offshore wind farms

GEK Terna, Copelouzos join forces for offshore wind farm studies

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GEK Terna and the Copelouzos group are joining forces for common survey work concerning two respective pilot-project offshore wind farms close to Alexandroupoli, in the country’s northeast, energypress sources have informed.

The two corporate groups have decided to merge their survey efforts for these projects as their respective production licenses concern the installation of offshore wind facilities in Alexandroupoli’s same wider offshore area, marked out by the government, following a recommendation by the relevant authority, EDEYEP, the the Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company.

The pilot offshore wind farms to be installed off Alexandroupoli will offer a total capacity of 600 MW, slightly below the sum of two separate production licenses held by GEK Terna and the Copelouzos group, for 485 MW and 216 MW, respectively.

The synergy between the two groups concerns geophysical and geotechnical studies on the composition of the seabed, collection of wind data, as well as studies related to the logistics chain and an electrical interconnection that will be built in order to transfer energy produced to the land and the transmission grid.

The two groups expect their joint survey effort to be completed within 12 to 16 months from now. They aim to launch both offshore wind farms before the end of this decade.

The projects will be developed through an EU go-to-areas scheme designed to accelerate green-energy project development as a means of ending Europe’s reliance on natural gas as soon as possible.

Military approval still needed for national offshore wind farms plan

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A national plan for the establishment of sea plot areas to host offshore wind farms still needs to be approved by the Hellenic National Defense General Staff so that prospective investors can be assured of absolute clarity on regional licensing matters.

All related details are currently being scrutinized by the military body and ministries to ensure the establishment of a thorough plan.

Once established, it will be forwarded for consultation before a joint ministerial decision is issued to officially launch the country’s offshore wind farms sector.

The national plan, spearheaded by EDEYEP, the Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company, is expected to feature between 12 and 15 sea plots, including three or four east of Crete, two or three in the Aegean Sea’s east, two or three in the Dodecanese area, three spots east of Evia, close to the mainland, as well as two more off Alexandroupoli in the northeast.

Five areas marked out to host Greece’s first phase of offshore wind farms, planned to offer a total capacity of 2.1 GW, are located in the north and central Aegean, as well as off Crete.

‘Offshore wind farms a great opportunity and challenge’

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Investors are calling for well-considered measures from the State that would reduce the risk of investments in Greece’s emerging offshore wind energy sector.

Their sense of apprehension was highlighted by Greek Wind Energy Association (ELETAEN) president Panagiotis Ladakakos at yesterday’s Athens Energy Summit, who underlined that “offshore wind farms are a great opportunity and challenge for Greece”.

A key issue concerning investors is the emerging sector’s new regulatory framework, which has given a concentration of authority to the Greek State, a condition that could be interpreted as both favorable and unfavorable. On the one hand, all offshore wind farm matters are linked to one entity, which could offer administrative efficiency, and on the other, this concentration of authority could lead to bureaucratic delays.

Also, a law ratified last year falls short of securing exclusive rights to project developers for specific offshore areas, even if they have conducted related project studies, spending big amounts in the process. Investors will need greater clarity over extended periods to consider developing offshore wind farms, market officials have noted.

Network access is another issue of concern, as was highlighted by the ELETAEN chief at yesterday’s energy summit. Special provisions are needed to ensure grid capacity will be available when offshore wind farms are completed and ready to be connected to the grid, Ladakakos pointed out.

Related port infrastructure and a supply chain supporting the development of the offshore wind energy sector are also needed, market players have noted, stressing that, given this task’s size and specialized nature, a central authority should ideally be appointed.

EDEYEP, the Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company, is already being eyed by market officials as an appropriate authority, though no indications of the company’s possible appointment for the task have been expressed at a political level.

Response to Brussels offshore wind farm questions in June

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Energy ministry officials are preparing a response, this month, to a first round of questions from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Competition on the ministry’s support plan for prospective offshore wind farm installations in Greek marine territory.

The energy ministry had submitted its remuneration proposal, a high-level design package, for the offshore wind farm sector to Brussels in April and received an initial set of questions last month.

