Greece’s Public Power Corporation (PPC) has unveiled a transformative €5.75 billion investment initiative set to revolutionize Western Macedonia into a national and regional powerhouse for green energy and technology. The ambitious plan, spearheaded by PPC Group, aims to repurpose former lignite sites, breathing new life into the region and positioning it as a leading energy and data center hub in Greece and Southeastern Europe.
Georgios Stassis, Chairman & CEO of PPC Group, emphasized the profound impact of this endeavor on Western Macedonia, highlighting the region’s critical role in driving development and prosperity. The comprehensive plan includes the establishment of a 300MW mega data center at the Agios Dimitrios power plant, slated to be powered entirely by sustainable green energy sources.
Key highlights of the transformation plan encompass the installation of over 3,000 MW of renewable energy capacity and 860 MW of storage, underscoring PPC’s commitment to sustainability and technological innovation. The strategic initiative is poised to create up to 22,000 new jobs across construction and operational phases, fostering economic growth and opportunity in the region.
In addition to the data center project, PPC’s investment will focus on significant green energy developments, including photovoltaic installations on former mining sites, energy storage projects, and the establishment of pumped hydro systems for efficient energy storage. The plan also includes the construction of Greece’s first industrial-scale green hydrogen production unit in Amyntaio, signaling a pivotal step towards a more sustainable energy landscape.
Furthermore, the initiative encompasses the transition of existing energy infrastructure to more environmentally friendly solutions, such as the conversion of Ptolemaida 5 to a natural gas OCGT and the development of waste-to-energy facilities with advanced emissions control measures.
By allocating substantial resources towards land restoration and decommissioning obsolete facilities, PPC is actively contributing to environmental restoration efforts, with a focus on returning rehabilitated land to the Greek State. This transformative investment not only accelerates Greece’s shift towards clean energy but also positions Western Macedonia as a strategic hub for cutting-edge technology and renewable energy solutions, marking a significant milestone in the region’s transition towards a sustainable future.
