Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis participated in the 2^nd Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris (10/3). At this summit — the second since 2024, when the first Summit was held in Brussels — 41 countries participated.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated in his speech, among other points:

“In Greece, in recent years, we have, invested heavily in renewables. Twenty years ago, we generated more than half of our electricity from coal. Today we generate more than half of our electricity from wind and solar. Renewables have turned us from a net electricity importer to a net electricity exporter. They have lowered our prices and strengthened our energy security. Given our superior resources, we will continue to invest in solar and wind, coupled with investments in batteries, pumped hydro and natural gas as a transitional fuel.

But the tide is turning. Nuclear energy is clearly having a comeback. Countries with nuclear power want to build more reactors and countries that abandoned nuclear power are reexamining their position. This is a welcome shift.

I came to Paris today to announce that Greece is also turning the page. It is time for my country to explore whether nuclear energy, and specifically small modular reactors, can play a role in the Greek energy system. We will set up a high-level ministerial committee to make a definite recommendation to the government on this front.

Our need for electricity is only going to grow. So no matter how much we expand renewables, we will need long-term predictable baseload power. No technology can match what nuclear can offer us.

Α topic that Greece cares a lot about is nuclear power in shipping. This is a proven technology that is already used for decades in military and other niche applications. At this point, we have no credible solutions to decarbonize shipping. Nuclear should be part of this conversation as well. It is a topic in which Greece plans to lead, separately from whether nuclear might have a role to play within Greece’s own system.

So, dear friends, this is a major day for Greece. We are writing a new chapter. Please consider Greece to be a friend of nuclear energy. Whether nuclear will end up playing a role in Greece remains to be seen. But at a time of great geopolitical upheaval, all options must be on the table. Our task is to make nuclear part of the solution again.”

(Source: https://www.primeminister.gr/en)

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Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (AIA) was established in 1996, under the form of a société anonyme operating according to the rules of the private economy, as a public-private partnership with a concession agreement – a pioneer step for Greece.

It is the largest airport in Greece and one of the largest and most state-of-the-art airports in Europe. It is one of the most important transport hubs in Southeast Europe and the main gateway to Greece.

In 2024, passenger traffic reached 29,725,613 people, while in the first 11 months of 2025 it reached 31,000,068 million passengers, an increase of 6.6% compared to 2024. Also, there were 250,006 flights in 2024, while in the first 11 months of 2025, there were 264,113, which is a 5.6% increase.

In 2016, AIA became the first airport in Greece to achieve carbon neutrality, while in December 2019, it announced through its initiative "ROUTE 2025" its official commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2025.

During his visit to the airport on December 12, on the occasion of the AIA event for "ROUTE 2025," EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, stated that AIA is the first airport in Greece with a zero carbon footprint and -thanks to the installation of one of the largest photovoltaic power stations in Europe- it now produces on its own all of the energy that it uses – something that seemed impossible just a few years back.

It should be pointed out that the Athens Airport’s achievement of a net zero footprint comes 25 years before the deadline set under the European Green Deal, for EU to become the first climate-neutral continent, meaning net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

According to data presented at the event for "ROUTE 2025" by AIA CEO Yannis Paraschis, CO₂ emissions have been reduced from 65,000 tons in 2005 to 29,000 tons today, while passenger traffic has more than doubled, and this was achieved without carbon offsets.

AIA's strategy was based on three key pillars: Full electrification (with the creation of a new high-power charger network, replacing existent vehicles with electric ones, and phasing out conventional fuels in the airport's daily operations), energy self-sufficiency thanks to photovoltaics, and the energy upgrade of buildings with the goal of completely eliminating natural gas.

The member states that invest in decarbonization now will be the ones that produce the technology of the future. Today, Athens Airport is showing us the way.

Sources: Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund, AMNA, AIA official website

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During the last years, Greek economy has been marked by a remarkable growth in the field of renewable energy. According to a recent report by environmental think-tank Green Tank, Greece reached a new clean energy milestone last year, with the production of clean energy (renewables and large hydro) being the highest of the decade. This achievement underlines Greece's ongoing commitment to renewable energy, carbon neutrality by 2050, and its efforts to become a green energy hub for Southeast Europe.

Under the recently revised National Energy and Climate Plan, Greece aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 58% over the next five years, by 80% by the end of the next decade, and to achieve total carbon neutrality - as well as complete energy independence - by 2050. The revised national plan for 2025-2050 calls for the share of renewable energy sources in electricity generation - currently around 57% - to rise to 75% by 2030 and 95.6% by 2035.

The development of new renewable energy projects, new technologies, new electricity interconnections and energy-saving measures will require combined investments of 436 billion euros by 2050, according to the National Energy and Climate Plan. This will contribute 6 billion euros a year to gross added value and increase GDP by 2.5% by 2050.

Thanks to dynamic investment in renewables, the country has gone from being an energy importer in 2019 to a stable exporter in 2024, which is very important for the country's energy self-sufficiency.

The renewable energy field is certainly one of the most important examples of investment in new fixed productive capital on Greek territory, while these investments have already produced tangible results in the electricity generation mix. Estimates of the value of these investments over the last five years reach around 9.5 billion euros in renewable energy plant construction projects, complementary projects and infrastructure and network projects.

