With five new, flexible gas turbine units, the generation stations of PPC in Chios, Lesvos and Rhodes are being strengthened. The new, flexible units are expected to contribute decisively to ensuring the energy adequacy of the three islands during the summer period, which is characterized by increased energy needs due to the rise in tourist traffic.
More specifically, the trial operation of a total of four new gas turbine units is in full progress, two in Soroni, Rhodes and two in Lesvos, each with a nominal capacity of 14.5 MW and an efficiency rate of 33% and above.
At the same time, the commercial operation of a new, flexible gas turbine unit recently began at the power generation station of the PPC Group in Chios, which has already substantially strengthened the energy security and stability of the island's Electrical System. The modern, flexible unit, with a nominal capacity of 32 MW, an efficiency rate of 38%, and equipped with low NOx emission burners, constitutes yet another investment by the Group for the upgrade and modernization of generation stations on the non-interconnected islands.
The new, state-of-the-art, dual-fuel gas turbine units have been designed to increase the generating capacity of the stations on the islands, thus ensuring their energy adequacy, while their use also contributes to reducing final PSO costs. The replacement of heavy fuel oil (HFO) with diesel (LFO), combined with the modern systems for reducing gaseous pollutant and particulate emissions that the new gas turbine units feature, contribute to reducing the environmental footprint. The noise level of the new gas turbine units, which does not exceed 65db at the boundaries of the stations, is lower than that of the existing units, further enhancing the environmental benefits.
As flexible generation units with rapid response, the new gas turbine units operate in support of RES units, which are characterized by intermittency. In practical terms, they provide security to the power generation system, as they help reduce the risk of sudden power outages, while fully complying with the environmental legislation requirements of the European Union and Greece.
The modernization of the generation stations in Chios, Rhodes and Lesvos with the installation of modern gas turbine units is part of PPC's broader plan to strengthen the energy adequacy of the islands and upgrade generation infrastructure for the benefit of local communities, with respect for the environment and a clear orientation toward sustainable development. It is worth noting that in 2025, corresponding modernization projects were also completed at PPC generation stations in Santorini, Soroni of Rhodes and Heraklion, Crete, with the installation of modern gas turbine units.
With the new €24 billion Strategic plan 2026-2030, the PPC Group continues to invest systematically in a new energy model based on flexibility, technological innovation and interconnections. Large-scale RES development is combined with investments in storage systems and flexible power generation, “smart” grids, cross-border interconnections and energy management solutions leveraging artificial intelligence, strengthening the stability and efficiency of the system.