Greek renewables output surpasses fossil fuels in Jan-Apr

Renewable power generation, excluding large hydro, topped the output of fossil fuel plants for the first time in Greece in January-April and clean energy covered 53.7% of the country’s total power demand in that period, shows data by a local environmental think tank.

According to statistics by The Green Tank, renewable energy plants, excluding large hydropower plants (HPPs), in Greece generated a combined 8,091 GWh in the first four months of 2024, whereas the electricity produced from fossil gas, lignite, and oil was 498 GWh below that level.

When large HPPs are included, clean energy was responsible for 9,247 GWh of the country’s generation in January-March, reaching its highest level in the decade. The output rose by 21.4% from the 7,615 GWh produced a year back.

Some 5,433 GWh was produced from fossil gas, which was 28.4% more than in the year-ago period. In the meantime, the output of lignite plants fell by 26.9% in annual terms.

Overall, clean energy had a share of 54.9% in net electricity production in the four months and met 53.7% of demand. Renewables, mostly wind and solar, were responsible for 47%, while large HPPs covered 6.7% of demand.

Due to the increase in renewables generation, Greece’s power imports declined by 2,219 GWh. April was the first month of 2024 when exports surpassed imports.

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