The plan forwarded by the energy ministry essentially describes a formula for operational aid to offshore wind farms, based on a related bill ratified last summer for the sector’s development.

Tariffs to be secured by offshore wind farm investors will be determined through competitive tendering procedures. Holders of offshore plot licenses will be eligible to participate in these tenders.

However, tariffs for pilot projects totaling 600 MW off Alexandroupoli, in the country’s northeast, are an exception, as these will be offered administratively.

New RES spatial framework identifying wind energy areas

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An energy ministry committee working on Greece’s updated spatial framework for RES facilities, an effort now into its second stage, has been tasked with accurately identifying the country’s Wind Priority Areas (PAP) and Wind Suitability Areas (PAK).

The committee plans to identify these areas in collaboration with the Center for Renewable Energy Sources (KAPE/CRES) and RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy, the aim being to redefine exploitable wind energy potential in PAP and PAK areas, a decisive factor for the design of wind energy installations.

The energy ministry intends to consider the inclusion of areas for which strong investment interest concerning RES installations has been expressed.

The current RES spatial framework’s ground coverage limits for PAP and PAK areas, standing at 8 and 5 percent per municipality, respectively, will be adjusted to ensure RES installation capacities in PAP areas are greater than those in corresponding PAK areas.

As for the solar energy sub-sector, revisions to be considered by the committee include reducing the maximum soil coverage of PVs on farmland to 3 percent per region.

Furthermore, the revised framework’s new regulations for offshore wind farms will need to be adjusted to accurately reflect those of the National Offshore Wind Farm Development Program. This initiative will be conducted in cooperation with EDEYEP, the Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company.

Delivery of the updated RES spatial framework has been given a deadline extension until the end of March, 2024, based on a recent energy ministry decision.

Offshore wind farms plan among first tasks for new gov’t

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A national plan for the development of offshore wind farms is one of the first tasks that will need to be taken on by the next energy ministry, to be appointed following the upcoming second round of voting in Greece’s legislative election.

Prior to the election’s first round on May 21, the ruling center-right New Democracy party had prepared this plan’s fundamentals, marking out five areas to host Greece’s first phase of offshore wind farms, in the north and central Aegean, as well as off Crete.

Also, discussion on the plan with the Hellenic National Defence General Staff had reached an advanced stage.

As a next step, the new administration’s energy ministry must approve the national plan for offshore wind farms, and a related joint ministerial decision will need to be issued by numerous ministries involved, so that authorities can start preparing a Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment.

The area off Alexandroupoli is planned to host pilot projects offering a total capacity of 600 MW. The Copelouzos group has already secured a 216-MW production license for offshore parks in this area. In addition, it appears that three areas have been marked out east of Evia, close to the mainland and in the wider Dodecanese area, while a fifth area is situated off eastern Crete, between Sitia and Xerokampos.

The plan’s first stage involves offshore wind farms promising to offer a total capacity of 2.1 GW.

 

Five areas selected for first stage of offshore wind farms

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Five areas marked out to host Greece’s first phase of offshore wind farms, planned to offer a total capacity of 2.1 GW, are located in the north and central Aegean, as well as off Crete.

The area in the north is situated off Alexandroupoli, three areas are close to mainland Greece and the wider Dodecanese area, while a fifth spot is off eastern Crete, at an area between Sitia and Xerokampos.

The area off Alexandroupoli is planned to host pilot projects offering a total capacity of 600 MW. The Copelouzos group secured a 216-MW production license for offshore parks in this area back in 2012. Contracts for their development will not undergo any competitive procedures as these projects have been classified as pilot projects.

The three areas chosen to host offshore wind farms in the central Aegean will each host wind farms with respective capacities of 300 MW for a total of 900 MW.  It has not yet been determined if these offshore wind farms will be located close to the mainland or in the wider Dodecanese area.

The wind farm off Crete, near the northeastern shoreline, is planned to offer a total capacity of 600 MW.

Environmental, spatial, social, economic and geopolitical criteria, along with wind intensity, a decisive factor determining the degree of return on investment, were taken into consideration when selecting the aforementioned areas.