More specifically, according to the data provided by the Greek Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO or ADMIE) S.A., a total of 25.2 TWh of electricity was generated on the interconnected grid from renewable energies - excluding large hydro - reaching a production level more than twice that of 2019 (12.2 TWh), suggesting an average annual growth rate of 15.6%. This rapid increase in renewable energy capacity, combined with the adoption of the policy of total decarbonization by 2028 - despite its adjustment due to the energy crisis and the war in Ukraine - has led to a radical shift in the electricity generation mix.

According to a study by the Greek think-tank diaNEOsis, the largest share (55.3%) of electricity demand in the interconnected system in 2024 was covered by renewable energy sources (including hydropower), which was achieved for the first time in 2023 (51.4%), with the share of coverage rising continuously and rapidly. On the contrary, in addition to - and despite - the drastic reduction in the use of lignite, it seems that in 2024 Greece also managed to annihilate net electricity imports, making the country a net exporter, a first since 2000.

Addressing the 3rd Inter-Parliamentary Forum of the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) PA South East Europe Delegations, held in Kastoria on March 27-30, the new Deputy Minister of Energy (Hellenic Ministry of Environment and Energy), Nikos Tsafos, pointed out that the installation of around 13 GW of solar and wind power alone has contributed to the increase in renewable energy sources in the electricity mix.

With regard to the share of renewable energy in the energy mix, Greece is making steady progress, having exceeded the European average by 2023. Greece has increased the share of renewable energy in the energy mix by 61% between 2014 and 2023, ranking 7th out of 36 European countries in terms of the evolution of the share of renewable energy in the energy mix for the reference period.

According to diaNEOsis, total net production exceeded demand by 307 MWh, corresponding to 0.6% of demand. This picture is not very different if we include the unconnected islands, which are mainly electrified by oil- and gas-fired power plants, the relative contribution of renewables being much smaller. In particular, according to “Green Tank” data for the whole of 2024, renewables record a slightly lower relative contribution to meeting demand across the entire power system, but retain an absolute majority, with a share of 50.8%.

The rapid rate of increase in the installed capacity of renewables and the achievement of record levels of their share in electricity generation are undoubtedly having a very positive impact on the detachment of the Greek economy from both coal combustion and the associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as well as from foreign energy imports. However, this development also brings with it a number of new technical challenges, which need to be met effectively and promptly to avoid creating obstacles to the increased penetration of renewable energy sources.

Based on the original article which appeared on GrèceHebdo (Intro photo by Micah Giszack on Unsplash)

Read also via Greek News Agenda: Greece Unveils Revised National Energy and Climate Plan: Aiming for Carbon Neutrality by 2050; Greece’s Offshore Wind Energy program draws strong investment interest; Greece’s renewable energy landscape

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Greece’s Ministry of Environment and Energy has introduced the updated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), which outlines the country’s strategy to achieve specific energy and climate targets. The plan sets forth ambitious goals, including a 58% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, an 80% reduction by 2040, and achieving full carbon neutrality by 2050.

During the press conference for the presentation of the plan, Environment and Energy Minister Theodoros Skylakakis noted that the updated NECP balances ambition with realism, taking into account progress since the original 2019 plan. He underlined hat Greece has exceeded previous targets for renewable energy integration and emissions reduction. Minister Skylakakis proudly stated that Greece is leading the way in these areas, saying that the country has "achieved better results than others" and has already surpassed its goals for renewable penetration and emissions cuts.

The revised strategy signals the end of energy subsidies and emphasizes efficient, cost-effective investments to facilitate the energy transition. Skylakakis pointed out that the NECP’s 2025-2050 revision will support Greece in becoming fully energy independent, stating, "For the first time since the Industrial Revolution, Greece has the opportunity to achieve energy independence."

"This plan will significantly reshape the country’s economy," he said, forecasting substantial changes in the years to come that will foster economic and industrial growth, improve the country's financial stability, and lay the groundwork for a robust Greek economy well into the future. Skylakakis also highlighted the NECP’s consumer benefits, noting that "investments with a very low marginal cost" will result in the provision of affordable, clean, and abundant energy.

As Greece shifts to renewable energy, electrification, advanced technologies, and greater energy efficiency, the average electricity cost is expected to drop from 145 euros per megawatt-hour to 95 euros per megawatt-hour by 2050.

The primary aim of the updated NECP is to tackle climate change, with a strong focus on green electricity production. Currently, renewables make up 55% of electricity generation, with plans to increase this to 75% by 2030 and 95.6% by 2035. The NECP also outlines plans to install smart consumption meters for 7.5 million energy connections by 2030. Over the next two decades, biogas and hydrogen will be incorporated into energy use, and energy-saving initiatives will be central, with more than 800,000 building renovations scheduled between 2040 and 2050.

Following Skylakakis’s presentation, Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy Alexandra Sdoukou elaborated on the revised NECP’s key elements. She described the plan as a blueprint for a new growth model focused on green transition, digital innovation, reduced energy costs, modernized infrastructure, and boosting domestic value creation. She emphasized the NECP’s potential social impact, highlighting policies that will provide citizens with affordable, clean energy, while also spurring economic growth, increasing GDP, and generating jobs.

Professor Pantelis Kapros from the National Technical University of Athens, who is part of the NECP Inter-Ministerial Committee, addressed concerns over the costs of transitioning to green energy. He stated that "economic analyses show that the costs are manageable," noting that while investment will total 450 billion euros, these expenses are necessary and will be more efficient over time. He emphasized the importance of the plan’s financial feasibility.

