The 10 major energy projects that will run in 2025

In 2025 it was presupposed as a decisive year for the country’s energy policy, with the Ministry of Environment and Energy ( ) setting 10 large for the strengthening of the economy and ensuring a greener future. In particular, the consolidated plan of government policy on RIS actions consists of 10 flagship projects for 2025, ranging from drinking water supply and saving infrastructure to national forestry plan. CORVERSE The 10 projects of the integrated project include promoting security and diversification of energy supply sources, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, strengthening the participation of RES in electricity generation and urban waste water and sewage management infrastructure from waste water treatment. Other projects concern the improvement of energy efficiency and energy saving, the treatment of energy poverty, the institutionalisation of marine national parks in the Aegean and Ionian, the transition to green energy and the promotion of the green economy. RIS will also proceed with actions of mountain hydronomy, training urban projects in the implementation of urban reform and interventions in residential areas and in the building stock. CORVERSE More specifically, the content of the projects is as follows: 1. Promotion of security and diversification of energy supply sources and reduction of dependence on fossil fuels The promotion of the country’s energy independence includes the execution of projects aimed at diversification of natural gas sources, as well as strengthening security of supply through energy interconnections with neighbouring countries. These projects also contribute to strengthening the role of Greece in the Southeast European region, promoting regional cooperation and stability. Examples include: the construction of a new two-way flow compression station in Ampelia, the high-pressure gas pipeline to Western Macedonia, the construction of a gas pipeline between Greece and Northern Macedonia, the construction of a compression station in Komotini and Metric Station in Nea Mesimbria for the connection of ESMPA to TAP, the electrical interconnection between Israel and Cyprus – Crete, the second interconnection between Greece – Italy and the upgrading of the existing interconnection between Greece and Bulgaria (ADMIE projects). In addition, pilot projects are promoted to produce biomethane and renewable hydrogen, as well as research on hydrocarbon deposits within the Greek territory. With these actions, the country’s energy security, the transition to sustainable forms of energy and the strategic role of Greece in the region’s energy architecture is enhanced. More specifically, it is foreseen: Hydrocarbon investigations: Entry into phase 2 investigations – Block 2 (a’ quarter) Completion of the project Upgrading existing interconnection between Greece and Bulgaria (ADMIE project) with the completion of the diversion of G.M. 400kV Blagoevgrad – KYT Thessaloniki to the Lagada KYT (second quarter) Complete compressor construction in Ampelia and issue a license (c’ quarter) Complete Compression Station Construction in Komotini and issue a Operating Licence (c’ quarter) Completion of the high pressure gas pipeline to Western Macedonia (d’ quarter) Launching the 1st section of underwater cable Crete – Cyprus in the project of electrical interconnection IsraelCyprus – Crete (d quarter) Start ICM Conversion and Cable Stations of the second interconnection between Greece and Italy (d quarter) Completion and issue of the Project License Required amendments to the New Midday Measurement Station for the connection of ESBFA to TAP (d’ quarter) Additional production capacity for renewable hydrogen and biomethane through pilot projects (d’ quarter) Hydrocarbon investigations: Masonic Analysis and Interpretation of Fragments – Block 10 & Block Ionian, Completion of 3D Seismic Processing and Interpretation 2024 – West and Southwest Crete (d quarter) 2. Strengthening the participation of RES in electricity generation, transition to green energy and promoting the green economy Strengthening the participation of RES in power generation includes the implementation of projects to increase electricity space in the Transmission System and Distribution Network. In particular, island interconnection projects with the mainland are included, with a view to strengthening energy security, increasing production from RES in the islands and decarbonising them. Indicative projects are the electrical interconnection of Attica – Crete (phase II), Attica – Cyclades (d phase) and Dodecanese Islands and the Aegean Islands. At the same time, the development of the RES Information System in RIS is promoted, as well as actions under the TPA and the RepowerEU Chapter, such as the installation of storage systems for further RES penetration, optimisation of the use of land and marine space for the development of RES and offshore wind energy, the