European Commission

FSU at Revythoussa LNG unit, Italy storage solution advances

Posted on by admin

An FSU has been licensed and installed at gas grid operator DESFA’s LNG terminal on the islet Revythoussa, just off Athens, boosting the facility’s overall capacity to 370,000 cubic meters.

The new floating storage unit’s installation at the Revythoussa terminal comes as part of the country’s energy security effort for protection should Russia disrupt its gas supply. In addition, it will also be used to serve the needs of neighboring countries.

Other steps are also being taken as part of the national energy security plan.

Greek and Italian officials have reached an advanced stage in talks for maintenance of Greek gas reserves at 1.14 TWh at an underground storage facility in the neighboring country. According to sources, the two sides are set to sign a related Memorandum of Cooperation.

The European Commission requires all EU member states without – or without sufficient – natural gas storage facilities, such as Greece, to store by November 1, gas quantities representing 15 percent of annual consumption at existing storage facilities maintained by fellow member states.

Electricity producers operating generators with dual combustion units (natural gas and diesel) are soon expected to take part in an energy ministry meeting to examine fuel-storage issues. This session could take place tomorrow.

 

 

Day-ahead market split for RES, thermal units requested

Posted on by admin

The Greek government has proposed target model structural changes, at a European level, that would split the day-ahead market into two entities, one for RES, hydropower and nuclear facilities, and another for natural gas and coal-fired power stations.

For the first of these two new day-ahead market entities, producers would forecast production quantities and be remunerated based on bilateral contracts, detached from the day-ahead market.

For the second of the two new entities, natural gas and coal-fired power station producers, covering remaining energy needs, would submit financial and volume offers based on existing rules.

The Greek proposal was presented by energy minister at an EU council meeting of energy ministers on July 26, energypress sources informed.

Preliminary talks on the Greek proposal have already been held. The European Commission plans to deliver alternative proposals for the target model’s functioning by September.

The day-ahead market determines clearing prices in the electricity market.

 

 

Decarbonization plan delayed by 2 years, greater lignite focus

Posted on by admin

The government has asked power utility PPC to extend its lignite-fired electricity generation by two to three years, as a means of cutting back on the use of natural gas, now a high-cost energy source as a result of Russia’s greatly reduced supply to Europe.

The government request, representing one of several energy-crisis measures it has put forth, will delay the country’s decarbonization plan by at least two years.

Lignite currently represents over 10 percent of the country’s energy mix, double its 5 percent share not too long ago, which resulted in annual production of 2.5 TWH. The government is aiming for a lignite energy mix representation of between 17 and 20 percent, or 9 TWH of electricity production, annually.

Increasing lignite-fired generation by approximately 6 TWH will require a natural gas reduction of 12 TWH, which is double the gas cut requested by the European Commission.

Energy minister Kostas Skrekas believes lignite’s 20 percent energy-mix target can be achieved within the first half of 2023.

 

Skrekas: Greece is against a binding 15% reduction of gas consumption

Posted on by admin

Greek energy minister, Kostas Skrekas, said today that a horizontal binding reduction of natural gas consumption is not acceptable for Greece.

Along with other European nations, such as Spain, France and Italy, Greece is against the European Commission’s call for a 15% reduction.

Skrekas said that the topic will be discussed in the upcoming energy summit in July 26, where he will also resubmit the government’s suggestion for a different power market mechanism that will separate the formation of wholesale prices from the price of natural gas.

Coal, nuclear exit slowdowns, demand-response part of EU plan

Posted on by admin

The European Commission plans to announce an energy-crisis emergency plan on July 20, its measures believed to include a slowdown of nuclear and coal-fired facility withdrawals in the EU, as well as a demand-response mechanism offering industrial consumers incentives to curb energy demand in exchange for compensation.

The EU is bracing for further cuts to Russian gas supply. Kremlin-controlled energy giant Gazprom shut down Nord Stream I, a subsea pipeline linking Russia with Germany on July 11 for a 10-day period of maintenance work, according to Gazprom.