Dimitris Kardomateas, Head of the Office of the Secretary General for Energy and Mineral Resources, underscored the ambitious targets, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 58% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. He stressed the importance of focusing on electricity generation, the main source of emissions, due to its potential for cost reductions. The technology is mature, ready, and supported by investors, but challenges remain in reducing legal delays to ensure timely implementation.

The Governor of the Bank of Greece, Yannis Stournaras, present at the NECP's unveiling, stressed that "there is no room for complacency in the face of climate change." He called for a cohesive action plan to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and emphasized that meeting these goals will require an investment of 436 billion euros by 2050. This initiative is expected to contribute 6 billion euros annually to the country’s gross value added and provide a 2.5% yearly boost to GDP. Additionally, it is anticipated to create 210,000 sustainable jobs each year.

In the renewable energy sector, Greece aims to achieve a 76.8% share of renewables in electricity production by 2030, down slightly from the previous target of 80%. Solar capacity is projected to reach 13.5 GW, with onshore wind at 8.9 GW and offshore wind at 1.9 GW. These figures are close to those in the earlier plan. Energy storage targets include 6 GW, split between 4.32 GW in battery systems and 1.74 GW in pumped hydroelectric units—1.2 GW higher than in the original plan.

Natural gas will continue to serve as a transitional energy source, with installed capacity expected to rise by around 800 MW to 7.8 GW by 2030. To support investments in this area, a capacity mechanism will be developed in consultation with the European Commission. For the building sector, 409,000 energy-efficient upgrades are planned for this decade, while electric vehicles will benefit from an expanding charging network as prices continue to fall, approaching those of conventional cars.

Overall, Greece aims to cut CO2 emissions by 58.6% from 1990 levels, in line with the European Union’s goal of 55%. To meet these updated targets, an estimated €95 billion ($104 billion) in additional investment will be needed by 2030, funding initiatives like energy efficiency in buildings, expansion of solar and wind capacity, and energy storage enhancements. By 2050, total investment is expected to reach €330 billion ($363 billion), aiding Greece's goal of climate neutrality.

This updated NECP reflects Greece's dedication to combating the climate crisis and speeding up its shift to renewable energy, setting an example for other EU nations and signaling new opportunities for investors and stakeholders in the green energy sector. You can view a presentation of the plan here (pdf, in Greek).

I.L. With information from APE-MPA, Energy News, To Vima, Balkan Energy News

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The decarbonization of the small islands that have not been already included in the program to interconnect the country's islands to the mainland electrical system - operated by the Independent Power Transmission Operator (ADMIE), will move forward using hybrid systems (wind and photovoltaic stations combined with batteries) along with a series of "green initiatives." The "greening" of the 40 non-interconnected islands will contribute to the goal of the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) to reduce the share of liquid fuels in the electricity generation mix.

In the context of the latest revision of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) Directive, adopted in 2018, Greece achieved a special arrangement, securing free CO2 emission allowances for the decarbonization of the islands, which it must use until 2030. In light of this, the Ministry of Environment and Energy has launched the Island Decarbonization Fund, which will collect the funds from the auctions of these unused pollutant allowances, are estimated to range between €1.8 billion and €2 billion. In fact, with a leverage of 50%, it is estimated that around 4 billion euros will be directed to projects and actions for the decarbonization of the islands’ economy. Another fund, in the order of 450 million euros, is intended for the acceleration of interconnection of the islands that is implemented by the Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO-ADMIE).

Part of the funds of the Decarbonization Fund will be used to finance electrical interconnection projects of the islands in order to speed up the implementation of the ADMIE’s planning, but also in energy saving projects., such as hybrid systems that will replace oil PPC units, prioritization of electric transport, renewal of the marine fleet with low-pollution technologies, energy efficiency and circular economy projects, sustainable waste and water management, green transformation of agriculture and tourism, etc.

GR-eco Islands, another government initiative set in motion in 2021, with the aim provide the islands with renewable energy sources and advance projects for green economy, energy autonomy and sustainable mobility, will also play a key role in the decarbonization of Greek islands. The actions of the “GR-eco Islands” initiative which will include the financing of waste management projects, water and energy production through energy communities, etc. will be financed by a 100 million euro fund secured by the NSRF 2021-2027, but in the second year the Decarbonization Fund will also participate in funding, alongside the private sector.

The initiative has already been kicked off in the islands of Tilos, Agios Efstratios, Astypalaia and Halki, and will be extended to 36 more small islands: Symi, Agathonisi, Megisti, Arkioi, Marathi, Kasos, Pserimos, Gyali, Lipsi, Telendos, Nisyros, Megalonisi, Onousses, Psara, Fourni, Thymaina, Amorgos, Anafi, Donoussa, Heraklia, Antiparos, Schinoussa, Ios, Sikinos, Koufonisi, Folegandros, Thirasia, Kythnos, Kimolos, Serifos, Sifnos, Kea, Antikythira, Gavdos, Ereikoussa and Othoni. The initiative is moving forwards, and priority is given to the small islands of the Aegean, where polluting energy production units operate and which meet the criterion of double insularity – i.e. access to them is not direct through the mainland, but only through another island.

