“Energy policy is key to the country. It affects both production costs and consumers. And if a country produces the energy it needs, it is self-sufficient. It depends on no one and safeguards its defence. Particularly in difficult times around the world, such as today,” says Antonis Samaras, as he sets out a series of proposals on energy policy and criticises the government.
“What has actually happened in recent years? Let’s tell the truth and look at the mistakes.
- We built modern power plants in 2012-2014, such as Ptolemaida 5, and now we are rendering them useless or even blowing them up!
- We invested in renewable energy, but... forgot to invest in storage batteries, with the result that we produce electricity that goes to waste.
- We created an Energy Exchange that does not work properly.
- And we constantly resort to expensive imported natural gas instead of domestic sources. As a result, electricity prices rise and dependence on foreign countries increases.
The neoliberal Mitsotakis government has neither vision nor strategy. Opportunities have been lost, a few have benefited, and mistakes have been made at the expense of the many.
So what needs to be done? We need to radically change the energy mix to make energy cheaper for everyone. How? Today I am putting forward clear proposals to achieve this.
- First, the modern lignite-fired unit at Ptolemaida 5, inaugurated in 2014 and never really put to use, should be brought back into operation. The government is now planning to replace it with a plant fuelled by imported natural gas. Why? Germany still uses lignite-fired plants. Why shouldn’t we make use of our own domestic production?
- Second, we should complete and bring into operation the hydropower projects at Mesochora and Sykia. Three major energy projects, paid for by the Greek people, remain unfinished while we burn imported gas!
- Third, we should use waste to generate energy, as many European countries do. We bury it and pay. Rather than being a liability, it can become an asset through modern plants and partnerships with private companies. I also propose that the proceeds go directly to local government.
- Fourth, we should invest in batteries immediately so that we can make better use of renewable energy. We should also promote solar power with storage in homes and groups of energy producers in the regions.
- Fifth, we should change the rules governing the energy market, with more long-term electricity contracts.
- Sixth, heating should be subsidised using natural gas as well, not just heating oil, as is the case today. Note, I am talking about a subsidy, not a benefit...
It is a national necessity to reduce energy costs permanently, not just temporarily, in Greece’s regions — particularly for agriculture, livestock farming and fisheries.
We all need to understand this: the Greek countryside must be supported as never before!
The measures I am proposing increase domestic energy supply, reduce demand from the grid, lessen dependence on imported fuels and limit costs for households and businesses.
Look at what is happening today: over the past year, the price of electricity for Greek consumers has risen three and a half times as much as in the rest of Europe! And the price of natural gas has risen four times as much as in the rest of the eurozone!
We need a different approach, with a social dimension. So that we can have cheaper energy and, in turn, genuine growth for everyone and a lower cost of living for households,” he concludes.