The EU’s emergency plan, to coincide with the end of this ten-day period, is expected to include measures aiming to cut gas use, incentives for firms to curb energy demand and gas savings now for stockpiling ahead of winter.

The European Commission plan will also call on EU member states to encourage industrial enterprises and electricity producers to switch energy sources and opt for biomass, biomethane, solar and and other renewable energy sources.

In addition, the plan will require thermal power stations equipped to also run on diesel to take necessary precautions enabling them to switch to diesel for continual periods of at least five days.

Italian gas storage up to 2 TWh from October for 5 months

Posted on by admin

Greek authorities are taking steps to prepare for a gas-storage solution ahead of next winter in neighboring Italy, in accordance with EU rules, requiring all member states without – or without sufficient – natural gas storage facilities, such as Greece, to store, by November 1, gas quantities representing 15 percent of annual consumption, based on last year’s level, at existing storage facilities maintained by fellow member states.

Based on this requirement and the country’s consumption level last year, Greece will need to store a total of approximately 900 million cubic meters of gas, or 8 TWh, of which up to 2 TWh will be stored at Italian facilities from October for a five-month period.

Storage costs for such a quantity are expected to reach 250 million euros, under favorable conditions.

A related proposal forwarded by RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy, will undergo consultation before final decisions on the country’s gas storage plan are made.

 

Strategic reserve mechanism application to be withdrawn

Posted on by admin

The energy ministry intends to withdraw its application submitted to the European Commission for a strategic reserve mechanism as a result of the government’s recent decision to revise its withdrawal plan for the country’s lignite-fired power stations in order to permit operations until 2028 instead of 2025, as was planned.

Under the original plan, the strategic reserve mechanism would have been introduced to maintain lignite-fired power stations under the control of power grid operator IPTO for energy contributions during periods of high demand.

Within the framework of these developments, the government is also considering to withdraw a compensation application for power utility PPC’s premature withdrawal of lignite-fired power stations.

PPC’s plan entailed shutting down all existing lignite-fired power stations by the end of 2023.

However, the government is being forced to delay its decarbonization strategy as a result of the steep rise in gas prices prompted by Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Brussels approves wholesale price formula, producer caps

Posted on by admin

A government package containing a new formula for the country’s wholesale electricity price along with caps for each of the four electricity generating technologies (hydropower, renewables, gas and lignite) has been approved by the European Commission, paving the way towards its implementation as of July 1, sources have informed energypress.

Once a related draft bill, submitted to parliament last Friday, is ratified, a ministerial decision detailing the price caps per technology will be published at the end of this week or early next week. It is eagerly awaited by market participants.

According to sources, the cap on hydropower facilities is expected to be set relatively higher than initially thought, at 110 euros per MWh, well over the initial expectation of between 80 to 90 euros per MWh.

The price cap on renewables is expected to be set at 85 euros per MWh. Natural gas-fueled power stations are seen taking on a cap of between 230 and 240 euros per MWh.

Power utility PPC’s lignite-fired power stations will be set a cap of no less than 200 euros per MWh.

The mechanism’s operation will be assumed by EnExClear, the day-ahead market’s clearing authority, which will report, on a daily basis, to RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy, and DAPEEP, the RES market operator.

Lower-cost gas storage option for 15% of annual use sought

Posted on by admin

The energy ministry is seeking lower-cost solutions to satisfy a European Commission order requiring all EU member states without – or without sufficient – natural gas storage facilities, such as Greece, to store by November 1, gas quantities representing 15 percent of annual consumption at existing storage facilities maintained by fellow member states.

A 15 percent proportion of Greece’s annual gas consumption represents approximately 900 million cubic meters. Its supply cost, alone, is worth roughly 700 million euros, based on current prices.

Besides the cost concerns expressed by energy ministry officials over an idea to use Italian storage facilities, companies active in Greece’s wholesale gas market are also troubled.

The head official of one domestic gas wholesaler described the cost of moving ahead with the Italian plan as forbiddingly high, adding that it would be far more preferable to rent as many additional floating storage units as are needed for mooring at Greece’s LNG terminal on the islet Revythoussa, just off Athens.

