PPC Group has made significant strides in enhancing solar energy production in northern Greece by repurposing former lignite mining regions in Amyntaio and Ptolemaida. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to transition towards renewable energy sources, positioning the company as a key player in the region’s energy landscape.
The newly established solar portfolio boasts an impressive total installed capacity of 2,130 MW, which is projected to generate approximately 3,150 GWh of electricity annually. This output accounts for nearly 6% of Greece’s total electricity consumption and has the potential to power around 750,000 households. Additionally, the project aims to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 1.5 million tons each year, marking a notable achievement in environmental sustainability.
In conjunction with solar developments, PPC is also bolstering its energy storage capabilities to facilitate the integration of renewable resources into the national grid. The company’s subsidiary, PPC Renewables, has successfully completed two battery energy storage systems located in Ptolemaida and Meliti. A third system is currently under construction in Amyntaio. Furthermore, PPC has received regulatory approvals for two additional pump-storage projects planned for Kardia and South Field.
Among the key assets within this solar initiative are the 550 MW Phoebe solar plant near Pontokomi, anticipated to yield around 880 GWh annually, and the 940 MW Amyntaio solar complex. Developed in collaboration with RWE across various sites including Rodonas and Filotas, this complex alone is expected to produce approximately 1,500 GWh per year. Other noteworthy projects include the 200 MW Helios Velos 1 plant near Ptolemaida and two additional solar plants at 80 MW each—Exochi 7 and Akrini—alongside ten smaller installations on former lignite land.
PPC underscores the critical role that large-scale storage systems play in managing increasing renewable energy capacity. The existing battery facilities in Western Macedonia currently have a combined capacity of 98 MW and can store up to 196 MWh. The forthcoming project near Amyntaio will enhance this capacity by adding another 50 MW and 200 MWh of storage capability, designed to supply power for up to four hours when required.
In tandem with its infrastructure investments, PPC is promoting a local participation initiative as part of the Western Macedonia transition plan. Announced commitments include a €5 million bond issue launched on March 13, aimed at residents of Kozani and Florina. These bonds enable local communities to directly invest in their region’s energy transition efforts. Subscriptions are open until April 17, with bonds priced at €100 each—allowing community members to invest between five and up to 250 bonds. PPC asserts that these instruments promise an annual return of 8% alongside a potential total capital growth of 40% before tax over five years.
