Lignite

The need to use domestic resources and the traditionally low cost of lignite were the reasons why Greece back in the 1950’s turned to lignite combustion as the backbone of its electricity system.

Greece depends (2013) by 62,1% upon imports in order to meet its energy needs

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Μore on the international tribute edition on Coal

Coal Atlas 2015

Greek Lignite reserves and characteristics

In terms of lignite production, Greece ranks seventh worldwide and third in the EU. The country' low-calorific value reserves is estimated to last for over 45 years.

In 2010, at 9 out of the 15 measuring stations of PM10 concentrations in the prefectures of Kozani and Florina, the European limit values were exceeded by more than 20%

Towards a post-lignite era

Lignite has been the backbone of Greece’s electricity system for many decades, offering affordable energy for the country’s economic growth. However, a number of reasons pose the urgent matter of the country's gradual and planned transition to the post-lignite era.

Energy policy without planning or dialogue?

What Greece lacks, first and foremost, is a meaningful and well-documented long-term energy plan, which would be the outcome of sober consultation, with comparative scenarios, time- and geography-specific targets and, of course, mechanisms for implementation monitoring and evaluation.

Utilising the wealth of RES in Greece

In Greece of the crisis, there is no room to reproduce the energy model of the 50s. Even more when modern, clean and smart solutions with significant benefits for employment and innovation, are now becoming financially competitive.