What is the future of battery storage in Greece?

Overall, following last months public consultation, the Greek ministry of the environment and energy presented a bolder and even more ambitious battery storage program, allowing for longer completion times but retaining the financial and competition guarantees in place.

Is Greece preparing a new 3.5 GW energy storage program?

A decision published by Greece’s Ministry of the Environment and Energy in the State Gazette last Friday was a surprise for the domestic energy storage sector. The ministry ran a public consultation in late February, proposing a new 3.5 GW energy storage program.

What is Greece's new battery storage program?

Greece’s new battery storage program has taken into account the areas most congested by the output of renewable power stations as well as the kind of renewable projects connected to the grid.

Should Greece invest in energy storage facilities?

Currently there is a growing interest for investments in storage facilities in Greece. Licensed projects mostly consist of Li-ion battery energy storage systems (BESS), either stand-alone or integrated in PVs, as well as PHS facilities .

How long should energy storage be in a Greek power system?

Considering the energy arbitrage and flexibility needs of the Greek power system, a mix of short (~2 MWh/MW) and longer (>6 MWh/MW) duration storages has been identified as optimal. In the short run, storage is primarily needed for balancing services and to a smaller degree for limited energy arbitrage.

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.