Extra 10% in support funds for RES, smart networks, efficiency

Posted on by admin

Investors seeking to develop energy-related projects in the wind, solar, smart network and energy-efficiency fields will be entitled to bonus support funds of as much as 10 percent through the Just Transition Fund.

The European Commission has just approved 1.63 billion euros in support funds for Greece for the development of projects designed to ease the impact of energy and climate-change policies on local economies.

These areas include Megalopoli in the Peloponnese and northern Greece’s western Macedonia region, both lignite-dependent economies undergoing decarbonization, as well as the islands in the Aegean Sea’s north and south and Crete.

Private-sector projects in these areas, including hotels, agritourism units, wind and solar energy facilities, smart networks and energy-efficiency projects will all be entitled to extra support funds.

PPAs through Green Pool, state subsidies to be set at 85%

Posted on by admin

A Green Pool model forwarded by the energy ministry for European Commission approval ahead of an envisaged launch at the beginning of 2023 will have the dual goal of setting energy costs for eligible industries at competitive price levels and bolstering green-energy generation through power purchase agreements.

The energy ministry hopes its plans will be given the green light as soon as possible so that industries can, immediately afterwards, establish PPAs for green energy, with state subsidies set at 85 percent.

This would enable industries to partially cover their energy needs as of the beginning of 2023 at competitive prices and also reduce their carbon footprints.

The Greek proposal was forwarded to the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Competition early this month, the aim being to make energy-intensive industries more environmentally friendly and facilitate the energy-mix entry of new RES facilities.

PPC awaits Brussels energy strategy to decide on Ptolemaida V

Posted on by admin

Power utility PPC will wait for the European Commission’s finalized decisions on a strategic plan intended to end the EU’s reliance on Russian fossil fuels before it decides on the operating and conversion details of its prospective Ptolemaida V power station in northern Greece, to be launched as a lignite-fired facility before being converted to natural gas.

The PPC board is now expected to decide on Ptolemaida V’s conversion date towards the end of this year, according to sources.

Ptolemaida V, expected to undergo a trial run in the second half of the year before being launched late in the year or early in 2023, will be introduced as Greece’s last lignite-fired power station.

Early in April, prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced extensions to withdrawal dates for older lignite-fired power stations that were originally headed for closure prior to 2025. At the time, the prime minister also informed that Ptolemaida V could now operate as a lignite-fired unit until 2028.

Revisions to the country’s decarbonization plan have been prompted by energy security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the exacerbation of the preceding energy crisis as a result of this war.

The Greek government has decided to increase lignite mining output as a safety measure should Russia interrupt its natural gas supply.

A year ago, PPC had announced it intended to convert Ptolemaida V into a natural gas-fired facility as of 2025, but the latest energy security concerns froze this plan.

 

DNV ‘contributing’ to floating PV company ‘bankability’

Posted on by admin

By Michalis Mastorakis

An important step to enhance the maturity of the floating photovoltaic industry in Europe is being advanced by the independent energy expert and assurance provider, DNV.

This is starting with the implementation of two Joint industry Projects (JIP’s) which aim to create standards and guidelines for anchorage and mooring design as well as testing and certification of floats.

DNV intends to formulate a “roadmap” for potential investors and operators of floating photovoltaics, developing for the first time in the world, a specific certification and verification framework in terms of design, development and operation of floating photovoltaics.

The Norwegian classification society already collaborated with 24 sector companies as part of a previous JIP effort, that led to the publication of DNV-RP-0584. DNV has also invited others to participate in the two new JIPs, Michele Tagliapietra, solar energy advisor and DNV’s Global Practice Lead for Floating Solar, has told energypress.

As Tagliapietra explained speaking to energypress, there is a significant gap and this affects the “bankability” of investors, resulting in significant obstacles to the maturation and implementation of projects in the industry and even at a time, as he characteristically stated, that the technology of floating photovoltaics is booming and has significant investment interest in major markets on the European continent.

