Two leading energy groups, RWE and PPC, continue to drive Greece’s energy transition by commissioning photovoltaic projects totaling nearly 1 GWp, as the last of the nine photovoltaic projects in Western Macedonia recently became operational. These photovoltaic projects are grouped into three large-scale photovoltaic complexes with a total capacity of 930 MWp (884 MWac).
According to a related announcement, within the boundaries of the former Amyntaio open-pit lignite mine, the joint venture between RWE (51% stake) and PPC (49% stake), operating under the name METON ENERGY S.A., developed, constructed, and commissioned the nine solar parks, fulfilling the two shareholders’ commitment to the green transition and transforming the former lignite mining region into a clean energy hub.
During the construction phase, hundreds of direct and indirect jobs were created in the region. In addition, METON ENERGY S.A. has agreed with local municipalities to invest in offsetting projects in the region, as well as targeted corporate social responsibility initiatives that directly benefit the local community.
Sopna Sury, CEO of RWE Renewables Europe & Australia: “The commissioning of these three large solar power plants is a significant milestone and highlights the excellent collaboration between the PPC and RWE teams. Together, we have built solar projects that generate enough green electricity to meet the demand of 400,000 Greek households. With nearly 1 GW of capacity in operation and two additional large-scale projects under construction, we are underscoring our long-term commitment to Greece’s energy transition.”
Konstantinos Mavros, Deputy CEO of the PPC Group’s Renewable Energy Division: “The completion of these projects underscores PPC’s commitment to Greece’s energy transition and, in particular, the importance of Western Macedonia to us. We will continue our investments in renewable energy sources, with a target of 19 GW by the end of 2030. At the same time, we are strengthening our momentum by rapidly adding energy storage projects to our portfolio and accelerating our transformation into a comprehensive Powertech group.”
Charilaos Mitrelias, CEO of RWE Renewables Hellas S.A. and METON ENERGY S.A.: “These projects mark a new chapter for Western Macedonia—a region that is steadily evolving from a lignite hub into a renewable energy production hub. Through our partnership with PPC, we are investing not only in clean energy but also in new sustainable opportunities and highly skilled jobs for local communities in the future. “The successful completion of these photovoltaic projects demonstrates in the most emphatic way the extent to which excellent collaboration can contribute to achieving Greece’s energy transition goals.”
In addition to operating the three solar power complexes in Amyntaio, the two companies are already constructing two new solar power projects in the Central Macedonia region. The Kotili and Neo Syrakio solar power projects will have a total capacity of 567 MWp (518 MWac). When they become operational in 2027, annual production is expected to be sufficient to meet the energy needs of more than 240,000 households.