The green energy subsidiary of the Greek state-owned public power company (PPC) owns one of the largest photovoltaic projects in Europe. Konstantinos Mavros, CEO of PPC Renewables, said that the solar power plant in Ptolemaida, Western Macedonia will have a capacity of 500 megawatts and three substations. The region has the largest brown coal mine and power plant in the country. The government has an ambitious plan to completely phase out coal by 2025.

Ptolemaida 5, the last lignite plant in Greece, is under construction. PPC should convert it to natural gas within four years and mark the end of the use of lignite in Balkan countries. However, recent increases in electricity prices across Europe have prompted suggestions that coal-fired power plants in Greece should remain active or at least retained until capacity can be replaced by renewable energy. Analysts attribute the surge to extreme heat, natural gas shortages, weak winds and the high cost of carbon dioxide emissions.

Mavros insists that PPC Renewables must continue to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy because its mission is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He pointed out that by the end of 2022, the company plans to announce a total of more than 1 GW of projects, exceeding the plan. According to the CEO, they are located in western Macedonia and have an investment of 250 million euros. The company also has a manufacturer certificate for 500 MW battery and floating solar power plant projects. It is also working on offshore wind power and looking forward to a new legal framework. According to local media reports, 7GW of PPC Renewables' investment portfolio is under development.

In addition, the renewable energy company is looking for a contractor for a 65-megawatt solar power plant in Kozani, Western Macedonia. The tender was for research, civil engineering projects, supply, transportation, installation, grid connection and operation of the Erdea Agios Christoforos installation.

Keywords: new energy, overseas engineering, international engineering construction, foreign engineering construction news

The budget is 32.1 million euros, excluding VAT, of which 370,000 euros is used for unforeseen demand. The deadline is September 30, 2021. The company has built a 200 MW system near Kozani. Terna was the same contractor and won the bid for a 50 MW solar park in Megalopolis, Peloponnese.Editor/XuNing