Greece has decided to postpone the closure of the lignite power plant for at least three years and increase coal exploitation due to the energy crisis that hit the country and the whole of Europe after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on Wednesday that the country will be forced to adjust its energy transition plan due to the crisis and rising energy prices at the opening of a photovoltaic park in Kozani in northwestern Greece, in the region where the largest coal-fired power plants operated until a few years ago. and fuel.
The leader of the conservatives said that the plant on lignite Ptolemaida 5 will continue to operate at least until 2028, three years longer than expected.
The Greek Prime Minister added that it is possible to extend the work of two more thermal power plants, Agios Dimitrios and Melitis, whose closure was planned for 2023.
In addition, the state-owned power company DEI will increase coal production by 50% as a temporary measure to combat the energy crisis.
“This problem is present throughout Europe and that is why all countries are considering transitional alternatives with different energy sources in order to protect themselves from the worst possible scenarios,” Mitsotakis said. He added that these measures will not disrupt Greece’s ambitious goals to reduce CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030.
Source: agerpres.ro
