PPC’s power plants on Chios, Lesbos, and Rhodes are being reinforced with five new, flexible gas turbine units. The new, flexible units are expected to play a decisive role in ensuring energy sufficiency on the three islands during the summer season, which is characterized by increased energy demand due to the rise in tourist traffic.
More specifically, trial operations are currently underway for a total of four new gas turbine units—two in Soroni, Rhodes, and two on Lesbos—each with a rated capacity of 14.5 MW and an efficiency of 33% or higher.
At the same time, a new, flexible gas turbine unit has also recently begun commercial operation at the PPC Group’s power plant on Chios, which has already substantially enhanced the energy security and stability of the island’s power system. The modern, flexible unit, with a rated capacity of 32 MW, an efficiency of 38%, and equipped with low-NOx burners, represents yet another investment by the Group to upgrade and modernize power plants on non-interconnected islands.
The new, state-of-the-art dual-fuel gas turbine units are designed to increase the generating capacity of the power plants on the islands, thereby ensuring their energy self-sufficiency, while their use also contributes to reducing the final public service obligation (PSO) costs. The replacement of heavy fuel oil (HFO) with low-sulfur diesel (LFO), combined with the modern systems for reducing gaseous and particulate emissions featured in the new gas turbine units, helps reduce the environmental footprint. The noise level of the new gas turbine units, which does not exceed 65 dB at the plant boundaries, is lower than that of existing units, further enhancing the environmental benefits.
As flexible, fast-responding generation units, the new gas turbine units serve as a backup for renewable energy units, which are characterized by their stochastic nature. In practice, they ensure the reliability of the power generation system by helping to reduce the risk of sudden power outages, while fully complying with the requirements of European Union and Greek environmental legislation.
The modernization of the power plants on Chios, Rhodes, and Lesbos through the installation of modern gas-turbine units is part of PPC’s broader plan to strengthen the islands’ energy self-sufficiency and upgrade generation infrastructure for the benefit of local communities, while respecting the environment and maintaining a clear focus on sustainable development. It is worth noting that in 2025, similar modernization projects were completed at PPC power plants in Santorini, Soroni (Rhodes), and Heraklion (Crete) with the installation of modern gas turbine units.
With the new 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, totaling €24 billion, the PPC Group continues to systematically invest in a new energy model based on flexibility, technological innovation, and interconnections. Large-scale renewable energy development is combined with investments in energy storage systems and flexible power generation, “smart” grids, cross-border interconnections, and energy management solutions utilizing artificial intelligence, thereby enhancing the system’s stability and efficiency.