DNV’s first new Joint Industry Project for this sector aims to share and verify optimal practices concerning floating photovoltaic anchoring and mooring design. Taking into account the sector’s experience, so far, and existing concepts, this effort, involving participants from across the entire floating photovoltaics domain, will produce a design standard tackling a range of challenges that are expected to arise during design and installation.

The second new Joint Industry Project, concerning float design, testing and qualification – it is based on DNV’s knowhow and network – will aim to establish an adequate standard for design, testing and certification of floating PVs. This step promises to introduce clearer, swifter and lower-cost procedures.

Specific technology for specific conditions

Evaluating the Group’s overall experience in the floating photovoltaic industry, the senior DNV executive stated that the “key” to the successful development of the projects is the combination of “appropriate technology in the right place”, emphasizing that the project design must take into account the geographical, weather and technical conditions of each place selected for a project.

Determining the level of “maturity” of this technology, he said that for the time being it remains immature for application on the high seas, without however being ruled out in the near future, given that this technology is experiencing rapid development. Today such projects are mainly found in lakes and water basins within the mainland.

The case for Greece

Of particular interest is the case for Greece, where DNV has a long experience in the industry. According to Mr. Tagliapietra, Greece has a comparative advantage with the sea areas near the coastline that are considered particularly favourable to host such projects. “The Greek coastal region may be an optimal choice solution for the installation of floating photovoltaics,” he said.

The European trend

While the Netherlands is at the forefront for installed capacity in Europe, countries like Portugal, Spain, Italy, France and Germany are currently starting to implement floating solar specific regulations and initiatives to promote the sector.

Overall, European countries are becoming more favorable to the development of floating photovoltaics, a stance that puts this technology in good stead as a sustainable solution for energy sufficiency and supply within the framework of the European Commission’s new REPowerEU plan.

DNV forecasts

The geographical potential for floating photovoltaics installation is estimated at 4 TW by the World Bank. Following a hesitant start, the global floating PV market grew to 3 GW in installed capacity in 2021 and, according to DNV, should reach between 7 and 11 GW in installed capacity by 2025, a surge in development expected from 2023 onwards.

 

Energy production technology price caps being finalized

Posted on by admin

Government officials are finalizing decisions for respective price caps to be applied to electricity generation technologies ahead of the introduction, on July 1, of a compensation mechanism for electricity producers.

Power utility PPC’s hydropower facilities are expected to play a key role in the effort. Windfall profits to be deducted from hydropower unit earnings promise to contribute greatly to the Energy Transition Fund, and, by extension, maximize the level of subsidies offered to consumers.

Officials are taking careful steps so that PPC can keep being able to offer discounts and fixed tariffs to customers and avoid falling into loss-incurring territory.

The cap on hydropower facilities is expected to be set at a relatively high level, ranging from 100 to 120 euros per MWh, well above initial estimates between 80 and 90 euros per MWh, according to figures mentioned by sources.

As for the RES sector, the price cap is expected to be set somewhere between 80 and 90 euros per MWh.

According to energypress sources, the European Commission’s approval of the compensation mechanism for electricity producers is expected imminently. It will be given a 12-month duration.

 

Energy price cap proposal makes EU summit summary

Posted on by admin

EU leaders participating in a two-day summit concluding today have agreed to ask the European Commission to examine the possible implementation of a cap on energy prices for a short period of time.

Brussels, facing the challenge of needing to find a solution that could contain energy prices, has received a proposal for energy price caps in a summit summary.

This is an encouraging step, but it remains to be seen if such a measure will be implemented. The Greek government has been pushing for an energy market price cap.

A summary of a preceding EU summit in March had included a paragraph proposing the introduction of a price cap in the wholesale natural gas market, but no specific decisions have so far been taken by the European Commission.

At the time, the European Commission had indicated it would present specific proposals within May.

The latest summit summary also reiterates the EU’s aim to end its reliance on Russian fossil fuels as soon as possible.

The European leaders, in their summit summary, have also requested the European Commission to seek ways to contain rising energy prices; establish an EU foreign strategy for energy; and highlight the importance of domestic energy sources for security and supply.