Power grid operator IPTO has already delivered precise data on the grid absorption potential at each of these clusters. However, the plan still needs to be approved by the Hellenic National Defence General Staff.

IEA report, positive, calls for faster RES licensing procedures

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A latest International Energy Agency report on Greece, published today, calls for swifter licensing procedures concerning new RES projects, while also noting that any new investments in gas infrastructure will need to focus on fully meeting supply security requirements.

The report, examining Greece’s energy transition progress from 2017 to the present, commends the country’s green-energy performance but notes more work is needed.

Greece has made positive progress in reducing carbon use and reforming energy markets, but needs to do more to develop renewables and promote energy efficiency, IEA noted in an announcement concerning the report.

The IEA report praises Greece’s ambitious targets for a greener energy mix through installations of RES technologies, also planned to include offshore wind farms, and also commends initiatives taken to develop new power grid interconnections with neighboring countries.

These grid interconnections will, on the one hand, enable any excess green energy generation to be exported, while, on the other hand, diversify the country’s supply sources, it notes.

The report also makes extensive reference to initiatives taken by Greece to modernize its electricity and gas markets.

Even split in wind, solar systems optimal balance, studies show

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An even split between prospective solar and wind energy installations in Greece is the perfect balance in terms of cost-effectiveness and investment, studies conducted by two Greek universities have shown.

Emphasis on the development of either of the two RES technologies is not optimal for RES growth in Greece, Panagiotis Papastamatiou, chief executive of ELETAEN, the Greek Wind Energy Association, told the recent Power & Gas Forum in Athens, citing the university studies.

Although solar energy installations are lower in cost, they require large storage capacities for energy transmission, coming at an increased cost, the ELETAEN official noted, adding that, on the other hand, investment costs for wind energy installations, especially offshore systems, are elevated.

This view raises questions about the National Energy and Climate (NECP) plan, envisaging greater development of solar energy installations, and whether this approach would maximize benefits for consumers, compared to a 50-50 split.

A study conducted by the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) showed that a combination of 10 GW in solar energy systems and 10.5 GW in wind energy systems would reduce overall generation cost.

Another study, by the University of Piraeus, also showed that a 50 to 60 percent wind-energy share of prospective RES installations is the optimal combination that should be pursued.

 

Energy ministry multi-bill at parliamentary committee

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Greek Parliament’s Standing Committee on Production and Trade begins is set to begin discussions today on a multi-bill covering a wide range of energy-sector issues. The committee’s talks are expected to continue during the week, but a date has yet to be set for the multi-bill’s tabling in Parliament for ratification.

Energy-sector issues included in the multi-bill include a formula for filtering out stagnant RES projects as a means of freeing up required grid capacity.

Non-auction tariff levels in 2023 for small-scale wind and solar energy projects of up to 6 MW is another matter included in the energy ministry’s multi-bill, as are power purchase agreement (PPA) rights for RES projects, instead of fixed tariffs, which were trimmed as part of the new deal.

Also included is an article concerning a compensation amount for gas company DEPA Commercial following the cost of its recent decision to cancel LNG orders, not required as a result of lower energy demand this winter.

It also includes revisions exempting businesses and farmers from public service compensation surcharges, included in electricity bills, worth 63 million euros.

In another section, the multi-bill includes terms increasing upper capacity limits to 100 kW on solar energy panels installed for net-metering purposes by churches, charities, NGOs and schools.

Moreover, the revisions include an EU formula to be adopted for the development of offshore wind farms as a pilot project off Alexandroupoli, northeastern Greece.

 

Alexandroupoli offshore wind farms given RES priority status

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Offshore wind farms planned to be introduced in Greece as a pilot program off Alexandroupoli, in the country’s northeast, will be developed through an EU go-to-areas formula designed to accelerate green-energy project development as a means of ending Europe’s reliance on natural gas as soon as possible.

A local draft bill incorporating this European formula, which has been adopted in Greece for the first time for the Alexandroupoli offshore wind farms, was submitted to Greek Parliament yesterday as a “RES First Choice Areas” initiative.