establishment of an institutional framework for the development of storage units, the restructuring and strengthening of the RES-SE account and the promotion of transition to smart networks. Finally, actions such as the further activation of the Apollo programme, the encouragement of self-production with photovoltaics and storage systems for industries, the creation of an institutional framework for the institution of Energy Sharing and the development of geothermalism are included. It is also important to implement the strategic plan for the Gr-eco Islands and the actions of the Island Decarbonization Fund, strengthening sustainable development and transition to a green energy future. More specifically, it is foreseen: Project completion / placing in commercial operation of the Attica – Crete electrical interconnection (phase II interconnection Crete) (b’ quarter) Completion of the project ‘Renewable Energy Renewable Energy (MSRP)’ (second quarter) Opening of new capacity (GW) renewable energy sources (b’ quarter) Publication of the MIP for the designation of the first group of areas for offshore wind projects (c’ quarter) Notice of tenders for the development of hybrid power plants from RES to NMN – ‘GR-eco islands’ (third quarter) Start operation of energy storage projects (d’ quarter) Completion of the project for all interventions relating to the increase in capacity of HS/MT substations (d quarter) Development of the distribution system operator control centre (d’ quarter) Tender notice for OTA (B phase) in the Apollo – RES Programme for energy-sensitive households, TTAs, JHA and GOEB/TOEB (EKOIN) (d quarter) Completion of energy interventions under the Energy and Entrepreneurship Action (secondary sector) (fourth quarter) Creation of the register of self-consumers and technical assistance for energy communities (d’ quarter) Completion of the construction of a Folegandros Substation (d’ quarter) Signing of the first Implementing Conventions for the Electric interconnection of Dodecanese and Aegean Islands (d’ quarter) Completion of operational industrial units in the ‘Produce e-Green’ Grant Programme (d quarter) 3. Improving energy efficiency and energy saving and tackling energy poverty It concerns the implementation of RIS programmes as well as the RePowerEU to promote energy savings in public sector households, businesses and bodies and the reform of the Social Household Pricing and the revision of the Electricity Supply Code (CEE). More specifically, it is foreseen: Preparation and submission of a technological analysis for at least 1 action to finance Modernisation Fund projects (first quarter) Completion of renovations to improve the energy efficiency of 105000 dwellings, of which at least 20000 are energy-poor households (d’ quarter) Completion of energy interventions under the Action ‘Energy and Entrepreneurship’ (Third Chamber) (d quarter) Completion of individual investments for renovations aimed at energy efficiency, solar water heaters and municipal water supply and sewerage enterprises (d’ quarter) Creation and implementation of a financial tool to subsidise clasters through Energy Performance Contracts (d’ quarter) Version OF Power Supply Code (d’ quarter) Version of a Social Household Invoice Reform (d quarter) Amendment of Article 42 of the Electricity Supply Code (CPC) (d quarter) Replacement of 500 mm of conventional cash with smart meters on the electricity distribution network (d quarter) 4. Supply and savings of drinking water The investment for drinking water supply and saving infrastructure, co-financed by the Recovery and Durability Fund (by 95%), with a budget of EUR 151.37 million, aims to improve the availability and quality of drinking water and reduce public health leaks and risks related to water infrastructure by implementing the following sub-projects: Construction of water supply and desalination facilities, application of telemetry-control systems to detect leaks in water networks, supply of digital hydrometers. Provision is made for: Completion of water infrastructure (d’ quarter) 5. Establishment of marine national parks in the Aegean and Ionian Sea as part of the commitments of the OOC International Conference on the protection of marine protected areas The reform concerns the institutionalisation of two marine national parks, in the Aegean and Ionian, in the context of the implementation of the country’s official commitments at the International Conference on Oceans of the Action axis for marine protected areas. With the creation of the two new marine national parks, the network of marine protected areas of the country is extended by at least 20,000 sq km, which will cover more than 18.3% to more than 30% of marine territorial waters, achieving the intended target of 2030 from 2025. More specifically, it is foreseen: Completion of an ID plan for the demarcation of the two marine parks (second quarter) Adoption of an ID for the demarcation of the two