 

Swift Brussels approval sought for energy market measures

Posted on by admin

The energy ministry’s leadership will seek swift approval of a national plan for two-pronged intervention in the wholesale and retail electricity markets, intended to subdue energy prices, at a meeting with European Commission officials in Brussels today.

Energy minister Kostas Skrekas and the ministry’s secretary-general Alexandra Sdoukou will discuss the country’s plan with DG Energy technocrats. The government has announced the measures will be implemented July 1.

The measures include a suspension of wholesale electricity price adjustment clauses included in retail electricity bills as well as a wholesale price-cap mechanism.

These measures, however, will not necessarily keep tariffs steady. On the contrary, suppliers will, after informing customers, be able to adjust kilowatt hour prices based on their wholesale electricity purchase costs.

According to sources, Greece’s plan stands a strong chance of being approved by the European Commission as it essentially does not affect the target model and also includes a taxation measure for windfall profits earned by electricity producers, a measure repeatedly proposed by the European Commission.

REPowerEU details unveiled, RES acceleration a key aspect

Posted on by admin

The European Commission has unveiled details of its REPowerEU plan, a road map intended to eliminate Europe’s reliance on Russian energy sources.

Brussels’ road map will aim to eliminate Russian gas, oil and coal imports into the EU by 2027. The renewable energy sector is planned to play a key role in this effort. The European Commission has increased the RES sector’s energy-mix target to 45 percent, up from 40 percent, by 2030 and will seek to accelerate RES investments.

Solar energy utilization will be a pivotal factor of this strategy, to be promoted through the European Solar Rooftop Initiative, part of the REPowerEU plan.

The wider plan will push for an energy savings increase of 13 percent by 2030, up from the present objective aiming for a 9 percent increase in savings.

The European Commission estimates investments totaling 210 billion euros will need to be made by 2027, as an addition to the previous Fit for 55 plan, which set a target for a 55 percent reduction of carbon emissions by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.

Brussels promoting energy savings, consumer support extension

Posted on by admin

The European Commission is expected to present a plan tomorrow including proposals for energy savings, an end to Europe’s reliance on Russian energy sources, as well as support measures for consumers.

The consumer support measures could need to be extended for a longer period, stretching beyond June 30, 2022, according to the proposals.

A draft of the plan, obtained by the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, notes that a reduction in energy demand as a result of a voluntary change in consumer habits, as well as through energy-efficiency fast-track measures, promises to lessen the shortage of Russian oil and gas should Moscow decide to disrupt supply to Europe.

For the short term, the Brussels proposals focus on cooling options concerning households as well as transportation choices, all voluntary. Reduced reliance on private vehicles, lower driving speeds, as well as avoidance of air-conditioning system usage in rooms not in use are among the proposals.

Emphasis is also placed on the use of solar energy at buildings, now more critical than ever before, the Brussels proposals note.

The European Commission’s proposals will be discussed at an EU summit on May 30 and 31 in an effort by leaders to reach common decisions.

 

 

Gov’t confident Brussels will approve wholesale market plan

Posted on by admin

Government officials are confident the administration’s two-pronged intervention plan for the wholesale and retail electricity markets will soon be approved by the European Commission, enabling implementation as of July 1, despite some reservations expressed over the past few days, government sources involved in the process have told energypress.

Athens’ plan was forwarded to the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy and Directorate-General for Competition last Friday, following consultation on technical details between Greek government officials and Brussels.

Details of the Greek proposal are expected to be discussed over the next few days through a teleconference meeting involving technocrats , sourced noted.

Energy minister Kostas Skrekas could also hold talks this week with the head officials of the Directorate-General for Energy and Directorate-General for Competition, to elevate the effort to a political level. A written response to the Greek plan from these Brussels bodies is believed to be imminent.

The Greek government is confident its energy-crisis plan will be approved by Brussels for two reasons. Firstly, Athens’ decision to eliminate, through a related tax, windfall profits earned by electricity producers during the energy crisis is one of the tools proposed by Brussels. Secondly, the Greek plan is not expected to affect transboundary trade as import-export prices will continue to be shaped by wholesale market forces.

