The PPC Group is accelerating renewable energy projects in northern Greece, focusing on the former lignite power plant sites of Ptolemaida, Kardia, Agios Dimitrios, and Amyntaio. Once fully operational, the solar power plants currently under construction are set to become the largest in Europe, generating nearly 3,150 GWh annually—over 6% of Greece’s total yearly electricity consumption.
On the decommissioned mines near Ptolemaida, Kardia, and Agios Dimitrios, solar plants with a combined capacity of 1,190 MW are being installed. Almost 90% of this capacity has already been completed, with some facilities already producing electricity. When all clusters are operational in the coming months, they are expected to deliver around 1,800 GWh per year, covering the electricity needs of roughly 450,000 households while avoiding approximately 900,000 tons of CO2 emissions.
In addition, PPC is collaborating with German company RWE on 940 MW of solar capacity in Amyntaio, near the town’s former thermal power plant. This cluster is projected to generate 1,350 GWh annually, sufficient for over 300,000 households, while reducing emissions by about 675,000 tons of CO2 each year.
A key element of PPC’s strategy is the integration of energy storage. Two initial battery energy storage systems are under development in Ptolemaida, at the Kardia site, and in Meliti. Combined, they will provide 98 MW of power output and 196 MWh of storage capacity, allowing excess solar energy generated during the day to be stored and used after sunset. These systems are expected to play a crucial role in stabilizing the grid and maximizing the value of renewable energy.
Looking ahead, PPC has committed nearly 940 million euros for additional storage projects in the region, targeting a total capacity of 860 MW. This includes two large pump-storage facilities: one at the Kardia mine offering 320 MW of flexible capacity for eight hours, and another at the South Field mine providing 240 MW for twelve hours. Complementing these, PPC plans to develop battery-based systems with an additional 300 MW of installed capacity, reinforcing the group’s dedication to the energy transition and grid resilience.
