Greece has unveiled an ambitious plan to harness green hydrogen and renewable gases as potent tools in reshaping its energy landscape.
This strategic move aligns with the nation’s commitment to combatting emissions in hard-to-abate sectors such as transportation, shipping, and industries. The nation’s new National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) maps out a bold trajectory, with goals encompassing hydrogen production, integration, and distribution, while also capitalizing on the country’s strategic position for international hydrogen trade.
At the heart of Greece’s energy transformation lies the ambitious target of installing 1.7 GW of electrolyzers by 2030, culminating in the production of 135,000 tons of green hydrogen. Looking further ahead, the NECP envisions an even grander goal of 30.6 GW of electrolyzers by 2050, producing a staggering 2.3 million tons of green hydrogen annually. This transformation is poised to revolutionize the nation’s energy sector while contributing significantly to global emission reduction efforts.
A pivotal component of Greece’s transition strategy involves blending green hydrogen with natural gas, aiming to curtail emissions and ensure cleaner fuel consumption. The plan envisions an incremental rise in the proportion of green hydrogen mixed with natural gas, reaching 5.6% by 2030 and a more ambitious 15.4% by 2050. This shift necessitates collaborative efforts with gas suppliers, who will be mandated to progressively increase the hydrogen content.
Crucially, Greece is prepared to adapt its existing energy infrastructure to accommodate hydrogen seamlessly. The Ministry of Environment and Energy, along with operator DESFA, affirm that little investment is needed to make the national gas network hydrogen-ready. The integration of hydrogen into existing pipelines and projects like Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) and Interconnector Greece Bulgaria (IGB) bolsters the nation’s readiness for this transformative journey.
While Greece’s hydrogen vision paints an inspiring future, challenges have surfaced on the path to realization. The White Dragon project, initially ambitious in scale, faced funding hurdles and was deferred to a later stage. Nevertheless, green hydrogen initiatives such as Advent Technologies’ Green HiPo project and Refiner Motor Oil’s IRIS project showcase success stories in securing investments and capturing CO2 for sustainable use.
George Chatzimarkakis, CEO of Hydrogen Europe, envisions Greece’s potential as a regional hub for hydrogen trade and production. With the right policies and strategies in place, the nation can become a driving force in the evolving hydrogen landscape. As Greece charts its course towards hydrogen integration, a national strategy is being developed to offer investors visibility and ensure the journey remains steadfast. However, past delays in similar initiatives serve as a reminder of the need for caution.
