,。,。：,。,,。,,。,
Greece''s energy and climate policies are centred on achieving net zero emissions by 2050 while ensuring energy security, improving economic competitiveness and protecting vulnerable consumers. The National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), adopted in 2019, is the main document setting energy and climate policy through 2030 and includes targets and supporting measures to put the country on a path to net zero emissions. The National Climate Law, adopted in May 2022, sets targets to reduce total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 55% by 2030, by 80% by 2040 and to reach net zero emissions by 2050. It defines key emissions reduction measures, including the phase-out of lignite-fired generation by 2028.
Greece has seen a reduction in the share of fossil fuels in its energy supply, mainly because of decreasing use of lignite for electricity generation. However, fossil fuels are still the dominant energy source in Greece, and strong efforts are needed to reduce fossil fuel demand in line with GHG emissions targets. From 2010 to 2021, the share of fossil fuels in energy supply fell from 90% to 82% of total energy supply (compared to an IEA average of 78% in 2020). From 2005 to 2021, the share of lignite-fired generation fell from 60% to 10%, driving down the carbon intensity of electricity generation. The decline in lignite-fired generation was offset mainly by increased gas-fired generation, along with growth in generation from wind and solar photovoltaics (PV).
Greece achieved most of its 2020 energy and climate targets. However, a significant share of the reduction in energy demand and GHG emissions was caused by Greece''s prolonged economic contraction following the 2008 crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic. Greece has reduced the carbon intensity of its economy, but an increase in demand following the lifting of pandemic restrictions in 2021 is already leading to increased GHG emissions.
Greece is planning major investments in electricity infrastructure. This includes expanding interconnection capacity to increase integration with the European electricity market and support the goal of becoming a net electricity exporter. The government has announced plans to double the capacity of interconnections with Bulgaria, Italy and NorthMacedonia; triple the capacity of interconnections with Albania; and establish an interconnection with Egypt. There are also major investments planned to boost domestic transmission and distribution capacity to support much higher levels of generation from wind, solar PV and hydro. The government also aims to connect the most populated islands to the mainland electricity grid by 2030.
To ensure the efficient and effective functioning of its electricity market, Greece finalised major reforms in 2020 to introduce three wholesale electricity spot markets (day-ahead, intraday and balancing) and a derivatives market. Greece has also completed several reforms to support full integration in the European common electricity market, including joining the intraday European market coupling in December 2022 and opening its market to demand response in September 2022. Greece''s gas market has also undergone major changes in recent years, with the opening of a natural gas spot market in March 2022 as a key achievement.
Key policy documents (most of which were approved before 2021) give natural gas a major role in reducing lignite-fired generation and oil demand from building heating and industry. Following the Russia Federation''s (hereafter "Russia") invasion of Ukraine and the sustained increase in gas prices, the government is re-evaluating the role of gas in the Greek energy system. However, the future of natural gas in the Greek energy system remains unclear, with major steps being taken to reduce gas demand in line with climate and security goals while at the same time large investments are planned to expand gas infrastructure, which could lead to higher gas demand.
Greece has notable dependence on fossil fuel imports from Russia. In 2021, Russia accounted for 96% of hard coal imports, 41% of natural gas imports, 21% of crude oil imports and a small share of oil products imports. Hard coal imports are used mainly in the industry sector, primarily for steel production. Gas-fired generation plays a key role in the Greek electricity system, and gas is also important for building heating and industry. Greece is taking strong steps to decrease national and EU dependence on Russian energy imports.
The government of Greece should:
Thank you for subscribing. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link at the bottom of any IEA newsletter.
The importance and benefits of the demand-response market, especially for commercial and industrial consumers, has been highlighted, amongst other matters, by Sympower Commercial Director Kostas Athanasopoulos in an interview with energypress.
The official also underlined the need for Greek power grid operator IPTO and the energy ministry to take action to further consolidate the demand-response service in the Greek energy market as a crucial tool for balancing the electricity system.
Mr. Athanasopoulos stressed the need to further promote the demand-response service as a complementary tool to battery energy storage for an ideal combination enabling the electrical system''s proper functioning under conditions of increased RES penetration.
