Greece’s PPC Group has unveiled an ambitious €5.75 billion investment plan to transform Western Macedonia into a green energy and technology hub. This initiative repurposes former lignite sites, positioning the region as a leader in sustainable energy and technology for Greece and Southeastern Europe.
Key Highlights
- Mega Data Center: A 300 MW facility powered entirely by green energy is planned at the Agios Dimitrios power plant, with potential expansion to a 1,000 MW giga data center, making it one of Europe’s largest.
- Renewable Energy: Over 3,000 MW of renewable energy capacity and 860 MW of storage will support Greece’s clean energy transition.
- Job Creation: Up to 22,000 jobs will be generated across construction and operational phases, revitalizing the local economy.
Strategic Vision
PPC Chairman Georgios Stassis emphasized the transformative impact of this plan, stating, “Our investment will redefine Western Macedonia through technology and green energy, creating a sustainable future for the region and its people.” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis hailed the initiative as “visionary and ambitious,” underscoring its global significance.
Innovative Projects
The plan includes €1.2 billion in photovoltaic development, €940 million in energy storage projects, and Greece’s first industrial-scale green hydrogen production unit. Additionally, PPC is transitioning Ptolemaida 5 to a 350 MW natural gas unit, with future upgrades to 500 MW.
Environmental Commitment
PPC has allocated €400 million for land restoration and facility decommissioning, returning over 8,000 hectares of rehabilitated land to the Greek state.
This bold strategy not only accelerates Greece’s clean energy goals but also establishes Western Macedonia as a strategic European tech-energy hub. For more details, you can explore PPC’s official announcement here.
Source: esg.com
