kathimerini.gr
Greece's Renewable Energy Boom Faces Grid Capacity and Storage Hurdles
A diaNEOsis analysis reveals that while Greece invested €9.5 billion in RES over five years, challenges include energy curtailment (860 GWh in 2024, 3.3% of total RES generation), technical losses, and grid capacity constraints (25% of DEDDIE's high-voltage transformers exceeding limits).
- What are the most significant challenges hindering the growth of renewable energy sources in Greece, and what are their immediate impacts?
- Over the past five years, Greece has seen €9.5 billion invested in renewable energy sources (RES), according to a new analysis by diaNEOsis. However, this growth faces challenges: 860 gigawatt-hours of green energy were curtailed in 2024 due to insufficient storage, exceeding 2023 levels.
- How do technical losses and grid capacity limitations contribute to the curtailment of renewable energy in Greece, and what are the specific consequences?
- The diaNEOsis report highlights energy curtailment, technical losses, and grid capacity constraints as major obstacles to Greece's RES market expansion. Curtailment in 2024 reached 3.3% of total RES electricity generation, primarily due to limited storage capacity. Technical losses could be reduced by improved grid infrastructure.
- What policy recommendations can address the long-term challenges and ensure sustainable growth of renewable energy in Greece, considering future energy demands and technological advancements?
- Greece's RES sector faces a capacity crunch, with nearly 25% of DEDDIE's high-voltage transformers exceeding thermal or short-circuit limits. While current RES capacity is 15 GW, the grid can only accommodate 28-30 GW, necessitating upgrades to transmission infrastructure and energy storage solutions to fully utilize RES potential. Increased electrification of transport could further ease pressure.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the challenges and issues within Greece's renewable energy sector. While presenting positive aspects like the significant investments and increased renewable energy production, the overall tone highlights the problems of energy curtailment, technical losses, and grid capacity constraints. The headline (if one existed) would likely emphasize the challenges.
Bias by Omission
The analysis focuses on challenges within the renewable energy market, but omits discussion of potential solutions or government initiatives beyond the five policy recommendations at the end. While acknowledging space constraints is reasonable, mentioning alternative approaches to grid management or innovative technological solutions could offer a more balanced perspective.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights significant investments in renewable energy sources (RES) in Greece, leading to a substantial increase in RES-based electricity generation. This directly contributes to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by expanding access to clean energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, challenges remain, such as energy curtailment due to grid limitations, indicating a need for further infrastructure development to fully realize the potential of RES.