An IEA report praises recent changes in Greek energy law and plans to rapidly increase renewables deployment, and recommends that Greece should: continue decarbonization work over the long term; intensify energy efficiency efforts for energetic and economic savings; and implement planned energy sector reforms.
26 October 2011: The International Energy Agency (IEA) has published a report entitled “Energy Policies of IEA Countries – Greece,” which finds that energy policy could be a significant driver of economic recovery in Greece and highlights the country’s potential for wind and solar.
The report has chapters on general energy policy, climate change, energy efficiency, a number of energy sectors, and energy technology. The report notes that the renewable energy sector has the potential to be an important driver of industrial development, especially in regard to research and development. The report commends the “remarkable change from the situation a few years ago” regarding renewables promotion, especially the goal of having 20% of overall energy consumption be renewable energy by 2020. The report particularly praises attempts being made to attract investment and interest in renewables, the report commends recent improvements in feed-in tariff conditions, the simplification of licensing procedures, and incentives to improve local acceptance.
The report also notes that Greece is on track to meet its Kyoto target despite that it has the most carbon intensive primary energy supply in Europe. This will be accomplished mainly through deployment of renewable energy, fuel switching and energy efficiency.
Key recommendations of the report include: continue decarbonization work over the long term; intensify energy efficiency efforts for energetic and economic savings; and implement planned energy sector reforms. [IEA Press Release] [Website for Energy Policies of IEA Countries – Greece] [Publication: Executive Summary Energy Policies of IEA Countries – Greece]