Greece’s national electricity distribution operator, DEDDHE, has unveiled a substantial €4.79 billion investment plan for 2026-2030. This ambitious initiative aims to fortify the nation’s electricity grid against the escalating challenges posed by climate change, with a particular focus on enhancing resilience against extreme weather events and forest fires.
Key Takeaways
- Greece’s DEDDHE is investing €4.79 billion in grid upgrades by 2030.
- The plan prioritizes resilience against climate change impacts like extreme weather and forest fires.
- A significant portion is allocated to smart meter deployment and network modernization.
- Specific funds are earmarked for relocating and reinforcing power lines in vulnerable forest and urban areas.
Major Investment Areas
The comprehensive plan details significant investments across several key categories:
- Network Reinforcement (€991M): This includes upgrades to substations, distribution centers, high-voltage lines, and underwater interconnections to boost capacity and efficiency.
- Network Replacement and Modernization (€650M): Funds will be used to replace aging equipment and modernize existing infrastructure.
- User Connections and Network Aesthetic Upgrades (€968M): This aims to expand electricity access for new consumers and energy producers, alongside aesthetic improvements.
- Other Network Projects (€1.7B): A substantial part of this, €1.4B, is dedicated to installing 7.64 million smart meters for low-voltage connections.
- Support Investments (€480M): This covers upgrades to facilities, vehicles, IT systems, and equipment essential for operational teams.
Smart Meter Rollout
A cornerstone of the plan is the widespread deployment of smart meters. Millions of older meters will be replaced, enabling consumers to monitor their energy usage in real-time via apps or web platforms. This technology will empower users to optimize their consumption during cheaper hours and allow providers to implement dynamic pricing and swiftly identify network issues.
Forest and Climate Resilience Focus
DEDDHE is allocating €284 million specifically to enhance the grid’s resilience in forests and climate-vulnerable regions. This includes:
- €134.25 million for urban, peri-urban, and forest areas, focusing on undergrounding lines and replacing vulnerable cables.
- €94.01 million for upgrades in forest regions, with plans to relocate over 2,000 km of low- and medium-voltage networks by 2026.
- €56 million dedicated to rerouting and undergrounding approximately 1,800 km of priority network lines that are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts.
The plan also commits to annual improvements in network durability, involving hundreds of kilometers of underground and overhead lines to ensure better protection against extreme weather and wildfires. DEDDHE’s forward-thinking strategy aims to integrate advanced technology, climate adaptation measures, and improved consumer services, positioning Greece’s electricity network for the challenges of the coming decade.
Sources
- Greece Plans Major Grid Upgrades to Protect Forests, tovima.com.
