The country’s total wind-energy capacity linked to the grid exceeded the benchmark level of 2,000 MW level in late April, ELETAEN, the Greek Wind Energy Association, announced in its first-half report.

The benchmark level was struck on April 26 by a 2-MW Vetsas V90 facility installed by Terna Energy in the Mavrovouni area of Viotia, slightly northwest of Athens.

Despite the positive development, the current level remains at just fifty percent of the national objective that had been set for 2014, depriving the country of an energy-producing source, which, along with small-scale hydropower production, ranks as the least expensive renewable energy alternative.

A total of 103 MW of wind-energy facilities were connected to the grid during the first half of 2015, while, during the same period, 440 kW were withdrawn.

In an encouraging trend, the 103-MW figure achieved in the first half of 2015 almost equalled the total amount registered last year during the entire twelve months, which reached 113 MW. The levels registered in 2012 and 2013 were similar to the figure posted for 2014.

Furthermore, new wind-energy facilities that are either under construction or have just been contracted stand to add a further 198 MW.

ELETAEN noted that the total wind-energy capacity for the first half of 2015 – both functional projects and ones at a preliminary testing stage – will amount to 2081.5 MW, up by 5.2 percent compared to the figure in 2014.

Geographically, mainland Greece ranks first with 625.8 MW, a 30.1 percent share of the national total. The Peloponnese follows with 411.8 MW (19.8%), and the Eastern Macedonia-Thrace region is third with 298.7 MW (14.3%).

In terms orf corporate involvement, Terna Energy tops the list with 369.6 MW, a 17.8 percent share of the country’s total. EDF is second with 358 MW (17.2%). Iberdrola Rokas is ranked third with 250.7 MW (12%). ENEL Green Power is fourth with 200.5 MW (9.6%), and Ellaktor is fifth with 199 MW (9.6%).

As for wind-energy facility manufacturers, Vestas leads the way. It has supplied facilities representing 49.9 percent of the sector’s installed capacity in Greece. Enercon is second with a 24.3 percent share, Siemens is third with 9.4 percent, Gamesa fourth with 8.6 percent, and Nordex fifth with 5.5 percent.