The total power from wind turbines in the country reached 4,681.4 MW at the end of 2022, according to the annual Wind Energy Statistics in Greece announced by the Hellenic Wind Energy Scientific Association (ELETAEN).
Based on Statistics, in 2022, 68 new wind turbines with a total output power of 230 MW were connected to the grid, corresponding to investments totaling more than 230 million euros. This is an increase of 5.2% compared to the end of 2021.
This positive growth rate is reduced relative to the industry’s performance in 2021. The slowdown in growth is due, among other things, to increased bureaucracy and administrative barriers.
During 2022, in the Greek System:
the highest hourly wind power penetration was 83.4% and was observed on Monday 21.11.2022 (02:00 – 03:00)
in total for 2,138 hours of the year wind power penetration was above 30%
in total for 4,192 hours the penetration of the A.P.E variables. was above 30% and for 1,601 hours was above 50%
the total hourly penetration of A.P.E. exceeded 100% of demand for 31 hours during 2022.
The country’s National Interconnected System responded without problem to these major intrusions.
The planned investments
At the end of 2022, over 840 MW of new wind farms were under construction, the vast majority of which are expected to be connected to the grid within the next 18 months. Another 450 MW are in the certification phase or are about to start construction. As a result the total wind capacity will reach around 6 GW within the next three years.
The geographical distribution
At the level of Regions, Central Greece remains at the top of wind installations since it hosts 1,872 MW (40%), followed by Peloponnese with 639 MW (14%) and Eastern Macedonia – Thrace where there are 534 MW (11%).
On the occasion of the publication of the Statistics, the Chairman of the Board of ELETAEN Panagiotis Ladakakos, stated:
“2022 closed for wind energy with a positive sign. However, the annual growth of 5.2% is clearly reduced compared to previous years and especially compared to what the country needs.
Especially today, the need for more wind farms is more pressing. Wind farms are projects of national importance as, as their penetration increases, the price of energy for the consumer decreases and the country’s energy security and energy independence are strengthened. The recent decline in natural gas prices should not be a disorientation. The longer we delay the energy transition, the more likely the energy price crisis will return.
Furthermore, wind farms produce energy 24 hours a day and thus, combined with all other renewables, ensure a balanced and more economical energy system with even lower overall costs for the consumer.”