As stipulated in the draft bill, RES priority areas must be located beyond areas offered environmental protection through the EU’s Natura 2000 network. In addition, these areas will be approved by Presidential Decree.

Go-to-area RES projects will be exempted from the environmental permitting process and a special ecological assessment procedure.

For the time being, Alexandroupoli is Greece’s only area to have been awarded RES priority status.

New NECP at Interministerial Committee on Monday

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The revised National Energy and Climate Plan, a strategy of greater ambition aiming for 24 GW in wind and solar energy installations, 4 GW in hydropower and pumped-storage stations, as well as energy storage projects totaling 8 GW, all by 2030, is scheduled to be presented at the Interministerial Committee on Monday.

As a next step, the road map of the NECP, now completed according to energypress sources, will be officially announced by the energy ministry before undergoing consultation.

The RES sector’s share of the energy mix has been increased to 80 percent in the revised NECP, up from a 65 percent target set in the previous edition.

The existing NECP’s RES and hydropower target had been set at 19 GW. The revised version’s target has been boosted to 28 GW.

The RES installation target of 24 GW, it should be noted, includes offshore wind farms of 2 to 2.5 GW, indicating that the NECP is, for the first time, committing to the development of this new green energy technology.

Last year ended with operating wind and solar facilities of 10.2 GW, meaning installations representing a total capacity of 13.8 GW for the two RES technologies will need to be installed over the next eight years if the NECP’s 24-GW target is to be achieved.

Crete added to first-round list of offshore wind farm areas

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Crete will be included on a list of regions selected for first-round development of offshore wind farms, planned to offer an installed capacity of 2 GW by 2030, joining Alexandroupoli, in northeastern Greece, already chosen by the energy ministry through a legislative procedure, Alexandra Sdoukou, the ministry’s secretary-general, has revealed at an industry conference.

No further details were given on the Cretan offshore area to be chosen for the first-round development of offshore wind farms, through licenses offered at auction.

One or two more offshore areas, already identified, will be added to the list of Organized Offshore Wind Farm Development Areas (POAYAP), Sdoukou informed the event. However, the energy ministry official did not name these areas, noting she could not elaborate as related talks with respective local authorities were still in progress.

Sdoukou noted the 2030 target will be to mobilize private investment of 6.3 billion euros, when referring to the results of research conducted by consultancy group Grant Thornton on the added value for the national economy to result from this new RES sub-sector.

Of these funds, 4.3 billion euros will flow directly into the domestic economy, creating up to 8,220 new jobs by the end of this decade, she added.

During the creation of an institutional framework for offshore wind farms, Sdoukou commissioned a team of experts to survey the Greek seas, as a covert operation, with assistance from the foreign affairs, defence and tourism ministries, she told the conference.

It was organized by the Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company (HEREMA/EDEYEP), the Greek Wind Energy Association (ELETAEN), and Grant Thornton, under the auspices of the energy ministry.

 

 

AvenHexicon obtains priority rights over two areas in Italy to develop floating wind farms

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Hexicon is operating in Italy through its joint venture, AvenHexicon Srl, with local partner AvapaEnergy Srl. Previously this year, grid and maritime concession applications were filed for five sites in the country, of which two have now obtained maritime priority rights. The first area, located south of Sicily, is 346 km2 ≈ 1,200 MW, while the second area, located Northwest of Sardinia, extends for 364 km2 ≈ 1,350 MW. The two offshore areas are now prioritized for the development by AvenHexicon.

Hexicon’s 50/50 joint venture AvenHexicon has five potential development sites in Italy situated around the coasts of Sardinia, Sicily, and Puglia. Grid connections were applied for earlier this year as well as Maritime Concession applications having been submitted. AvenHexicon has now obtained priority rights for two areas with the purpose to develop floating wind farms, the areas are located south of Sicily and northwest of Sardinia with the sites ranging from 346 km2 to 364 km2. The capacity for the sites are 1,200 MW and 1,350 MW with a combined potential to bring renewable energy to over 2,5 million Italian households.

