Can a battery storage plant be built in Greece?

An increasing number of local and foreign companies are interested in building energy storage facilities in sun-loving Greece using battery technology. In fact, the Regulatory Authority for Energy (RAE) has been receiving applications for permits concerning battery storage plants.

Why is Greece launching a battery storage auction?

Initially a response to the COVID 19 pandemic, the focus has pivoted to support Greece’s green energy transition. The storage auctions themselves require further approval under EU State aid rules. The pipeline of prospective battery storage projects now approaches 27GW, with over 500 projects granted a storage license.

Does Greece have a battery storage pipeline?

Greece has emerged as one of the countries with the largest pipeline of battery storage projects, but as yet there has been little activity on the ground. This is changing as the long-awaited storage subsidy auctions have started, with the first projects being awarded support for both investment and operating costs.

Why does Greece need gas storage?

The need for storage in Greece will accelerate rapidly over the next decade as renewables targets are revised upwards and coal plants are closed. The pivot to gas, a core part of the country’s energy strategy just a couple of years ago, has been upended by the disruption to supplies and price volatility caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Are battery storage plants getting a license?

In fact, the Regulatory Authority for Energy (RAE) has been receiving applications for permits concerning battery storage plants. In total, Balkan Green Energy News reported, applications to RAE reached 1.6 GW during October’s licensing cycle. This is on top of projects with 23.5 GW in total that were already submitted by over 300 companies.

Why is Greece launching a storage auction in 2021?

Funding was first announced in 2021 as part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. Initially a response to the COVID 19 pandemic, the focus has pivoted to support Greece’s green energy transition. The storage auctions themselves require further approval under EU State aid rules.