As for the actions that can be supported with the Fund’s resources, they first of all concern the change of energy model on non-interconnected islands. The electrification of road and sea transport is also a priority; as far the islands’ ​​connection to the mainland is concerned, priority is given to the development of new and the modernization of existing port infrastructures as well as to the modernization of the boat fleet that services intra-island routes.

Resources from the Decarbonization Fund will also be allocated to support of the "Saving Energy" (Exoikonomo) and "Moving Electric" (Kinoumai Ilektrika) existing programs, as they become adapted to the needs of the islands. Households, as well as tourism and hospitality units will be able to participate in the energy saving actions. As far as electric mobility is concerned, the replacement of conventional vehicles with electric ones will be subsidized, focusing on the rental cars fleet in the tourist island areas, as well as in the installation of battery chargers.

As far as the installation of hybrid systems is concerned, based on the revised NECP plan, Hybrid power generation systems will be promoted on those islands that remain non-interconnected, i.e. units that combine Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and energy storage, while RES projects will be supported on those that are interconnected. 240 MW of power are planned to go “green” by year 2026, of which 120 MW will be from the non-interconnected islands of Megistis, Antikythera, Gavdos, of Erekoussa and Othoni, and the other 120 MW of from hybrid power plants to be installed in Crete. These hybrid stations will use pumped storage systems with accumulators for storing energy from wind turbines or from photovoltaic panels.

The decarbonization of the islands is at the heart of the investment interest of Greek and foreign companies. Among the investors are the German company Accusol, which cooperates with Siemens and has secured licenses for the installation of hybrid units on 9 Greek islands, the pioneer in hybrid technologies Siemens - Gamesa, Eunice, which promotes projects similar to the one operating in Tilos and in other islands, as well as the French company Akuo which participates in the Halki project.

I.L. with information from Kathimerini and Oikonomikos Taxydromos

Interconnection the islands to the electric grid of the mainland | Photo: Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO-ADMIE)

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Forty-one percent (41%) of electricity produced in Greece in 2022 was generated through Renewable Energy Sources (RES). According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Greece has enacted an impressive array of measures to support its ambitious climate goals while maintaining energy security. Fossil fuel reduction and its replacement with RES, mainly with solar and wind energy, is one of Greece’s top priorities, aided by the country’s geographical position, geological territory and climate.

In its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, 80% by 2040 and reach net zero emissions by 2050, Greece has adopted the National Plan for Energy and Climate (NPEC) since 2019. Its main targets ar: a) Decarbonization; b) Renewable Energy Sources (RES) as the dominant energy source; c) climate-neutral economy by 2050, in accordance with EU targets, and d) renovation of public buildings, industrial facilities, and residences using the latest energy standards.

Maximizing energy security through diversification of energy resources, price affordability and accelerated transition towards clean energy are at the forefront of Greece's energy policy. Greece aspires to become a leading energy hub and serve as a gateway from East to West and South to North. As a result, Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean region have the potential to emerge as key facilitators of European energy security in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

With respect to electricity interconnections, a new transmission line connecting the Greek grid to that of Albania will be fully operational by 2030. Additionally, electricity interconnections linking Greece with Israel and Cyprus, as well as with Egypt, will transform Greece into an energy hub for the transmission of electricity from the Middle East and North Africa to the markets of continental Europe. This electricity will be mainly generated by renewable energy sources, thus further contributing to Europe’s energy security, while also tackling climate change.

Recognizing the importance of Renewable Energy Sources, Greece made an early shift towards a cleaner energy mix. It has developed substantial know-how, enabling the country to become a world leader in energy production via renewable energy sources (7th place among countries with the highest penetration of renewable energy in electricity generation in 2022). According to a report published on May 27th by the International Energy Agency (IEA), titled Snapshot of Global PV Markets 2023, Greece is ranked second globally in incorporating solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies in its electrical power output. On the list of countries with highest PV penetration, Spain comes first with 19.1%, followed by Greece at 17.5 %, Chile at 17% and the Netherlands and Australia at over 15%.

Greek wind and solar capacity has increased by 70% and 110%, respectively, between 2018 and 2022. As a result, Greece hit a new milestone in the fall of 2022, running completely on "clean" renewable energy for about five hours for the first time in its history. Furthermore, the early adoption of renewables in Greece’s energy mix resulted in a minimal increase of coal use for energy production to address the challenges presented by the Russian invasion of Ukraine since February of 2022.

Greece is determined to continue moving forward in order to achieve the most ambitious climate goals. To succeed in this endeavor, about 1/3 of the funds allocated to Greece by the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) will be directed towards green transition investments, with a view to green electricity production reaching 80% of total electricity by 2030. With more than 6,000 islands, of which 227 are inhabited, it goes without saying that energy autonomy of the islands is a priority for Greece’s energy future. Towards this goal, Greece initiated the GR-eco islands initiative, aiming to transform Greek islands into paradigms of green economy, energy autonomy, digital innovation and ecological mobility, with Chalki being the first GR-eco island. Additionally, Astypalea in the south Aegean is about to become the first smart, green island in the Mediterranean with energy autonomy. Tilos – another "green" island in the Mediterranean - is now powered by wind and solar energy, as well as Agios Efstratios, where 85% of the local energy stems from wind turbines and photovoltaics.

