Two leading energy groups, RWE and PPC, continue to advance Greece's energy transition by putting into operation photovoltaic projects approaching 1GWp, as the last of the nine photovoltaic projects in Western Macedonia was recently put into operation. These photovoltaic projects are grouped into three large-scale photovoltaic complexes with a total capacity of 930 MWp (884 MWac).
As stated in a relevant announcement, within the boundaries of the former Amyntaio open-pit lignite mine, the joint company of RWE (51% stake) and PPC (49% stake) under the name METON ENERGEIAKI SA, developed, constructed and put into operation the nine photovoltaic parks, implementing the commitment of the two shareholders to the green transition and transforming the former lignite area into a clean energy hub.
During the construction phase, hundreds of direct and indirect jobs were created in the area. In addition, METON ENERGEIAKI SA has agreed with the local municipalities to invest in compensatory projects in the area, as well as targeted corporate social responsibility actions with direct benefit for the local community.
Sopna Sury, CEO of RWE Renewables Europe & Australia: “The operation of these three large photovoltaic complexes is an important milestone and highlights the excellent cooperation between the teams of PPC and RWE. Together we have built photovoltaic projects that produce enough green electricity to cover the demand of 400,000 Greek households. With nearly 1GW of capacity in operation and two additional large-scale projects under construction, we underscore our long-term commitment to Greece’s energy transition”.
Konstantinos Mavros , Deputy CEO of RES of the PPC Group: “The completion of these projects underlines PPC’s commitment to Greece’s energy transition and in particular the importance of Western Macedonia for us. We will continue our investments in renewable energy sources, targeting 19 GW by the end of 2030. At the same time, we are strengthening our momentum by rapidly integrating energy storage projects into our portfolio and accelerating our transformation into an integrated Powertech group”.
Charilaos Mitrelias, CEO of RWE Renewables Hellas S.A. and of METON ENERGEIAKI SA: “These projects mark a new chapter for Western Macedonia – a region that is steadily evolving from a lignite center into a hub for energy production from RES. Through our cooperation with PPC, we are not only investing in clean energy, but also in new sustainable opportunities and highly skilled jobs for local communities for the future. The successful completion of these photovoltaic projects demonstrates in the clearest way the extent to which excellent cooperation can contribute to achieving Greece’s goals for its energy transition”.
In addition to the operation of the three photovoltaic complexes in Amyntaio, the two companies are already constructing two new photovoltaic projects in the Central Macedonia region. The Kotyli and Neo Syrakio photovoltaic projects will have a total capacity of 567 MWp (518 MWac). When they are put into operation in 2027, annual production is expected to be sufficient to cover the energy needs of more than 240,000 households.