According to the Italian legislation on the promotion of the renewable energy use and in agreement with authorization procedures for offshore wind, AvenHexicon has applied for the Maritime Concession for the offshore wind farm areas. Applications have gone through the public notification process in accordance with relevant law decrees.

Italy has great potential for floating offshore wind. Recently, Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) highlighted the country as one of the top five emerging markets for offshore wind. The country is aiming to generate 55% of its total electricity generation from renewables by 2030. The fast process and positive signals intensify Hexicon’s efforts in Italy and further strengthens the value-build of the project portfolio.

“Having obtained rights for these two water areas are evidence of our competitive offering as a project developer. This is a steppingstone for AvenHexicon, aiming to be a key player in Italy’s gradual transition to a renewable, fossil-free energy system,” said Alberto Dalla Rosa, CEO at AvenHexicon.

Hexicon is a world-leading project developer and technology provider in the emerging sector of offshore floating wind. As a project developer, Hexicon develops projects, partnering with regional experts. As a technology provider, Hexicon provides its patented floating wind design – TwinWind™ – which consists of one foundation with dual turbines. The innovative twin turbine design enables more turbines per sea area, which increases the energy yield and reduces the environmental impact. The company operates in several markets across Europe, Africa, Asia and North America. Hexicon is listed on Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market (ticker HEXI). Certified Adviser is FNCA Sweden AB, info@fnca.se.

EDEY powers expanded, company entitled to offshore wind farm earnings

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The powers of EDEY, the Greek Hydrocarbon Management Company, have been expanded to cover a range of areas following a legislative revision made by the government.

EDEY has authority over matters such as management, control and monitoring of all relevant contracts that have been established in the past by the Greek State on behalf of third parties; exploration and evaluation of the country’s hydrocarbon potential, as well as assignment planning and supervision of exploration and evaluation of project potential.

EDEY also oversees applications for participation in tenders, in accordance with relevant provisions of existing law.

The company’s equity capital has been set at one million euros, paid by the Greek State in three equal installments, annually.

In addition, earnings resulting from the management of the Greek State’s rights and responsibilities regarding the development and operation of offshore wind farms will be regarded as income for the company.

 

Alexandroupoli area offshore wind farm projects prioritized

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Northeastern city Alexandroupoli’s prospective offshore wind farm projects holding old licenses, or which have submitted license applications, will be given priority as pilot-program area projects.

This area’s development of offshore wind farm projects will move ahead faster than projects at other offshore areas entering competitive procedures.

The energy ministry yesterday submitted a legislative revision establishing Alexandroupoli as a pilot area for offshore wind farm projects.

Covering an area south of the Evros region’s coastline and north-northeast of the island Samothrace, this pilot area will be able to host offshore wind projects with capacities of up to 600 MW.

In addition, a presidential decree defines – based on recommendations by the country’s offshore wind energy farm authority – other offshore wind farm installation areas and the capacities of projects they can host, set at a maximum of 200 MW.

Offshore wind energy framework submitted to Greek parliament

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The Greek energy ministry submitted to parliament a new bill of law concerning the offshore wind sector, the licensing process of renewables and environmental measures.

The new law provides the opportunity to install offshore wind farms in marine regions, thus increasing the share of renewables in the country’s energy mix and reducing fossil fuels.

The Greek government will specify marine zones where interested investors may take part in auctions to secure offshore projects.

First offshore wind farm auction by 2025 for tariffs over 2 GW

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A draft bill including a development and operation framework for offshore wind farms has been forwarded for consultation, now underway. The development paves the way for a first auction for the sector, expected by early 2025 and seen offering investors tariffs for a total capacity of more than 2 GW.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has set an objective for a launch of the country’s first offshore wind farms by 2030.

The number of offshore plots to be offered to investors at the first auction remains undetermined at this early stage. But authorities will strive to offer a sufficient number of offshore plots to ensure the achievement of Prime Minister’s objective of a 2-GW total installed capacity for the sector by 2030.

