A new gas-fueled power station co-developed by GEK-TERNA and Motor Oil in Komotini, northeastern Greece, is set for trial runs, expected to start next week, ahead of its commercial launch in four months' time, sources have informed. Contact online >>
A new gas-fueled power station co-developed by GEK-TERNA and Motor Oil in Komotini, northeastern Greece, is set for trial runs, expected to start next week, ahead of its commercial launch in four months'' time, sources have informed.
Final details are being fine-tuned before the facility, Thermoilektriki Komotinis, a state-of-the-art combined cycle power plant with a combined capacity of 877 MW, is put to the test.
Although the new power station, built in the industrial area of Komotini with a total project budget of 375 million euros, is scheduled for extended testing over the next few months, contributions to the grid during this trial period are possible, especially since testing will coincide with the higher energy demand of winter.
The trial period will involve gradual production increases, meaning the power station could contribute to cover energy demand, if needed.
Though the new plant will be powered by natural gas, future plans entail incorporating a blend of natural gas and hydrogen.
Given the power station’s strategic location in the northeastern part of the country, near key interconnection points with neighboring countries Turkey and Bulgaria, and, to the west, North Macedonia, it holds added significance for the national transmission system.
Thermoilektriki Komotinis, an 877-MW combined cycle, gas-fueled power station co-developed by GEK-TERNA and Motor Oil Hellas in the industrial zone of Komotini, northeastern Greece has received its first gas quantities in order to undergo a test run ahead of its commercial launch, planned for February.
According to data provided by gas grid operator DESFA, the facility, an investment estimated at 375 million euros and constructed by TERNA SA, a member of the GEK-TERNA group, received a small gas quantity of 587 KWh last month.
Powered by a state-of-the-art gas turbine, Thermoilektriki Komotinis offers energy efficiency reaching 64 percent.
It is the second gas-fueled power station to be developed in Greece in recent years, following a unit built in Viotia, northwest of Athens, and operated by Metlen.
The Komotini plant, whose capacity ranges from 877 to 240 MW, is capable of operating at a very fast rate of 85 MW per minute, meaning it may hit its full-capacity level of 877 MW within just a few minutes after ignition, or drop to 240 MW just as fast.
Given its location in the country’s northeast, near key interconnections with Turkey, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia, the power station holds strategic significance for the stability and integration of the Greek grid.
Energy exchanges in central and eastern Europe, from Hungary to Greece, are evolving into a distinct and higher pricing zone, suggesting that the price surge in the region this summer was not solely due to the heatwaves.
Wholesale electricity prices in this region are often double those recorded at energy exchanges in Europe''s west, regularly soaring to levels of 200 euros per MWh, while indications for the upcoming months are ominous, traders have noted.
Low water levels in regional reservoirs, persistent issues with regional interconnections, and the increased energy demands of Ukraine – stemming from the need to compensate for deficits due to damaged infrastructure – are collectively shaping a new normal.
There is no sign that Kyiv will reduce its energy intake from the Hungary-Romania-Bulgaria corridor leading to Greece. On the contrary, as Moscow’s aggressive actions against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure intensify, it is likely that Kyiv will increase its reliance on this energy route.
Yesterday, wholesale electricity markets throughout the Balkans, with the exception of Greece, rose to above 200 euros per MWh. Romania, a key country due to its wind farms, headed the list with an average price of 246.89 euros per MWh, followed closely by Hungary (241 euros), Montenegro (238.21), Serbia (235.67), Kosovo and Albania (233.46), North Macedonia (223.61) and Bulgaria (208.59).
Greece, ranked 9th yesterday in Europe, overall, with 186.15 euros per MWh, could soon be back in the top four, as has been the case for months.
Lignitorichia Achladas SA, lessee of the Achlada lignite mine in Greece''s north, has not taken any unlawful action through its export activity to neighboring North Macedonia, as a contract extension granted last year obliges the company to maintain lignite production at a minimum of 750,000 tons per year – unless prevented by unforeseen events beyond its control – and does not prohibit exports to other countries, the energy ministry has noted in a statement submitted to Greek Parliament following a related question posed by the main opposition Syriza party.
