Two leading energy groups — Germany’s RWE and Greece’s state-owned power utility DEH — have brought nearly 1 GWp (930 MWp / 884 MWac) of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity online in Western Macedonia. This milestone follows the recent commissioning of the ninth and final PV plant in a coordinated development across three large-scale solar complexes.
A transformation on former lignite land
The projects were developed, built, and commissioned by METON ENERGY S.A., a joint venture between RWE (51% stake) and DEH (49% stake), located within the boundaries of the former Amyntaio open-cast lignite mine. The initiative fulfils both companies’ shared commitment to Greece’s clean energy transition — repurposing a historically coal-dependent region into a hub for renewable energy.
During construction, hundreds of direct and indirect jobs were created locally. In addition, METON ENERGY has agreed with local municipalities to fund compensatory infrastructure projects and targeted corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to the surrounding communities.
Leadership perspectives
Sopna Sury, CEO of RWE Renewables Europe & Australia, said: “The commissioning of these three large-scale solar complexes marks a significant milestone — and highlights the outstanding collaboration between the DEH and RWE teams. Together, we’ve built solar plants generating enough green electricity to meet the annual demand of around 400,000 Greek households. With nearly 1 GW already operational — and two more large-scale projects under construction — we reaffirm our long-term commitment to Greece’s energy transition.”
Konstantinos Mavros, Deputy CEO for RES at the DEH Group, added: “Completing these projects underscores DEH’s commitment to Greece’s energy transition — and especially to Western Macedonia. We will continue investing in renewables, targeting 19 GW of installed capacity by end-2030. At the same time, we’re accelerating our evolution into an integrated Powertech group — rapidly adding energy storage assets to our portfolio.”
Charilaos Mitrelis, CEO of RWE Renewables Hellas and METON ENERGY S.A., stated: “These projects mark a new chapter for Western Macedonia — a region steadily transforming from a lignite centre into a renewable energy hub. Through our partnership with DEH, we’re investing not only in clean energy, but also in sustainable opportunities and high-skilled jobs for local communities — today and for the future.”