This capacity target could be boosted if National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) revisions require a greater number of wind energy capacity installations by the end of 2030, as part of the country’s effort to reduce carbon emissions.

Offshore windfarm framework published for consultation

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The government has just published for consultation a draft bill concerning a framework for offshore wind farms. Its content offers priority to older licenses and applications.

Authorities aim to have the framework ratified as soon as possible so that procedures leading to the utilization of the country’s offshore energy wind potential can begin as soon as possible.

According to the draft bill, investors wanting to research specific offshore fields will need to submit permit applications to EDEY, the Greek Hydrocarbon Management Company. Applicants will need to meet technical and financial criteria.

Offshore fields will be transferred to investors offering the lowest bids for tariffs covering a 20-year period.

The energy ministry aims to have the draft bill ratified within July.

 

 

PPC seeking big-name offshore wind farm partnerships

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Power utility PPC is seeking to establish a strategic partnership with a major international partner or partners for co-development of offshore wind farms in Greek territory as a follow-up to its partial acquisition of energy firm Volterra’s renewable energy portfolio, namely 112 MW in wind and solar energy projects, both already operating and under construction.

PPC is looking at offshore wind farm collaborations with the likes of Norway’s Aker, France’s Total and EDF, as well as Germany’s RWE. The Greek power utility has already held discussions with some of these companies, according to sources. Partnerships could be established with one company or even two, offering 33.3 percent shares to each.

According to the sources, PPC aims to have reached an agreement for offshore wind farm collaborations within the summer, concurrent to the energy ministry’s establishment of a legal framework for an offshore wind farm sector in Greek sea territory.

The ministry’s framework for the sector is nearing completion and could be forwarded for consultation as soon as mid-June.

This explains why PPC is currently giving preference to offshore wind farm projects in Greece over wind and PV project acquisitions in the Balkans, which the company has kept a close watch on for investment opportunities since the end of 2021.

Shipping sector developing offshore wind farm interest

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The shipping industry, domestic and foreign, is expressing growing investment interest for offshore wind farms and is awaiting the emerging sector’s regulatory framework to develop such projects in Greek sea territory, energypress sources have informed.

Though plans are still nascent, a considerable number of shipping companies and shipowners are already in talks with consultants for related feasibility studies.

Conditions for shipping industry players are favorable. Their earnings have skyrocketed amid abnormal market conditions, worldwide, ever since the outbreak of the pandemic in early 2020. These higher earnings have generated additional capital for investment, prompting shipowners to consider the potential of offshore wind farms.

Anticipating strong growth in this emerging sector, metals production group Viohalco plans to proceed with an investment estimated to be worth 70 and 100 million euros, which, through subsidiary Cenergy Holdings, will merge the knowhow of group members Hellenic Cables and Corinth Pipeworks for the establishment of the world’s first industrialized unit for floating wind turbines.

Norway’s Equinor, the world’s biggest developer of offshore wind farms, has already expressed interest to develop projects in Greece, proposing an area between the Cyclades islands of Tinos, Syros and Mykonos.

In addition, TERNA Energy has reached an agreement with Ocean Winds, a partnership between EDP Renewables and Engie, for co-development of offshore wind farms offering a 1.5-GW capacity. Also, Mytilineos has reached an agreement with Denmark’s Copenhagen Offshore Partners. Hellenic Petroleum (ELPE) is currently engaged in talks with a major foreign company and Motor Oil has signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar).

Power utility PPC is currently involved in talks with at least five foreign companies, including Australia’s Macquarie, which recently acquired a 49 percent stake in PPC subsidiary DEDDIE/HEDNO, Greece’s distribution network operator. PPC is also believed to be in talks with American fund Quadum.

The Copelouzos group has joined forces with RF Energy to establish Aegean Offshore Wind Farms, a company planning to develop offshore parks offering an 850-MW capacity.

Greek shipowners own 5,514 ships, controlling 32 percent of the world’s tankers, 25 percent of bulk carriers and 22 percent of LNG carriers, the latter category being crucial for Europe’s effort to end its reliance on Russian natural gas.

