Energy
Achieving energy security and diversification combined with fighting climate change, takes center stage in Greece’s energy policies. In this respect, Greece has made significant progress in the use of Renewable Energy Sources (RES), where given its natural assets of wind, sun and sea, the potential is huge. Moreover, Greece is participating in numerous regional energy networks, emerging as a prime energy hub in South-Eastern Europe.
In 2024 Greece recorded its cleanest power generation mix in over a decade, with renewables covering 57% of electricity production. By 2030, this share is set to reach 75%, supporting Greece’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
Greece replaced fossil fuel use to a significant extent - in particular the pollutant energy source of lignite - and fostered the advancement of RES. In 2019, just 6,4 GW of power were produced from RES. At the year’s end of 2024, that figure reached 15 GW. Greece became for the first time in many years, a net exporter of clean energy.
In addition, Greece places green energy transition at the core of its economic growth. Major renewable energy infrastructure projects are underway and have positioned Greece as an energy gateway of vital importance in Europe and in the Mediterranean. With energy interconnection networks and facilities, such as the TAP (Trans Adriatic natural gas pipeline), Revithoussa LNG - Liquefied Natural Gas terminal, FSRU (Floating Storage and Regasification Unit) – in the port city of Alexandroupolis, that commenced operations in October 2024, ICGB (Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria), and several others which are in the planning or conception phase, such as the Great Sea Interconnector (Greece – Cyprus – Israel electric interconnection), GREGY (Greece-Egypt) electricity Interconnector, and the visionary India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), Greece is emerging as a key player in energy interconnectivity, contributing in a decisive manner to the energy supply security of Europe.
Smart and sustainable Greek islands
Insular geographic areas globally become increasingly vulnerable due to the effects of climate change (extreme weather conditions such as floods and droughts, rising sea levels). In this context, the recently launched “GR-Eco Islands Initiative” indicates the commitment of the Greek Government to promote the green and digital transformation of Greek islands, coupled with their decarbonization, constituting an innovative policy approach that can inspire change globally. The “GR-eco islands” initiative aims to transform Greek islands into innovation hubs and models of green economy, energy autonomy, digital innovation and eco mobility.
The GR-Eco Islands Initiative aims to enhance the public-private partnerships, in order to effectively ensure funding, construction and operation of specific projects. A mechanism that allows private entities to implement innovative environmental projects on a Greek island or group of islands has been introduced so that private companies are given the opportunity to undertake the design and implementation of technological interventions either by responding to specific needs, as defined by the relevant Municipal authorities through a public consultation process or by proposing projects based on their own identification and assessment of local needs.
On Chalki, the first GR-eco island, a photovoltaic power station is in operation, with the participation of the local municipality.
On Astypalea an innovative project is being implemented with the aim to establish a groundbreaking mobility system, transforming both public and private transportation by means of a shared e-mobility model.
The island of Tilos has become the first in the Mediterranean to become fully energy self-sufficient. On Tilos the first hybrid power station in Greece was created, which produces energy from wind farms and solar power generators. Tilos’s municipal authority is even in a position to make a profit by selling its excess energy.
