“Greece is at a difficult juncture in its energy transition,” with each subsequent step becoming increasingly demanding given that 18 GW of renewable energy now operates within the power system, as emphasized by ADMIE Vice President Ioannis Margaris, speaking at the 11th HAEE Energy Transition Symposium.
He noted that neither Greece nor Europe has yet found a way to expand the grids at the speed required by the energy transition, highlighting licensing timelines as one of the key factors determining the pace of development of critical electrical infrastructure. “In practical terms, this means how long it takes for each European society to accept a new network in a region, adopt it, license it, and prioritize it over other types of activities,” he commented.
Regarding ADMIE, he added that high-voltage system development projects require a stable Ten-Year Development Plan, one that is not easily shaken by circumstances such as energy crises or changes at the political and regulatory level, as it requires long-term planning and robust financing tools with banks and European funds.
Mr. Margaris added that the Operator has achieved high performance in terms of the speed of project implementation, noting that it has managed to develop the transmission system much faster than almost all European operators.“If we compare Greece’s size, capital, and industrial history with countries such as France or Italy, the interconnections we have already implemented and planned are truly record-breaking,” he noted.
Furthermore, Mr. Margaris emphasized that, despite the difficulties and uncertainties at the international level, ADMIE is finding ways to ensure the timely planning and implementation of its projects, operating effectively in the international market for products and equipment. As he noted, the Operator’s asset base currently stands at 3.3 billion euros and—through the ongoing share capital increase—is expected to more than double over the next five years.
He also referred to storage technologies, which are essential “for a stable market, free from extreme volatility,” in which investments in renewable energy will be as sustainable as possible.
Concluding his remarks, he characterized ADMIE—as well as the role of transmission system operators in general—as a pillar of foreign policy. “System operators in Europe constitute critical infrastructure that smooths relations between states and the international environment,” he emphasized, analyzing the network of Greece’s existing and future international interconnections with neighboring countries in continental Europe, such as the second interconnection with Italy, as well as the projects being developed and planned by the Operator in the Eastern Mediterranean.
He explained that electricity grids are the only way to truly integrate European markets, stabilize prices, and foster solidarity, concluding that the sun and wind are not always available and that, for this reason, interconnections will allow for the maximization of the benefits of green energy.