 

Offshore wind farm financing support to follow framework

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The energy ministry, pressing ahead to finalize the legal framework for offshore wind farms, is concurrently working on a plan to secure financial support for the country’s first wave of investments in this sector.

The financial support plan is intended to cover both fixed-bottom and floating wind farm projects, while prospective funds are anticipated from the REPowerEU initiative as well as the island decarbonization fund, energypress sources have informed.

Authorities are looking to include a fixed-bottom offshore wind farm project that has already secured production permits as a pilot project linked to the REPowerEU plan.

Fixed-bottom offshore wind farm projects have already been tried and tested abroad, meaning they do not represent a financing risk in terms of technology and feasibility.

On the contrary, floating offshore wind farms are a technology making its first steps, globally. Any investment uncertainty will need to be eliminated before financing for this technology can go ahead.

Offshore wind farm framework imminent, consultation in June

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A framework for the development of offshore wind farms in Greek sea territory is nearing completion at the energy ministry and, according to sources, is expected to undergo consultation within the next month.

Sea plots will be offered through one auction, offering investors the opportunity to secure both plots and tariffs for prospective offshore wind farms. A previous plan had entailed two auction stages.

Interested parties will need to submit related applications to EDEY, the Greek Hydrocarbon Management Company, coordinator of the overall procedure. Investors, if deemed by EDEY to meet financial criteria, will be given the green light to study the generation potential of specific sea plots.

Investors will be given a period of between one to two years to study the prospects of sea plots to be offered through the auction.

Offshore plots, primarily northeast of Evia, off Skyros, Limnos, as well as port city Alexandroupouli, in the northeast, will be offered to investors. These plots are expected to offer wind energy potential of up to 10 GW.

It remains unclear how a number of investment plans that have already been granted licenses will be handled.

 

Offshore wind farm potential in Greece highlighted at industry event

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Offshore wind farms have tremendous potential for development in the Greek market, and could be a game changer, Panagiotis Ladakakos, president of ELETAEN, the Greek Wind Energy Association, has told an industry event.

Floating offshore wind farms are a better option for Greece than fixed-bottom offshore wind farms as a result of the country’s great sea depths, which would increase the installation difficulties of fixed-bottom units, event participants agreed.

The ELETAEN president proposed the establishment of a framework offering a clear and detailed road map, adding that targets should be set for the next decade and beyond, all the way to 2050.

RES spatial map revisions incorporating Greece’s sea territory, as well as an action plan for the development of needed infrastructure concerning ports, shipyards and the supply chain are also needed, the ELETAEN president noted.

He added that power grid operator IPTO must take initiatives to plan sea transmission hubs for offshore wind farms, as this technology’s growth also depends on network development.

A pilot competitive procedure for a large-scale offshore wind farm project or projects would serve as a catalyst, the ELETAEN president added.

Greece’s potential in this sector was also highlighted by Francois Van Leeuw, co-CEO of Belgium’s ParkWind, one of a number of Belgium companies that participated in the event, staged as part of a three-day official visit to Greece by Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde.

 

RES and energy storage licenses in less than 2 years from 5 at present

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The time needed by investors to secure RES project and energy storage licenses will be reduced to less than two years, from five at present, according to a RES licensing simplification draft bill prepared by the energy ministry, expected to be announced within the next few days.

Through the simplified licensing procedure, the ministry will aim to facilitate RES licenses representing a total capacity of 12,000 MW and investments estimated at 10 billion euros by 2030.

The ministry’s legislative initiative will be carried out over two stages, the first concerning RES and energy storage project licenses, and the second offshore wind farms.

The revisions will enable investors to push ahead with licensing steps simultaneously rather than successively, as is the case at present.

Also, the procedure will include criteria filtering out prospective RES applicants deemed to not be genuinely interested in developing projects.

 

 

 

 

Consultation for RES licensing simplification, energy storage

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Consultation is set to begin within the next few days for an energy ministry draft bill carrying a second round of measures designed to further simplify the RES licensing procedure and establish, for the first time, a complete framework concerning the development of energy storage projects, energypress sources have informed.