 

Russian gas payments by Greek companies due next few days

Posted on by admin

Greek companies that have imported Russian natural gas supplied by Gazprom and face installment payment deadlines expiring between May 20 and 25 are expected to accept Moscow’s ruble-currency demands as part of a wider EU approach that still remains unclear.

Even so, the European Commission, appearing set to revise EU directives concerning payment procedures by member states for Russian gas, is believed to be adjusting to Moscow’s ruble-currency demands.

Greek companies that have imported Russian gas believe the dispute will soon be resolved and are awaiting EU directives and related signals from the Greek government before proceeding with installment payments, sources informed.

The Greek government and the country’s energy players are continuing to observe emergency plans as energy supply security remains a threat as long as Russia’s war on Ukraine continues.

 

 

Electricity market emergency plan presented to Brussels

Posted on by admin

Energy ministry officials will today present, for the first time, the government’s package of energy-crisis measures to the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy.

Brussels’ approval of the package is needed despite the Greek government’s claims that the measures, intended to subdue energy market prices, are within the framework of the European Commission’s RePowerEU plan, also aiming to combat the crisis.

Although details of the Greek package are still in progress, its basics appear to have been finalized.

The day-ahead market, according to the plan, will continue to operate normally, and, as a result, electricity import and export prices will not be impacted. However, the clearing price formula will be revised so that each electricity production technology (lignite, natural gas, hydropower, renewables) is paid for output based on its respective variable cost plus a fair profit, rather than the system marginal price.

According to the plan, electricity suppliers will purchase energy from the domestic market at the lowest prices resulting from the new clearing price formula.

In addition, a wholesale price adjustment clause included in electricity bills will be suspended for the entire duration of emergency measures.

The government wants to avoid characterizing as a tax a plan intended to retroactively collect 90 percent of excess profits earned by electricity producers in recent months. If classified as a retroactive tax, the measure could end up being challenged in court if deemed to be unlawful.

With this danger in mind, the government is presenting its tax plan as a universal fee for solidarity contributions or solidarity dividends.

The government aims to implement its energy-crisis emergency plan by July 1. Swift progress in Athens’ negotiations with Brussels will be needed if this target date is to be achieved.

 

Spain, Portugal price cap agreement to guide Greek plan

Posted on by admin

Spain and Portugal’s agreement with the European Commission for the implementation of a temporary cap of 50 euros per MWh on reference prices for natural gas and coal used by power plants, effectively detaching wholesale electricity market prices from the cost of these generation sources, promises to serve as a guide for Greece’s negotiations with Brussels for intervention in the country’s wholesale electricity market.

Spain and Portugal had requested a temporary cap on reference prices of 30 euros per MWh, for one year.

The price of electricity in Spain and Portugal will be the same as that applicable for transactions with the rest of the EU, via France, El Pais reported.

The limited capacity of the Iberian Peninsula’s electricity grid interconnections with France will restrict electricity exports from Spain and Portugal. Otherwise, lower electricity prices resulting from the temporary cap would have prompted a sharp rise in electricity exports from Spain and Portugal.

Though the Greek government is on standby for a European price-cap solution to the energy crisis, Athens has already begun regulatory and legislative preparations for domestic market intervention.

Swift moves for Revythoussa capacity boost, FSU by July 30

Posted on by admin

Gas grid operator DESFA’s plan to boost the capacity of its LNG terminal on the islet Revythoussa, just off Athens, with the addition of a floating storage unit (FSU), is in full progress, the target date for its mooring being no later than July 30.

DESFA is now preparing to stage a related tender for this plan and, as a first step, is researching the international market to check on the availability of an FSU matching Revythoussa’s requirements, factors including the installation’s period, should a lease solution be chosen, and storage capacity.

RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy, is soon expected to decide on whether the FSU should be purchased or leased.

The authority is expected to hold a meeting today with DESFA officials to discuss the plan’s details.

DESFA has indicated it could lease an FSU for a period of between 12 to 18 months and, as part of this plan, would receive the vessel between May 1 and July 30.

