The Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Evangelos Tournas, and the Chairman and CEO of the Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO), Manos Manousakis, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation aimed at strengthening the prevention of forest fires and the protection of the country's critical energy infrastructure.
According to the relevant announcement, the Memorandum provides for the cooperation of the two bodies for the planning and implementation of firebreak zones along the electricity transmission lines of the National Electricity Transmission System that pass through forests and forest areas, with the aim of preventing risks to energy infrastructure and ensuring the country's uninterrupted electricity supply.
Within the framework of the cooperation, the Fire Service draws up an annual prioritization map of the areas where interventions are required, making use of operational data and the National Forest Fire Risk Assessment Map. IPTO undertakes the implementation of the required cleaning, pruning, clearing and creation of firebreak zones, in accordance with the instructions of the competent services of the Fire Service and the applicable forest legislation.
At the same time, a Monitoring and Coordination Committee is established, as well as mixed inspection teams, which will monitor the progress of the works, certify their completion and ensure the effective implementation of the Memorandum.
For the year 2026, the first intervention areas have already been determined, in Hippokrateios Politeia – Sfendali and in the area of Ekali – Nea Penteli, with a total firebreak zone area of more than 516 stremmas.
The implementation cost of the projects is covered entirely by IPTO, without financial burden for the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection. The Memorandum has a duration of three years, with the possibility of renewal.
Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Evangelos Tournas stated:
“The protection of the country's critical infrastructure is an integral part of the national strategy for Civil Protection.
With the Memorandum of Cooperation we are signing today with IPTO, we are turning prevention into a stable, organized and continuous process. We are creating a permanent cooperation mechanism, with joint planning, clear responsibilities and continuous monitoring, so that the necessary interventions are carried out where there is the greatest operational need.
The protection of the National Electricity Transmission System does not concern only energy infrastructure. It concerns the safety of citizens, the country's resilience in the face of natural disasters and ensuring the uninterrupted operation of critical services.
Cooperation between the public sector and the National Operator, when based on a clear institutional framework, joint planning and a common goal, constitutes a key pillar for effective prevention and strengthening the country's resilience in the face of the challenges of the climate crisis.”
The Chairman and CEO of the Independent Power Transmission Operator Manos Manousakis stated:
“IPTO is a steadfast ally in the demanding work of the Ministry of Climate and Civil Protection. The renewal of the Memorandum of Cooperation confirms the Operator's commitment to the joint effort to prevent and address forest fires and to shield critical energy infrastructure.
Under conditions of climate crisis, interventions for opening firebreak zones are necessary in order to ensure greater operational flexibility in the field and to protect more effectively the good of stable electricity supply for citizens.
IPTO, with all the means at its disposal, will continue to assist the forces of Civil Protection, for the best possible response to natural disasters and the strengthening of the resilience of the electrical system.”