A third section of measures concerning development and operation of offshore wind farms, initially intended to be incorporated into this draft bill, is not yet ready. It will be released for consultation at a latter date, the intention being within the year’s first quarter.

The second round of RES licensing simplification measures will improve the country’s investment prospects as the overall time needed for licensing will be drastically reduced from five years at present to 14 months, according to the energy ministry.

Measures in the current draft bill include an initiative fusing three licensing steps into one – operator connection terms; installation license; and an operating contract with RES market operator DAPEEP. Until now, these three RES licensing steps have needed to be taken successively.

EDEY studying Norwegian upstream diversification

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EDEY, the Greek Hydrocarbon Management Company, is exploring, with the expertise and support of Norwegian scientists, the prospect of incorporating carbon capture and storage (CCS) and offshore wind farms into its range of activities, taking Norway as an example.

The effort is being conducted with financial support from the European Economic Area (EEA) grants mechanism, established by Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein with the aim, amongst other matters, of strengthening bilateral ties with 15 European countries, including Greece.

Norway, which has accumulated years of expertise through hydrocarbon extraction, has successfully combined its upstream sector with new energy fields such as CCS and offshore wind farms.

According to EDEY chief executive Aristofanis Stefatos, the objective is to make note of the most positive aspects of these Norwegian synergies to help Greece develop important projects needed for the energy transition, without excluding exploration of natural gas deposits in Greek seas should market conditions become appropriate.

The EDEY study with Norwegian experts, titled “Review of the Transformation of the Norwegian Oil and Gas Industry during the Energy Transition and its application in Greece”, began last April and has been included in the EEA Grants program covering 2014 to 2021.

 

 

‘EC to announce separate support system for offshore windfarms in 1Q ‘22’

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The European Commission will announce a separate support system for offshore windfarms in the first quarter of 2022, the energy ministry’s secretary-general Alexandra Sdoukou has informed in a Euractiv interview, indicating this will facilitate Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ recently announced objective for an additional 2 GW in offshore wind farms by 2030.

Greece, which plans to withdraw all lignite facilities by 2028, will greatly depend on the addition of new RES units to replace the resulting capacity loss, Sdoukou noted.

The country plans to double its wind and solar energy capacity by 2030 so that the RES sector can represent 64 percent of Greece’s total electricity generation, the official pointed out.

A series of measures boosting the trust of local communities to host wind energy facilities will be needed, Sdoukou said, admitting resistance at local level has risen along with a growing recognition by the public of the advantages offered by wind turbines for eco-friendly energy.

Offshore wind farms, storage, RES licensing, climate in bills

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Two legislative initiatives by the energy ministry, one for climate change rules, the other for a second round of RES licensing simplification revisions, development of offshore wind farms, and a framework for the installation and operation of energy storage units, will be presented at a cabinet meeting today.

The country’s climate rules will make official Greece’s target for a 55 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, aligned with the EU’s new and more ambitious “Fit for 55” climate-change package.

Greece’s legal framework on the climate will also propose a binding road map for the achievement of net-zero emissions by 2050, also in accordance with EU objectives.

As part of the RES licensing simplification procedure’s second round, the energy ministry has proposed the introduction of letters of guarantee, worth sizeable amounts, for RES connections to the network, the aim being to subdue excess investment plan applications, but will enable investors to have their say through public consultation before any decision is made.

 

Ministry taking steps for offshore wind farm development

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The energy ministry is preparing legislation for offshore wind farms, to define areas that will be made available for development and also involve power grid operator IPTO for grid connections of these facilities via regional hubs.

The ministry intends to include this framework to legislative revision for a second round of RES licensing simplification as well as energy storage development.

This legislative bill promoting three green energy fronts could be presented to the cabinet as soon as this Thursday.

Speaking at yesterday’s UN COP26 summit talks on climate change, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reiterated Greece’s objective to play a leading role in offshore wind farms through the installation of 2 GW by 2030. This ambitious objective was definitely intended as a signal to domestic and international investors.