Greece also participates in the Green Shipping Challenge, an initiative launched during the World Leaders Summit of COP27 in 2022. In this framework and in consultation with the United States, Greece will host the 9th International Our Ocean Conference in Athens in 2024. 

Lastly, the International Energy Agency (IEA) praises Greece for its progress in the energy sector. In its latest report, it states that Greece has set new and ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while sharply reducing coal-fired energy generation. Additionally, the IEA report commends Greece for reforming its electricity and natural gas markets, expanding its cross-border interconnections, and for passing legislation to enable the development of offshore wind generation.

According to IEA’s latest report, the share of fossil fuels in energy supply in Greece fell from 90% (2010) to 82% (2021) of total energy supply, while the share of lignite-fired generation fell from 60% (2005) to 10% (2021), driving down the carbon intensity of electricity generation, mainly due to increased gas-fired generation & generation from wind and solar photovoltaics (PV). Greece is also a global leader in the use of solar thermal energy to cover building hot water demand.

Read also via Greek News Agenda: Greece’s Green Agenda on Energy and Climate; Green energy in Greece | The sustainable answer to climate and energy crisis; Chalki, the first Gr-Eco Island;The "Smart Green Island" of Astypalea;

N.M. (Based on an article from Greece In America, the official newsletter of the Embassy of Greece in Washington)

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The 86th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) opens its doors on Saturday, September 10, 2022 bringing together professionals, buyers and visitors from Greece and many countries across the world. TIF is Greece’s largest trade event and is considered one of the leading business and industry fairs in Southeastern Europe, while it is of great political significance to the country. This year’s exhibition is focused on circular economy, education & entrepreneurship, startups & innovation, gastronomy & nutrition etc., while the United Arab Emirates is the honored country for 2022.

Guided by the new reality in the world economy, the changing environment in the fields of health and energy, but also the galloping developments in technology, the 86th TIF declares its strong presence through its multidimensional character.

Sections

In the field of Circular Economy, the 86th TIF will present the latest developments, solutions and products in the domains of clean energy and environmental protection. In view of a difficult winter ahead in terms of energy, the Circular Economy pavilion will present solutions regarding heating-cooling products, renewable and alternative energy sources, bioclimatic building design, environmental technologies, as well as waste management and recycling systems offering several options in the field of energy. Visitors can learn how to prevent waste production, how to plan in an environmentally friendly way, and how to reuse materials to reduce their environmental impact, aiming at saving consumers money and improving their quality of life.

In the field of Education, TIF is a meeting point for the educational community. Visitors are informed, among other things, about new activities, innovative ideas and educational programs, networking options for educational institutions, career opportunities, and consulting career services. Particular emphasis is given to the advanced English-language university programs offered in Greece attracting every year many foreign students in a wide range of study fields.

In the field of Digital technologies, the 86th TIF has created the “Digital Greece” thematic parc presenting more than 100 startups with emphasis in the domains of cultural and audiovisual industry, digital games, animation etc

United Arab Emirates, TIF’s honored country 2022

Every year a different country is honored as the most important guest, highlighting and strengthening trade but also cultural relations between Greece and the honored country. Considering the importance of approaching new markets, this year’s TIF welcomes the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the first “honored country” from the Arab world in the history of the TIF.

The UAE is coming to the TIF with an impressive participation of companies and organizations aiming to explore possible areas of cooperation with Greek companies, and further economic relations with Greece. Technology and investments will be the focus of the United Arab Emirates’ participation, which will present in pavilion 13 of the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre the most developed sectors of their economy.

Founded in 1971, the UAE is a federation of seven emirates. With Abu Dhabi as its capital and Dubai as its largest city, it is an important hub, of the international commercial and industrial world. They are ranked sixth globally in known oil reserves, 36th in terms of purchasing power of their economy, and one of the highest in the world per capita GDP, set at US $ 46,584.

The UAE is a founding member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and a member of the Arab League, the United Nations, the Islamic Council, OPEC, and the World Trade Organization.

Paying tribute to the centenary of the Asia Minor catastrophe

This year’s TIF is also organizing an exhibition paying tribute to the 100 years since the Asia Minor Catastrophe and the forced migration of ethnic-Greeks from their homelands. Through a video installation the exhibition spans moments in the lives of Greek refugees before the forced exchange of populations, the refugees’ harsh journey from Asia Minor, Thrace and Pontus to Greece, as well as moments from their settlement in Greece.

The audiovisual installation tells the story of the successful integration of Greek refugees presenting rather the positive changes that occurred in the Greek society than the mourning for the lost homelands. The arrival of almost one and a half million refugees from Asia Minor and the Pontus to the "new" homeland was a catalyst that modernized the Greek state making the country stronger.

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Six Greek cities, Athens, Ioannina, Kalamata, Kozani, Thessaloniki and Trikala have been selected by the European Commission among 377 cities to participate in the EU Mission for 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030 in the domains of energy, transportation and urban planning. The Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities is a novelty of the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme for the years 2021-2027 and it aims to bring concrete solutions to the big challenge of climate change and digital transformation. The selection of the Greek cities is a great success for the country and it is the result of hard work and cooperation between the 6 cities and the Greek Environment Ministry in the last two years.