Greek lignite exports from the Achlada mine to neighboring North Macedonia reached 768,827 tons last year and were sold at prices ranging from 28 to 30 euros per ton, according to a report provided by Lignitorichia Achladas SA to the energy ministry.
As the mine’s lessee, Lignitorichia Achladas SA is required to submit an annual report on its activity of the previous year by the second quarter of every ensuing year.
Wholesale electricity prices in Greece are back at higher levels today following a slight dip yesterday, prompted by a public holiday marking the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, during which most shops and businesses remained closed.
The ascent in local prices today follows that of energy markets around Europe.
Greece''s wholesale electricity price average so far this month ranks as one of the highest in Europe, exceeded by Albania, Italy, Malta, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Ukraine, data published by RAAEY, the country''s regulatory authority for energy, has shown.
Greece''s day-ahead market will average 144.83 euros per MWh today, a 38.54 percent rise compared to yesterday''s average of 104.55 euros per MWh.
Average wholesale electricity price levels for today are similar in neighboring countries. Bulgaria and Italy will respectively average higher price levels of 150.03 and 128.53 euros per MWh today.
Prices are also significantly up in other parts of Europe. In Germany, today''s wholesale electricity price will average 108.04 euros per MWh, up from 85.53 euros per MWh yesterday.
France''s average for the day is 75.30 euros per MWh, nearly double yesterday''s 41.18 euros per MWh.
In Belgium, today''s wholesale electricity price is 86.99 euros per MWh, well above yesterday''s average of 55.51 euros per MWh. The rise is more subdued in Austria, to 99.65 euros per MWh from 80.67 euros per MWh yesterday.
The Netherlands'' average price today is 105.43 euros per MWh, up from 73.23 euros per MWh yesterday. Poland''s wholesale electricity price today is 114.65 euros per MWh, up from 88.5 euros per MWh yesterday.
Authorities are planning a new meeting in September to further advance an effort aiming to integrate electricity markets in the western Balkans, a process that is making steady progress, sources have informed.
The effort is now focused on establishing common rules in all markets concerned, namely Kosovo, North Macedonia, Albania and Greece, the sources noted.
Acceptance and adoption of operating rules based on those of the Greek market – the most developed in the region, and, as a result, the guiding force – are considered the most crucial factors for coupling regional markets, according to the sources.
Greek power grid operator IPTO is in regular contact with its counterpart TSOs in neighboring countries for the establishment of common operating rules, specifically Net Transfer Capacity (NTC) for managing interconnection capacity and acceptance of coordination by SEIeNe CC, the Thessaloniki-based Regional Control Center.
Greece''s IPTO, Bulgaria''s ESO-EAD, Italy''s TERNA SpA and Romania''s Transelectrica founded SEIeNe CC in May, 2020.
Further ahead, the participating operators will explore transitioning to Maximal Flow-Based Market Coupling (FMBC), aligning with other markets in central and western Europe, the sources added.
Greek energy group Helleniq Energy, formerly known as Hellenic Petroleum (ELPE), is exploring the possibility of expanding its presence in the Balkans by adding more petrol stations to its network and is also looking to engage in various wholesale trading activities in African and Far East markets, the group''s CEO Andreas Siamisiis has told a general shareholders'' meeting.
Helleniq Energy''s nearing relaunch of its pipeline linking the Greek company''s Thessaloniki refineries with its OKTA refinery in North Macedonia promises to play a key role in the company''s plan to increase its presence in the Balkan market.
Besides its refinery in Thessaloniki, Helleniq Energy also owns and operates refineries at coastal areas slightly west of Athens, at Aspropyrgos and Elefsina. The three facilities account for approximately 65 percent of the country''s total refining capacity.
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