Greece’s grid slows a revolution in green energy

Electricity self-production capacity by households and farms is approaching the 1GW mark, but the grid has refused to connect more than half of all applicants

Wind turbines in Boeotia (Photo John T Psaropoulos)

The Green Tank, an energy think tank in Athens, has this month published figures demonstrating how Greece’s electricity distribution network stands in the way of clean energy.

The report, Energy Communities and Self-Production in Greece No.7, focuses on micro-generation of electricity from solar panels and small wind turbines by households, farms, businesses and municipalities.

Greece has approximately 4.5 million households. About half the population lives in detached houses, where electricity production from solar panels is easier than in blocks of flats.