The Greek electric system enters a new era with the installation of the first power storage units with batteries. In 2026 approximately 700 MW of storage power are expected to be put into service. In April the first stations of Energy Technique in Kozani and Komotini began testing, followed by Rener Energy projects. Large groups such as MORE, PPC, Helleniq Energy and Metlen develop important storage projects. The batteries will store energy from RES at low demand hours and re-discharge it when prices increase, balancing the system and reducing energy costs.
Analyticalally:
By Harry Floodopoulos
A new chapter opens for the Greek electric system, as the first power storage units with batteries pass from theory to practice, marking the beginning of a profound change in the country's energy model. In 2026 it is expected to be a landmark year, as in the coming months it is estimated that around 700 MW of storage power will be put into operation, changing the conditions of operation of the market.
This development is directly linked to the explosive penetration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES), with a typical example of the 2.1 GW photovoltaics recently completed by PPC in Western Macedonia, but also the more general increase in green production in recent years, which makes it imperative for system balancing solutions.
The first batteries in the system
The premiere took place in early April, when the first storage stations were tested into the system. These are works of Energy Technique, such as the "Petra" and "Dome" units in Kozani and Komotini respectively, which carried out the first charging and discharge cycles, first introducing technology into the next day market.
During the same period, Rener Energy's first projects, with a total capacity of around 16 MW, were launched, which constitute the "first generation" of investments implemented in the context of the storage contests. These projects are in trial operation, a process that can last from two to six months, as this is a technology that has hitherto been completely absent from the domestic energy mix.
In total, it is currently estimated that around 300 MW of projects are ready for electrification or are very close to network connection, becoming the first "maya" of this new industry.
The next wave of investment
The next period is expected to follow a much larger wave of projects, which will increase the total storage power near 700 MW by the end of the year.
On the front line are large energy groups. MORE (Motor Oil) is already moving three stations with a total capacity of 72 MW to Fokida, Florina and Boeotia, which enter the system connection phase. At the same time, PPC launches a series of projects in Western Macedonia (Melitis, Ptolemaida, Amyntaio), strengthening its strategy for the development of a storage portfolio.
Helleniq Energy, through Helleniq Renewables, has a significant presence with three standalone projects with a total capacity of 100 MW that are expected to enter into operation by summer, while Metlen runs a pipeline of projects over 1 GW, both in Greece and Southeastern Europe.
Similarly, TERNA Energy progresses its first battery projects, while also matures the major tendering project in Amphilokia, which will work complementary to the new energy landscape.
International players such as Principia, EDF and other groups are also active in the battery market, confirming that Greece is developing into an attractive destination for storage investments.
How batteries work
The basic principle of battery operation is simple but critical: they store energy when prices are low – usually in high-production hours from RES – and reroute it to the system when demand and prices increase.
In this way, they operate as a "bridge" between variable production of RES and demand, offering flexibility and stability to the system.
Benefits for the system and the market
The entry of batteries into the system is expected to bring multiple benefits, at both technical and economic level.
Firstly, it helps reduce energy cuts from RES. Today, due to overproduction in hours of low demand, significant quantities of "green" energy are rejected. With batteries, this energy can be stored and used later, limiting losses.
Secondly, it allows better use of cheap energy. The ability to transfer energy from low-value hours to peak hours creates conditions for price mitigation and reduction in volatility.
Thirdly, it strengthens the overall stability of the system, offering rapid response to balancing needs, which is particularly critical in an energy mix with high RES penetration.
Finally, over time, the development of storage can lead to a reduction in electricity costs for consumers and businesses, as it limits the need for expensive spare units and optimises the functioning of the market.
The challenges and bet of the next day
Despite the dynamics that are forming, the challenges remain. The size of storage is still below the requirements, particularly in relation to the rapid increase in RES. Estimates of IPTO refer to total battery power that can reach 1–1.1 GW by the end of 2026, against even greater growth in green production .
At the same time, issues such as network access, project financing and the maturation of so-called 'merchant' batteries will determine the rate of market growth.
In any case, the entry of the first batteries is a turning point. Storage goes from the project stage to implementation and develops into a key pillar of the energy transition, with a decisive role in shaping a more flexible, efficient and durable electrical system.
