Energy in Greece
Energy in Greece is dominated by fossil gas and oil. Electricity generation is dominated by the one third state owned Public Power Corporation (known mostly by its acronym ΔΕΗ, or in English DEI). In 2009 DEI supplied for 85.6% of all electric energy demand in Greece, while the number fell to 77.3% in 2010. Almost half (48%) of DEI's power output in 2010 was generated using lignite. 12% of Greece's electricity comes from hydroelectric power plants and another 20% from natural gas. Between 2009 and 2010, independent companies' energy production increased by 56%, from 2,709 Gigawatt hour in 2009 to 4,232 GWh in 2010.
In line with the European Commission's Directive on Renewable Energy, Greece aims to get 18% of its overall energy from renewable sources by 2020.In 2015, according to the independent power transmission operator in Greece (ΑΔΜΗΕ) more than 20% of the electricity in Greece was produced from renewable energy sources and hydroelectric powerplants. This percentage in April reached 50%. The same trend was the case also for 2016.
The contribution of non-hydroelectric renewable energy sources (RES) to the gross final electricity consumption accounted for 24.5% in 2016, while hydroelectric power represented approximately 25% by installed capacity. According to the Greek Electricity Market Operator (LAGIE), the total installed capacity in the Greek interconnected system at the end of 2016 accounted for almost 16,615 MW, including 3,912 MW lignite, 4,658 MW natural gas, 3,173 MW large hydro-power and 4,873 MW RES.
Greece currently does not have any nuclear power plants in operation, however in 2009 the Academy of Athens suggested that research in the possibility of Greek nuclear power plants begin.
As of the 2023 International Energy Agency (IEA) report, Greece has made notable strides in reducing its reliance on lignite for electricity generation. The report highlights a decrease in lignite usage from 60% in 2005 to 10% by 2021. This transition forms a key part of Greece's strategy under the National Energy and Climate Plan and the National Climate Law, aiming for a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and an 80% reduction by 2040. The shift away from lignite is complemented by increased generation from natural gas and renewables like wind and solar photovoltaics, aligning with the country's net-zero emissions goal by 2050.
Greece has rapidly accelerated its renewable energy transition, now generating well over 50% of its electricity from renewables and ranking among Europe’s leaders in growth, having increased RES share by 61 percentage points between 2014 and 2023
The country’s energy and climate policy-grounded in its National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) and the 2022 National Climate Law - aims for at least 55% emissions reduction by 2030 and full carbon neutrality by 2050, targeting more than 60% of electricity consumption from RES by 2030
Newly revised targets now set 82% renewable electricity by 2030, up from a previous 66%, backed by plans for €95 billion in energy‑related investment by 2030 (and up to €330 billion by 2050)
These policies are complemented by structural market reforms: the electricity market is fully liberalized with minimal entry barriers, and the regulatory framework now includes prioritized grid access for RES projects, “net‑billing” mechanisms, and support schemes for energy storage systems such as battery integration.
Solar becomes increasingly competitive, with costs projected to halve by 2040. Baseload and offshore wind remain the most expensive sources on average and more stable over time
Onshore wind offers a balanced profile, with moderately lower costs than baseload and offshore wind
The widening gap between solar and other sources highlights its potential to dominate future energy price competitiveness