The operator is moving fast as the European Commission has requested all EU natural gas storage facilities be filled to 80 percent of capacity by November 1. In addition, the danger of a Russian disruption of gas supply to Europe also requires swift action, as does the higher energy demand anticipated during the summer season.

 

Unpaid receivables rising, prompting vicious cycle

Posted on by admin

The level of electricity bill unpaid receivables is rising as a growing number of households and businesses struggle to keep up with extremely higher energy costs, a detrimental factor for the cash flows of suppliers, who, in turn, are finding it increasingly difficult to relay regulated fees – included in electricity bills – to the market operators.

A growing number of consumers are lodging complaints to RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy, over exorbitantly priced electricity bills they are encountering.

The government’s electricity subsidies being offered to consumers as energy-crisis support appear to be insufficient.

The vicious circle of events is challenging the energy market as a whole. In an effort to ease the overall pressure, the government intends to ratify legislation for the implementation of a price ceiling in the wholesale electricity market, but not until the European Commission makes an announcement covering the EU, expected next month.

 

 

Gov’t plan aims for electricity prices at first-half ’21 average

Posted on by admin

The government will pursue a strategic target aiming to reduce retail electricity prices to the average level recorded in the first half of 2021, through the implementation of a price ceiling in the wholesale electricity market and state compensation packages for electricity producers covering the price difference.

However, it remains unclear how this ambitious measure, worth at least 4 billion euros amid the current conditions, will be financed.

The government’s plan will be carried out in coordination with any proposals that may be announced by the European Commission.

Announcements, by the Greek government, are not expected before May 18, when Brussels could deliver energy-crisis proposals for member states.

The price of natural gas in coming weeks, an unknown factor, adds risk to the government’s support plan. Gas prices could further escalate if Russian president Vladimir Putin decides to disrupt supply; if Russia’s war in Ukraine intensifies; or if any other unfavorable factor comes into play.

At present, a best-case scenario would result in a price tag of at least 4 billion euros for the Greek government’s strategic plan to reduce electricity prices.

Three different financing sources could be considered: the Energy Transition Fund, currently financing monthly energy subsidies; a 900 million-euro surplus from a supplementary budget submitted to parliament a fortnight ago; and Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) money.

 

 

Egyptian grid operator team in Athens for Greek grid link talks

Posted on by admin

A team of highly ranked officials from the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC), headed by president and CEO Sabah Mashali, is in Athens for two days of talks, beginning today, on the development of the Greek-Egyptian grid interconnection.

The EETC officials are scheduled to meet today with a team of Greek power grid operator IPTO officials, headed by president and CEO Manos Manousakis, for a discussion on technical details concerning the grid interconnection.

Tomorrow, the EETC team is scheduled to meet with Greece’s energy minister Kostas Skrekas as well as development and investment minister Adonis Georgiadis.

A first step for the project was taken last October when the Greek and Egyptian energy ministers signed a related Memorandum of Understanding. As part of the agreement, the power grid operators of both countries have assembled a working group to conduct necessary preliminary work.

The group’s responsibilities, according to the MoU, include technical coordination to ensure the grid interconnection’s compatibility; facilitating the project’s licensing matters; as well as providing support for the project’s classification as an EU Project of Common Interest, which would ensure EU funding support.

The Greek-Egyptian grid interconnection is planned to exclusively transmit green energy from Egypt to Greece as a means of increasing the energy-mix share of renewables in Greece and the wider region and also bolstering energy security in Europe, prioritized following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, during a recent meeting with European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson, stressed the importance of the Greek-Egyptian grid link, noting it should receive European backing.

 

South Kavala UGS facing delay, war prompts need for cost-benefit update

Posted on by admin

The final round of privatization fund TAIPED’s tender for a prospective underground natural gas storage facility (UGS) at the almost depleted natural gas field of “South Kavala” in the Aegean Sea’s north appears set for a latter date as authorities believe the project’s cost-benefit analysis needs to be updated as a result of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

TAIPED was aiming to stage the tender’s second round late in May, but officials at the energy ministry and RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy, believe the UGS project’s cost-benefit analysis now needs to be updated.

