Ioannis Margaris, Deputy CEO of Greece’s Independent Power Transmission Operator (ADMIE), highlighted the rapid progress achieved in the country’s energy transition over recent years — driven by strong government support for renewable energy sources (RES) and the emerging role of energy storage technologies. Speaking at the ‘Greece 2030: Economy and Development’ conference, Margaris emphasized that Greece has tripled its installed RES capacity since 2019 — from 6 GW to approximately 19 GW — a milestone he attributed to ‘enormous efforts’ by the state.
Renewables as a Safety Net
Margaris described RES as already functioning as a ‘safety cushion’ for the electricity market, helping to stabilize wholesale power prices during periods of volatility. He stressed that energy storage is now the next critical frontier in Greece’s clean energy transition — one where the state, in close coordination with ADMIE, is significantly accelerating its efforts.
Storage Targets and Cautious Integration
According to Margaris, Greece already hosts its first operational battery storage units, with a target of 1.5 GW of installed storage capacity by 2027. However, he underscored the need for careful integration: as the first battery systems enter the grid, ADMIE must closely monitor their performance and behaviour to draw reliable insights for future investment waves. ‘Even with the initial batteries now entering the system, we must be extremely cautious to understand how they respond and operate,’ he said.
Progress Beyond 2030 Targets
Margaris noted that ADMIE is working closely with the Ministry of Environment and Energy to mature new clean energy projects. He added that Greece is already ahead of its EU-mandated 2030 RES targets and advancing rapidly on coal phase-out in its power generation mix.
Capital Increase and Strategic Confidence
In response to a question about ADMIE’s planned increase in share capital (ASC), Margaris characterized the government’s participation — and the use of Recovery and Resilience Fund resources — as a strong ‘vote of confidence’. He pointed out that the European Commission recognizes ADMIE’s capacity to deliver major interconnection projects, which sit at the heart of the EU’s energy strategy.
He added that ADMIE has demonstrated, in just a few years, its ability to upgrade and expand Greece’s high-voltage transmission infrastructure — growing its asset base to around €3.3 billion by 2025, with ambitions to more than double it before 2030.
Key Interconnections Underway
Margaris singled out priority interconnection projects — including those with Cyprus and Israel, and with Italy — as ‘landmark’ initiatives. He confirmed these are expected to accelerate further following the ASC.