida area, while its branches connect key regions of Central and Western Macedonia.
For the first time, cities such as Edessa, Skydra, Florina, Naoussa, and Veroia are gaining access to natural gas, expanding energy options for households and businesses and boosting the region’s growth potential. Overall, the network expansion boosts a wide range of economic activities, enhances competitiveness, and creates conditions for new investments and jobs.
Of particular importance is the pipeline’s innovative design, as it is the first in Greece and one of the first in Europe to be compatible with the transport of up to 100% hydrogen. This capability makes it fully aligned with national and European decarbonization goals, while strengthening Western Macedonia’s role in the energy transition and laying the groundwork for the development of a comprehensive hydrogen ecosystem.
The total budget for the project amounted to €185.9 million, with significant co-financing from the NSRF 2021–2027 and loan support from the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility ( NextGenerationEU).
The Kardia Metering Station will also play a key role in the project, ensuring the supply of district heating infrastructure for the cities of Kozani, Ptolemaida, and Amyntaio, directly contributing both to reducing energy costs for citizens and to limiting pollutant emissions.
Overall, the project’s modern supporting infrastructure, such as metering stations and valve stations, ensures the safe, reliable, and future-proof operation of the network, in order to effectively support other investments in the region.
The construction was carried out in accordance with high standards of safety and environmental management, with an emphasis on environmental restoration and close cooperation with local communities. At the same time, a significant number of archaeological finds were discovered during the project, which were managed in close cooperation with the relevant authorities, ensuring the protection and promotion of the region’s cultural heritage and enhancing the project’s overall social and environmental footprint.
In a statement, DESFA CEO Maria Sferruzza emphasized: “The Natural Gas Pipeline to Western Macedonia is a landmark project for the country’s energy transition. It significantly expands and strengthens the National Natural Gas System by bringing natural gas to new regions, enhancing security of supply, and creating new, sustainable growth prospects for local communities and the economy.
This is an infrastructure with a minimal visual footprint that not only meets today’s needs but also paves the way for the future of energy through its readiness to transport hydrogen. With Western Macedonia at the center of this transition, DESFA is investing in solutions that create tangible benefits for citizens, strengthen the economy’s competitiveness, and support the transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy system.”