The foundation process of the first wind turbine in Agios Efstratios has begun, which is a key part of the project to transform it into the first green island of Greece. The completion of the installation by the contractor company TERNA ENERGIAKI is expected to take a few more days due to the strong winds that blew on the island all last week.

Agios Efstratios will be the only island in Greece that will have energy autonomy, using 85% renewable energy sources. It should be noted that a hybrid power generation and storage station is already being built. While in the near future, the four tanks for the district heating network will be installed, which will transport hot water to the residents’ homes.

“Citizens of our small arid island will, among other things, save money on the consumption of electricity, which will be produced by wind and solar energy, from the project. This project will undoubtedly contribute to its economic development,” says Maria Kakali, the mayor of Agios Efstratiou, to APE-MPE, commenting on the course of the project.

The aim is to electrify in the first quarter of 2024 and, after the necessary tests, to start full operation by the end of the same year. The project budget reaches 4.5 million euros and the action is included in the Operational Program “Competitiveness, entrepreneurship and innovation” and is financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

“Thus, green energy is expected to become a driver of development for Agios Efstratios and contribute significantly, so that young people stay in their place” says Mrs. Kakali.

As is known since last November the Ministry of Environment and Energy proceeded to grant a Single Installation Permit:

a) Hybrid Station for the production of electricity, from a wind farm with an installed capacity and a maximum production capacity of 0.9 MW and a photovoltaic plant with an installed capacity and a maximum production capacity of 0.2268 MW in the “Polynotno” location of the Municipality of Agios Efstrati and for the storage of electricity energy using storage batteries with a total storage capacity of 2.56 MWh and

b) Station for the production of thermal energy and energy distribution and supply network.

With the issuance of the above decision, the green light was given for the start of the work on the implementation of the project by the contracting company TERNA ENERGY. The budget of the project reaches 4.5 million euros and the contract foresees construction works lasting 25 months and operation and maintenance of the project for 12 years.