Two large solar power plants have been completed in former lignite mining areas of Amyntaio and Ptolemaida, marking a major step in Greece’s shift towards cleaner energy, CE Energy News reported.
The plants are expected to generate about 3,150 GWh of electricity annually, accounting for nearly 6 percent of the country’s total power consumption and supplying energy to around 750,000 households. Their operation is also projected to cut more than 1.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
At the same time, PPC Renewables, part of PPC Group, has completed two battery energy storage systems in Ptolemaida and Meliti, while work is underway on a third facility in Amyntaio.
The company has also secured approvals for two pumped storage projects in former mining sites at Kardia and South Field, further strengthening energy storage capacity.
Across Western Macedonia, photovoltaic projects with a combined capacity of 2.13 GW are being developed. Key installations include the Phoebe plant near Pontokomi, the Amyntaio complex developed with RWE, as well as Helios Velos 1 near Ptolemaida, and projects at Exochi and Akrini. In addition, several smaller solar units in former mining areas are already supplying electricity to local households.
To involve local communities in regions such as Kozani and Florina, PPC Group launched a €5 million bond in March 2026, allowing residents to invest in the projects and earn returns.
In energy storage, the newly completed battery systems in Ptolemaida and Meliti have a combined capacity of 98 MW and storage of 196 MWh. Another facility under construction near Amyntaio will add 50 MW capacity with storage of 200 MWh, capable of supplying power for up to four hours.
Meanwhile, the planned pumped-hydro projects are expected to provide long-duration storage. The Kardia project will generate 320 MW for up to eight hours, while the South Field project will produce 240 MW for up to 12 hours, using former mining areas as part of the system.
