Greece to End Lignite Power by 2026, Transition to Natural Gas Units
Greece will cease using lignite for energy by 2026, closing the Agios Dimitrios Thermal Power Plant's last unit and converting the Ptolemaida V unit to natural gas. This conversion involves a €300 million investment, transitioning to a 350 MW open-cycle gas unit by 2027, later upgrading to over 1,000 MW.
PPC's strategy reflects ongoing energy challenges, with Greece increasing reliance on imported natural gas, particularly from the US. The energy crisis in 2022 prompted a reevaluation of domestic fuel use, and despite the shift, Greece's energy policy remains fragmented. The Melitis II unit operated below capacity and was decommissioned prematurely, while legal issues have delayed significant energy projects like the Attica-Crete power link, which will operate at limited capacity until 2027.
