With steady steps and an ambitious investment plan, DEPA Emporias is emerging as a key pillar of the national strategy for the green transition. The ongoing effects of the climate crisis, now visible in our country, underline the need to adapt the energy sector. The management of DEPA Emporia has recognized the importance of these changes early on, preparing the company for the next day.
With strategic moves and targeted investments, the company takes the lead in diversifying the country’s energy mix, integrating the directions of the European Green Deal and the National Energy and Climate Plan. In this way, it contributes decisively to the energy security of the country, the reduction of the environmental footprint and the strengthening of the competitiveness of the Greek economy.
Pioneer in biomethane production
DEPA Emporias is a pioneer in the biomethane production industry, strengthening the strategy of diversifying the energy mix. In this context, in collaboration with Farma Chitas, it is building the first compressed biomethane unit in Greece. This fuel, with a zero environmental footprint, is intended to reduce emissions in the transport sector, which is responsible for 25% of total emissions in the EU. The pilot plant will supply FISIKON CNG stations, contributing to sustainability and sustainable mobility.
Strategic investments in LNG and power generation
Aiming at energy security and the diversification of supply sources not only in Greece, but in the wider region of Southeast Europe, DEPA Emporias participates in the Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Storage and Regasification Station (FSRU) in Alexandroupolis, which began its commercial operation in October of 2024. This is a key investment for the energy supply as it allows imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG), which will then be piped into the national transmission network.
At the same time, DEPA Emporias utilizes modern power generation units with natural gas fuel, such as the one in Alexandroupoli, with a capacity of 840 MW, which corresponds to three polluting lignite units. In addition, it participates in Fier Thermoelectgric SA (with a percentage of 35%), which has undertaken the construction of a thermal power plant in Albania (power of 174 MW), which will be supplied with natural gas from DEPA Emporias through a long-term agreement.
From September 2024, the company supplies with liquefied natural gas the Liquefied Natural Gas Storage and Gasification Station (LNG) developed by Enaon EDA, with the aim of supplying Kastoria and Argos Orestikos with natural gas. In addition, from November 2024, the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) gasification station to feed a High Efficiency Cogeneration of Electricity and Heat (CHP) plant in Dimitra Serres, which was implemented by DEPA Emporias, will operate.
Through the specific projects, the small-scale LNG network is significantly strengthened, which transfers the benefits of natural gas – the low energy costs, the increase in productivity and the reduction of the environmental footprint – to industrial customers outside the central pipeline network.
Entering the hydrogen industry
The rapidly growing branch of “green” hydrogen is one of the fields in which DEPA Emporias is dynamically focusing its activity. The company’s plan for the construction in Kozani of the first green hydrogen refueling station in Greece was recently announced, an initiative that is part of the European LIFE GREENH₂ORN program.
The innovative technological venture decisively strengthens DEPA’s role as the main energy pillar of the country and is a milestone in the transition process of Greece to clean forms of energy. The main objectives are the utilization of RES and the promotion of sustainable mobility.
The project is expected to be completed in 2028, when on-site production of “green” hydrogen will begin through a 500 kW electrolysis unit. This will be powered by electricity produced in photovoltaic parks of DEPA Emporia. The hydrogen will then be compressed, stored and distributed through the Hydrogen Refueling Station (HRS) to service light, passenger and heavy-duty vehicles.
Utilizing the surplus production of “green” hydrogen, DEPA Emporias and the B&T Composites company will also develop an innovative hydrogen storage and transport system (tube-trailer). It will be equipped with carbon fiber pipes, which will allow the safe and efficient transport of hydrogen to other stations, such as the one being developed by DEPA Emporias in Kalochori Thessaloniki.
The LIFE GREENH₂ORN project highlights Greece’s leadership in the field of green energy and innovation.
Photovoltaics 800 MW: Investment in delignitization
DEPA Emporias has launched the construction of photovoltaic parks with a total capacity of over 800 MW in Western Macedonia, Thessaly and Central Greece. These projects, with an investment of more than half a billion euros, financed with 390 million euros from the European Investment Bank and are expected to meet the energy needs of 278,000 households annually.
The investment supports de-lignification in practice, creating new jobs and economically strengthening local communities. This is another important pillar in Greece’s transition towards clean forms of energy.
Towards a sustainable future
With its innovative initiatives and strategic investments, DEPA Emporias is taking the lead in shaping a sustainable energy future for Greece. It invests in cutting edge technologies while ensuring economic, social and environmental benefits for all. This course proves that the energy transition is not only a necessity, but also an opportunity for progress and innovation.