Ad. Georgiadis: Energy uncertainty for next winter but Greece is in a better position than Northern Europe

We will have to adapt to a new reality where energy will not be enough. No one knows what will happen in the winter of 2022 – 2023, next winter will be very interesting in the energy sector but Greece will be in a better position than the countries of Central and Northern Europe.

This was pointed out by the Minister of Development and Investments, Adonis Georgiadis, speaking today at the conference on “Building the Hydrogen Value Chain in Greece” organized by DESFA.

“In the long run, the advantage of central Europe which was the low price of Russian natural gas disappeared forever. Greece has all the advantages to produce green energy which is cheaper than other sources. We don’t want to be last this time but to be pioneers and in the next elections that will be held next year, the vision for energy will also be put forward,” the minister emphasized.

Referring to hydrogen, he emphasized that there is a will to invest, although we do not yet know how profitable the sector will be, but we must take the risk. He noted that the investment projects that are in the “Important Projects of Common European Interest” (IPCEI) are not as many as we would like, but Greece is present. He also highlighted the role that hydrogen can also play in energy storage as batteries are not enough to solve the problem of green energy storage.

At the same conference, the Minister of Environment and Energy, Kostas Skrekas, referred to the rapid development of renewable energy sources in recent years in our country, noting that the goal set for 2030, to have 20 GW of RES installed, will be achieved in 2026. At the same time a new more ambitious target will be set for 2030 when 24 GW of green energy production units should have been put into operation. “Greece, with the right investments, can become an energy conduit of green energy to Europe,” the minister stressed.

Already, as the managing director of DESFA, Maria Rita Galli, mentioned, the natural gas transmission pipeline of Greece – North Macedonia will be the first to be able to transport hydrogen. The production and distribution of hydrogen from existing natural gas networks can make a difference in the energy transition and transition away from fossil fuels, Ms Galli said. He also noted that the technology exists and the lowering of the cost of green energy makes it more economical to produce hydrogen.

SOURCE: AMPE