More specifically, at current gas price levels, it would cost 500 million euros to fill the UGS with gas, once its conversion from a depleted gas field has been completed. The conversion’s cost is also estimated at 500 million euros, meaning a total sum of one billion euros would currently be required to develop and fill the facility.

The project’s existing cost-benefit analysis, based on data prior to the war, is now out for consultation. It has already received two extensions.

It remains unknown if a recent European Commission decision requiring EU member states to maintain gas reserves representing 15 percent of annual consumption will be restricted to the war’s duration or become a permanent obligation.

Also, the project’s reexamination will most probably also need to take into account related domestic developments such as a plan for a gas network capacity increase.

 

EU’s Fit for 55 revisions to include reduced gas use

Posted on by admin

The European Commission is preparing to present, in May, details of its Repower EU program, a strategy aiming to greatly reduce Europe’s reliance on Russian energy. Until now, the plan has been limited to objectives, without specifics on how these targets could be achieved.

Further revisions of the EU’s energy and climate policy – as presented in the recent Fit for 55 package, which set a target of a 55 percent reduction of carbon emissions by 2030, compared to 1990 levels – will be needed, through legislative revisions and directives.

The revisions could include greater tolerance for lignite and gas infrastructure, until recently treated strictly, as well as measures for an acceleration of RES and energy storage development.

As was pointed out at the recent energypress Power & Gas Forum by Pantelis Kapros, Professor of Energy Economics at the National Technical University of Athens, the EU’s energy policy, concurrently managing economic, energy security and environmental concerns, is now shifting towards greater emphasis on energy security as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the move’s wider repercussions.

Even so, the Fit for 55 objectives for 2030 are expected to be maintained, while RES targets may be raised to more ambitious levels.

The EU will also look to reduce natural gas consumption for electricity generation and heating through the use of biomethane quantities in excess of 35 billion cubic meters by 2030, green hydrogen quantities of 20 million tons by 2030, as well as energy storage system development, noted Professor Kapros, one of the architects of the EU’s energy policy.

The EU’s Fit for 55 package had originally planned for 164 bcm of Russian gas imports in 2025 and 131 bcm for 2030, but these quantities are now expected to be greatly reduced to 74 bcm and 33 bcm, respectively.

September target for first energy storage support competition

Posted on by admin

An energy ministry plan for a competitive procedure to offer investment support for energy storage facilities with capacity between 800 and 900 MW has been approved by the European Commission, the ministry’s secretary-general Alexandra Sdoukou noted during a speech yesterday on the opening day of the two-day Power & Gas Forum, staged by energypress.

The energy ministry is working towards staging a first competitive procedure for this investment support in September, to offer between 400 and 450 MW, or half the planned total capacity, according to sources.

Talks with the European Commission on the matter ended successfully earlier this week, Sdoukou told the forum, adding that an official announcement will be released within the next few days.

Interested investors will be invited to lodge applications confirming their participation in the competitive procedure for investment support in the lead up.

A sum of 200 million euros in support funds is expected to be offered through Greece’s recovery and resilience plan, expected to cover approximately 40 percent of the energy storage unit costs.

Investment interest is high for energy storage development. RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy, issued licenses for 120 units representing a total capacity of 9,641 MW until the end of January.

 

EU states without gas storage must use facilities of fellow members

Posted on by admin

EU member states without natural gas storage facilities, such as Greece, will be required to store gas quantities representing 15 percent of annual consumption at existing gas storage facilities maintained by fellow member states by November 1, the European Commission has just announced.

In the lead-up, Brussels had issued an order requiring all EU member states with gas storage facilities to fill these at 90 percent of full capacity by November 1, in preparation for next winter. The EU is now taking steps to drastically reduce its reliance on Russian gas.

Governments in respective member states are responsible for the achievement of this objective and can impose fines and sanctions, according to the announcement.

The European Commission has notified it will conduct inspections to determine whether intermediate storage-capacity goals have been achieved. Warnings will be issued if discrepancies are found to be over two percent, followed by related talks with the respective member states. Lack of action a month after these talks have taken place will result in decisions from the European Commission, which the member states in question will need to adopt.