Cities play a pivotal role in achieving climate neutrality as they are home to 75% of EU citizens although they take up only 4% of the EU’s land area. Furthermore, cities consume over 65% of the world’s energy and account for more than 70% of global CO2 emissions. The aim of Cities Mission is to support cities in accelerating their green and digital transformation offering cleaner air, safer transport and less congestion and noise to their citizens as urban action significantly contributes to climate mitigation efforts. The Cities Mission will involve local authorities, citizens, businesses, investors as well as regional and national authorities. The 100 cities that have been selected will act as experimentation and innovation hubs to become climate -neutral and smart cities by 2030, 20 years earlier than the goal of climate neutrality set by the European Green Deal, paving the way to the rest of the European cities.

Meet the six chosen Greek cities

Kozani, the energy producing area of Greece 

Photo: City of Kozani, @dimoskozanis 

Kozani is a city in northern Greece, capital of Kozani region of West Macedonia. The city is known for its large lignite power plants making it, so far, the leading energy producing area of Greece. After the Greek government’s decision though about the closure of all coal-fired plants by 2028 (the deadline for Kozani being in 2023), local authorities have been preparing a new Strategic Plan for the city aiming to contribute to a smoother transition towards a clean energy regime. The new plan includes policies that will be innovative in energy efficiency through the development of Renewable Energy Sources enhancing at the same time the digital transformation of the local economy and governance. Through the participation in Cities Mission, Kozani will seek to achieve these new ambitious goals.

Trikala, the first digital city of Greece 

Central Bridge @Trikala (photo:Kouris©Greece-is)

Trikala sits at the heart of the Greek mainland, located in the region of Thessaly and it has the reputation of being a frontrunner as a smart city, being labelled in 2004 as Greece’s “first digital city”. Today under the name “Smart Trikala”, public authorities have developed a wide range of digital solutions to help improve the lives of citizens and the city has performed highly in terms of innovation results. Trikala is one of the most dynamic medium-sized cities in Europe, being a pioneer in designing innovative ICT solutions in electromobility, energy, e-health and open governance for the benefit of its citizens.

Ioannina, the lake city of Epirus

Photo by @dimitris_christogiannis in @visit_ioannina 

Ioannina is the capital of Epirus, a north-western region of Greece, and a beautiful lake city with long history built on Egnatia Odos, an ancient route that connects Europe with Asia. The economy of Ioannina has purely urban characteristics determined by the fact that the city is the commercial and administrative center of the region. The sustainable urban development, with respect and protection of the natural environment are among the key elements and major strategic goals of all policy strategies and plans of the Municipality. Participation of Ioannina in Cities Mission will bring multiple benefits in the city (environmental, social, economic, educational), such as improving air quality, promoting a healthier lifestyle, improving mobility, creating new jobs, and upgrading the environment while at European and national level climate change-friendly investments will be encouraged and smart technologies as well as holistic urban planning solutions will be introduced.

Kalamata, the Mediterranean city of the southwestern Peloponnese 

Photo: Municipality of Kalamata FB page @kalamata.gr 

Kalamata is a Mediterranean city of the southwestern Peloponnese and the capital of Messinia, being faced occasionally with extreme weather events. To deal with the effects of climate change, local authorities in Kalamata have been implementing national and EU projects of more than 120 million Euros for the last 5 years, while at the same time through their participation in these programs local authorities have gained important knowledge and they have participated in beneficial synergies and networks. The Municipality has prepared its proposal for a climate-neutral and smart city through public consultation with citizens and visitors, scientists, and the business community of the city. 

Thessaloniki, a gateway for the Balkans 

Photo: https://www.intelligentcitieschallenge.eu/cities/thessaloniki

Thessaloniki, situated in northern Greece, is the country’s second largest city. Home to the country’s second-largest export and transit port, it is also the closest European Union port to the Balkans and the Black Sea zone. The Municipality of Thessaloniki is committed to the city’s transformation into an integrated, open and participatory space, through the uptake and effective use of information and communication technology. Creating an interconnected city for everyone through data, enhancing citizen participation and increasing digital innovation are just a few of the objectives that the city aims to achieve through its participation in the Mission Cities in other relevant EU programs.

Athens, the historic capital of Greece 

Athens, the capital of Greece, is a historic city of myths and monuments, a dynamic and vivid place where entrepreneurs, creatives and visionaries are building the city they aspire to live in. Athens, named European Capital of Innovation for 2018, means great potential for growth and innovation, with an enduring entrepreneurial spirit seizing the benefits of digital economy. The Municipality of Athens has developed the “Athena Project” an innovative technology program aimed at improving the quality of life in the Greek capital for residents and visitors regarding the improvement of cleanliness and accessibility offering also a wide range of e-services. 

Funding and networking for chosen cities 

The 100 cities that will participate in Cities Mission come from all 27 Member States, with 12 additional cities coming from countries associated or in the process of being associated to Horizon Europe. The cities will receive €360 million of Horizon Europe funding covering the period 2022-23 in order to plan and implement research and innovation actions that will address clean mobility, energy efficiency and green urban planning. Mission Cities will get tailor-made advice and technical expertise by a Mission Platform run by the project NetZeroCities that will assist them to overcome the current structural, institutional and cultural barriers they face in order to achieve climate neutrality by 2030.The chosen cities will also have the opportunity to build joint initiatives through networking with other cities and ramp up collaborations in synergies with other EU programmes. Engaging citizens in the mission is of vital importance and it is strongly supported by the organizers.