In addition, the Sympower commercial director referred to the initiatives taken by his company to inform participants, stressing, however, that the central role in this process should be played by IPTO, as the responsible TSO, as well as the energy ministry, in order to properly inform market participants.
The full interview with energypress follows:
Demand response is solving one of the most crucial challenges the Greek Transmission System Operator (TSO) is facing: how to stabilise the electricity grid and avoid blackouts in times of grid imbalance.
But first, we have to understand how the energy transition impacts grid operation. TSOs have to cover demand during peak hours throughout the day, every day. Demand peaks regularly occur, so, historically, more energy had to be produced to prevent blackouts. However, this also resulted in production sites operating less efficiently to meet this increased demand.
The Greek power grid had been designed for electricity supply to come from conventional energy sources, such as lignite. As Greece aims to become carbon neutral by 2050, its most recent energy reform plan firmly pushes for a green energy transition powered by wind, solar and hydrogen energy sources. While being sustainable alternatives, wind and solar are also volatile sources which add pressure to the grid by creating increased volatility and reduced predictability. In parallel, we also see an increased electricity demand as companies move away from fossil-fuel-powered processes and electric mobility develops throughout the country.
Balancing the supply and demand of electricity to prevent blackouts is therefore one of the most critical and challenging aspects of transitioning the grid to a climate-neutral energy system.
One of the most efficient ways to stabilise the grid, especially as we integrate more volatile energy sources, is through balancing services and demand response. Demand response is a change in electricity consumption from consumers, such as commercial and industrial businesses, to help keep the supply and demand of electricity in balance, stabilise the grid and prevent serious power outages.
The moment we see a discrepancy in the grid frequency, which is meant to operate at a stable 50Hz, we can opt to decrease or increase consumption according to what is required to stabilise the grid and prevent blackouts.
Demand response in Greece is a very promising market, that not only supports the creation of a sustainable energy grid, but also provides a way for industries to participate in balancing markets and reduce their energy costs.
Our journey so far has been very interesting, albeit challenging. We were the first independent aggregator to go live on the market in June, so of course we''ve been a bit the Guinea pigs in the market of demand response in Greece. Our licensing process was quite long, since the TSO was simultaneously building the market and ensuing regulation. Actually, we have been in the Greek market for the last three years, as we wanted to be active in the field and support the TSO in establishing a successful and competitive market in Greece.
We''ve brought our extensive knowledge and experience from the Nordics market to answer their questions and help them solve challenges. We''ve also dedicated time and resources to educating companies, as the overall awareness of demand response was close to nonexistent. We are continuing this education work, and we''ve actually recently hosted a webinar to demonstrate further how commercial and industrial businesses can benefit from demand response services.
Of course, there are still issues that need to be addressed, but the TSO is working hard on fixing them. They strongly believe in the future of demand response, and want to create a positive environment for FOSE (ΦΟΣΕ) to participate in. The TSO has learnt through our participation in demand response, and we''re really proud to work closely with them to establish a successful demand response model and market in Greece.
The Greek demand response is still in its infancy, so it has to learn to crawl and walk before being able to run. There is much room for improvement, but we must remember that it is a new market.
So far, the first data that we''ve extracted is very promising and shows that the Greek demand response market will be one of the most financially exciting in Europe.
There are still many aspects of the market to improve in order to bring it to the same professional level as the Nordics''. The rule book, that is to say the daily operations of the market, the rules and the settlement process, has to improve, as well as the overall communications with the TSO and integration into their platform.
About Energy storage for demand response greece
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in Energy storage for demand response greece have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
When you're looking for the latest and most efficient Energy storage for demand response greece for your PV project, our website offers a comprehensive selection of cutting-edge products designed to meet your specific requirements. Whether you're a renewable energy developer, utility company, or commercial enterprise looking to reduce your carbon footprint, we have the solutions to help you harness the full potential of solar energy.
By interacting with our online customer service, you'll gain a deep understanding of the various Energy storage for demand response greece featured in our extensive catalog, such as high-efficiency storage batteries and intelligent energy management systems, and how they work together to provide a stable and reliable power supply for your PV projects.
Related Contents