marine parks (d quarter) 6. National Forest Plan Under the EU Forest Strategy, Greece implements the National Forest Plan, in which rehabilitation projects are planned to be implemented in 300,000 acres of degraded forest ecosystems throughout the country. This is the country’s largest forestry programme, with significant environmental, economic and social benefits. This is a reform of the highest importance for Greece, which bridges the existing environmental deficit in the country, restores the institution of afforestation as a tool for ecological upgrading of disturbed areas, seeks to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis, strengthen biodiversity conservation and improve living conditions in urban and periurban areas. At the same time, it connects reforestation measures, actions and projects, which had been carried out in the past and often lack maintenance, in a single framework of sustainable management of Greece’s forest ecosystems. Provision is made for: Reforestation, rehabilitation and prevention – contracts 3 (c’ quarter) 7. Actions of Mountain Hydronomy The aim of the action is to implement mountain hydronomy projects in the river basins of Thessaly Water Apartment. Considering the intensity and consequences of extreme natural phenomena Daniel and Elias that hit the area in the autumn of 2023. This project is an investment of national strategic importance and will have many beneficial effects for the environment such as avoiding erosion and degradation of soil quality, avoiding flooding, avoiding degradation of the aquifer horizon, achieving water balance and protecting water catchment areas, protecting local flora and fauna, protecting biodiversity, preserving Mediterranean landscapes and habitats. Provision is made for: Completion of proposals (d’quarter) 8. Training of Urban Plans in implementation of urban reform The reform includes 5 actions: preparation of the Local Urban Plans, preparation of the Special Urban Plans, preparation of independent plans for determining the Factor Reception Zones (ZY), preparation of independent Settlement Demarcation Plans and (e) preparation of independent plans for the designation of Municipal Roads. This reform is a crucial factor in accelerating investment and sustainable development and prosperity at local and national level, as its implementation will clarify and regulate the institutional framework (land use, building conditions, regulations and restrictions, protection areas, areas for developing productive activities, in particular in the areas of renewable energy and the circular economy, areas of specific urban incentives, etc.) for the distribution and construction of all types of projects and infrastructure, environmental protection and the definition of measures to limit and/or adapt to climate change. More specifically, it is foreseen: Six-monthly study progress report (second quarter) Completion of studies (d’ quarter) 9. Interventions in residential areas and building stock This programme concerns the financing of integrated interventions in urban areas of the country with a view, on the one hand, to upgrading the urban environment and, on the other, to tackling and preventing the effects of climate change (taking into account the country’s commitments to the European Green Agreement). Studies and interventions take into account the specific climatic characteristics of each region and will lead to a low-carbon and climate-resistant economy. More specifically, it is foreseen: 1st Semester Progress Report (second quarter) 2nd Semester Progress Report (d’quarter) 10. Urban waste water management and sewage management infrastructure from waste water treatment Sub-project a: Construction of sewerage network infrastructure and EEL The investment will lead to the protection of water and the environment by avoiding pollution caused by urban sewage, by building 40 new sewerage and sewage treatment facilities. More specifically, it is foreseen: Completion of 60% of the value of projects (b’ quarter) Completion of 100% of the value of projects (d’ quarter) Sub-project b: Upgrading, expansion and modernisation of the ESA The investment concerns 14 wastewater treatment plants and will lead to a reduction in energy consumption by at least 10%, which will be achieved exclusively by energy efficiency measures, on the one hand, and the reuse of treated water. More specifically, it is foreseen: Completion of 60% of the value of projects (b’ quarter) Completion of 100% of the value of projects (d’ quarter) Subproject c: Implementation of sludge management infrastructure by ESA The investment concerns the construction of 18 sewage management infrastructure from wastewater treatment facilities for the production of by-product, which, under conditions, can be made available for use in agriculture. More specifically, it is foreseen: Completion of 60% of the value of projects (b’ quarter) Completion of 100% of the value of projects (d’ quarter)