The selected cities will increase their international visibility and they will have the opportunity to redefine their identity (city re-branding), serving as models for their wider regions and other urban centers promoting new forms of governance and developing a new economic climate action model.

Watch the video "Kozani, Mission 2030" 

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Greece adopted a National Plan for Energy and Climate (NPEC) in December 2019 in order to combat climate change and protect the natural environment mainly through Renewable Energy Sources. Safeguarding energy supply and security against energy or geopolitical crisis incidents is an additional advantage of green electricity. According to the National Plan, decarbonisation i.e. the ending of Greece’s reliance on lignite, is scheduled to be achieved by 2028, as a top priority, while Renewable Energy Sources (RES) are projected to reach the 65% of electricity production in 2030, becoming the main national energy source in Greece.

Green energy hit record in Greece last April

It is surprising thus that Greece on April 1st and 2nd 2022 covered, through green technologies, 67 and 68%, respectively, of its energy needs both at investing and demand level. 70% percent of the green energy derived from the wind, while concerning the total energy consumed, 47% derived from the wind, 14% derived from the sun and 6% derived from other RES.

The operation of the system constitutes a great daily performance, due to favourable weather conditions on these specific days, indicating that this can easily be the rule in a few years. To this end major storage works are necessary in order to maximise the benefits of the green energy, preserving at the same time the stability of the electricity system.

In fact, in the last three years Renewable Energy Sources have been covering daily energy demand with an increasing share. According to the Greek Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO / ADMHE) starting from a share of 42% of the daily energy demand in 21/3/2019, rising to 51% in 14/9/2020 and 59% in 6/9/2021, the share of RES on a daily basis in Greece has been growing in a fast pace. What is more, wind energy in 2021 contributed the most in the RES mix with a share of 48%, while solar energy counted for 10%, and 1% came from the rest of RES. And this is by far the best performance among the EU even in comparison to countries with high wind energy production capacity and it is due to more favorable weather conditions in Greece in that specific period of time.

Source: Greek Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO / ADMHE)

Is the goal for 65% RES share in electricity production by 2030 reachable?

According to the NPEC, Renewable Energy Sources should be the main national energy source in Greece by 2030 reaching the 65% of electricity production. To this end Greece aims to achieve 25 GW of installed renewable power generation capacity by 2030 from the current 8.62 GW, while electric energy storage units of at least 3.5 GW must have been in operation by the end of the decade.

According to the CEO of the Hellenic Wind Energy Association HWEA/ELETAEN, Panagiotis Papastamatiou, this goal is achievable for the following reasons:

- Wind and solar energy is based on proven technologies
- Greece is rich in Renewable Energy Sources taking into consideration that solar and wind are inexhaustible sources of energy
- Investing interest has already been expressed and adequate funding is foreseen

Photo by Andreas Gücklhorn on Unsplash

Benefits of the Renewable Energy Sources

Green energy apart from being eco-friendly is also beneficial in economic terms. As Panagiotis Papastamatiou explains: “The cost of production from RES is clearly lower than fossil fuels and nuclear. It is also stable and known in advance as it depends only on the cost of wind turbines or photovoltaics paid at the beginning of the investment. The cost doesnot alternate every month, as is the case for fossil fuels. At present, the new wind farms in Greece generate electricity at 3-4 times lower cost in relation to the cost of electricity generation from fossil fuels”.

What is more, RES directly contribute to electricity prices reduction which results in suppliers buying cheaper and therefore having the opportunity to pass on these lower prices to their customer’s (households and businesses) tariffs. According to data provided by the HWEA/ELETAEN, Renewable Energy Sources saved 2.5 billion euros in 2021 for the benefit of the consumers.

A new draft bill and a large solar park in Greece reinforce RES prospects

Aiming to address the climate change by reducing the greenhouse gas emissions increasing at the same time the country’s energy self-sufficiency the Greek government is preparing a bill for RES and electrical energy storage projects. The main areas of the draft bill are the simplification of the licensing process for renewables and storage licensing, while the main objectives of the draft law are to:

• reduce the average licensing time for new RES projects from five years to 14 months;
• develop electricity storage projects with an installed capacity of at least 3.5 GW by 2030;
• increase the capacity of the electricity network to enable integration of more RES units

The key goals are to increase the Renewable Energy Sources (RES) share in (a) the country’s energy mix, up to 35%, and (b) the national production of electricity, up to 70%. The bill will also give municipalities and regional authorities incentives for the installation of RES units in order to provide cheaper energy to vulnerable consumers and households living below the poverty line.

Last month a new solar park the biggest system with two-sided, or bifacial, panels in Europe was inaugurated by the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The 204-megawatt solar park was built in the northern Greek town of Kozani by Greece's biggest oil refiner Hellenic Petroleum, one of the largest oil companies in the Balkans that is undergoing a transformation into clean energy. The park will supply power to 75,000 households and connect to the country's power grid in coming weeks reflecting Greece’s national goals for cheap and clean energy from the sun, the wind, and the water, as the Greek Prime Minister stressed at the park's inauguration.

