Papastavrou: We are paving the way for 'balcony photovoltaics'

"With today’s bill, we are paving the way for ‘balcony photovoltaics,’ giving every Greek citizen the opportunity to reduce their energy costs," said Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou on Monday, during the discussion of the draft law concerning the modernization of legislation on the use and production of energy from Renewable Energy Sources (RES).

As Papastavrou explained, "the RES Directive we are incorporating sets precise targets, establishes rules, specifies definitions, criteria, and updates the existing framework." It is "a piece of legislation through which we strengthen energy democracy by simplifying procedures and accelerating the sustainable energy transition, enhancing citizen participation in the energy market with transparency, and further increasing the share of renewable energy sources in the energy mix."

"That is why I speak of energy democracy. The sun and the wind belong to all citizens. And with today’s bill, we are opening the way for ‘balcony photovoltaics.’ The 800W systems we are enabling allows every Greek citizen to reduce their energy costs, thus putting the concept of energy democracy into practice," he stressed.

Referring to the discussion on "small photovoltaics," the minister noted that "out of the 18 GW of RES entering our energy mix, about 9.2 come from Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator, meaning low and medium voltage. Of these, at least 80,000 photovoltaic installations are small-scale systems. This represents one of the highest penetration rates in Europe, proving that in Greece energy concerns everyone - the many, not the few."

Regarding the European Directive included in the bill, Papastavrou pointed out that it applies to all member states, which have different speeds in terms of RES penetration. "Therefore, it does not have the same impact on all countries. Some, like Greece, have already achieved their targets and are even leading in the share of energy from sun and wind in the energy mix. We rank seventh globally. Other countries need these simplifications much more to boost RES penetration," he observed, adding: "The goal remains affordable, abundant energy for citizens, with a diversified energy mix, reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels, and energy resilience and security for both citizens and businesses."

Regarding provisions related to NATURA areas, he emphasized that "we are trying to bring order while protecting the biodiversity of each region." As he noted, "as of today, entire cities fall within the Natura 2000 network: Ioannina, Kastoria, islands such as Chalki and Skopelos, as well as important public infrastructure like airports and ports."