*** You can check for yourself how green is the energy that we produce and consume in Greece at any time through the new mobile app of IPTO / ADMHE providing data of the Hellenic Electricity Transmission System, in a convenient and easy way. The app is also available in English. ***

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Intro Photo by Alex Eckermann on Unsplash

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With an impressive pavilion under the slogan “Greece of Tomorrow, Today” Greece participated in the Expo Dubai 2020 aiming to showcase the competitive advantages and areas of innovation of the country under the strategic transformation of the Greek economy. The Expo 2020, the largest event ever staged in the Arab world, had been postponed by a year because of the covid19 pandemic and it was held from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022 in the United Arabic Emirates. The event is considered one of the most important exhibitions in the world as World Expos traditionally provide a platform to showcase the greatest and latest innovations from around the globe. The Greek participation was organized by Enterprise Greece, the official investment and trade promotion agency of the Greek state operating under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Greek pavilion

Aiming to illustrate that Greece has started to find its way toward economic development and innovation, the Greek pavilion was inspired by the myth of the Cretan maze and Ariadne’s thread. Revolving around the labyrinth of the Greek mythology, the Greek presence in Expo 2020 narrates the story of a country that has found its path, demonstrating all of its achievements, playing thus a vital role in the investment environment.

The invisible Ariadne’s thread in the Greek pavilion connects all of Greece’s comparative advantages from culture and tourism to innovation and human capital, linking the present and the future of Greece. In this concept, the pavilion is divided into eight interconnected thematic pillars representing the different comparative advantages of Greece offering an integrated perspective of a country that is constantly progressing and evolving. The Greek pavilion welcomed more than half a million visitors that had the opportunity to virtually explore and discover Greece’s culture, beautiful landscapes but also Greece’s tech and innovation future through different Augmented Reality applications.

The Greek pavilion revolved around the following thematic pillars:

Technology / Innovation
Technology and Innovation were at the peak of the Greek presence in the Expo 2020. Digital transformation of the Greek state has been a top priority for the Greek government. Through the digitalization and simplification of administrative procedures, the country aims to transform its economic model attracting more investments and ameliorating quality of life. At the same time the Greek ecosystem of research and innovation has a particularly extroverted dynamic to present.

Energy / Environment
The transition to a “green” Greece has already begun. A new energy policy, with “green” strategies to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and increase the share of renewable energy sources in the Greek power mix, is becoming a priority, with the aim of protecting the environment. Astypalea, Tilos, Ai Stratis are energy autonomous islands, just to mention a few examples of the ongoing “green revolution” in the country.

Agri-food
The food and agricultural products sector has always been one of the most important export sectors in Greece, with a particularly strong presence in the international markets. The unique qualities of Greek agricultural products constitute the basis of the Greek and Mediterranean Diet contributing also to the exceptional Greek gastronomy.

Shipping, Supply Chain & Infrastructure
Greece has a significant maritime tradition and Greek shipping services are of international renown, as Greek ship-owners hold the largest merchant fleet in the world. In addition, the country’s geographical position at the crossroads of three continents (Europe, Asia and Africa), has made Greece a strategic transportation hub playing a vital role in regional logistics.

Culture / Tourism
Greek culture has been synonymous to Classical Greece and antiquity, but current arts and culture movements are highlighting the country’s dynamism, inspiration and creativity. Apart from the Acropolis and innumerable other archeological sites, Greece has much to offer in modern art, too. At the same time Greece is the ideal travel destination, whether you prefer to explore the country or you are rather into luxury vacation, Greece has it all. Cultural and religious tourism, health and medical tourism, nautical tourism and even thematic winter tourism are just some of the areas that will help Greece attract numerous visitors and complement the famous Greek tourism product.

Human Capital
Greece has remarkable human resources with multiple skills, qualifications and talents contributing to the attraction of business investments in the country. In addition, Greece has set up a business-friendly environment with significant incentives attracting already the interest of a great number of powerful international business groups.

Industry
Industry in Greece has started to become stronger and more competitive in the international environment operating successfully in fields such as heavy industry, waste management and energy storage. Adapting to the current challenges, industry in Greece follows a green and sustainable growth model pursuing adequate digital transformation.

Health
With a highly skilled workforce and well-established R&D and manufacturing capability, the Greek Life Sciences and Pharmaceuticals industry exhibits significant growth potential both in serving the internal market, as well as in expanding its reach beyond national borders.

The Greek pavilion as a hub of dialogue and exchange of ideas about the future of Greece

During the Expo 2020 a series of events took place at the Greek pavilion with the aim to present and promote Greece’s comparative advantages and investment opportunities hosted by several ministries and regions of the country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs along with Enterprise Greece and the Municipality of Mykonos organized the event “Α Universal Narrative of Light - From Apollo’s Delos to a brighter future” aiming to showcase that modern Greece is an open and extrovert country sharing the values of international cooperation and intercultural dialogue. Making reference to the Cycladic light of the archeological site of Delos the organizers presented how the past of the country illuminates its future, linking the cultural heritage of Greece with its modern identity.

The Ministry of Development and Investment organized two major events. The first event was about the emerging Greek ecosystem of research & innovation and the second-one about the strategic investments and the investment opportunities in Greece. The aim of the events was to showcase the dynamism of the Greek start-up ecosystem exploring investment and synergies opportunities with the business environment of the United Arab Emirates.

Greek gastronomy events, concerts, virtual visits to museums and a series of events concerning the promotion of Greece as tourism or filming destination were also organized by the Ministry of Tourism, the regions of Greece and competent institutions.

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