Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Friday took his government’s very high-profile pledge to stop the exploitation of lignite in the country – within this decade – to the national epicenter of “brown coal” mining and burning, namely, northwest Kozani prefecture.
The specific prefecture in the western Macedonia province has for decades hosted a handful of lignite-fired power stations, as practically all of Greece’s known lignite deposits are found – and strip-mined – there.
During a marathon session with local office-holders, Public Power Corp. (PPC) union representatives and sector-related researchers, Mitsotakis reiterated that his center-right government is “absolutely committed” to a “fair” green transition from lignite use in western Macedonia.
A policy of “de-lignitization” will be accompanied with seven billion euros in public and private sector funding for the region, he promised.
In response to numerous concerns and reservations aired during the meeting over the time-table for eliminating lignite use, Mitsotakis countered that “this is not simply the right choice, it’s the only choice,” adding that his government took this milestone decision in 2019 before many other countries.
The Mitsotakis government has recently come under sustained criticism that it decided to eliminate lignite too quickly as a power generation fuel, especially amid the current and almost world-wide energy price surges.
In terms of still state-controlled PPC, he said the utility will continue to have a strong presence in Kozani prefecture, and will retain its public character.
Latest News
ELSTAT: Greek Health Expenditures Reach €5.89 Billion in 2022
Finally, healthcare financing as a percentage of GDP decreased to 8.5% in 2022 from 9.18% in 2021, as per the Health Accounts System report.
Sonoco Paper Mill Plants Close After 30 Years in Greece
The shut down of the two paper mills in northern Greece comes a week after a glass plant closed in Athens
BoG: Private Deposits Down by 1.068bln Euros in Feb. 2024
Corporate deposits decreased by 912 million euros, compared to a decrease of 3.167 billion euros in the previous month
Greeks’ Buying Power Second Lowest in the EU
Greeks’ purchasing power is under pressure, ranking 26th among 27 EU member states.
Greek FinMin Says Digital Work Card Tackling Undeclared Work
Greece's recently launched digital work card aimed at tackling undeclared labor has already started to produce results, said Economy and Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis
MSC Cruises: More than 400 Visits to Nine Greek Destinations
MSC Cruises, a subsidiary of international shipping line Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A, will be sailing to Greek ports as of this month, expanding operations in the region year-round
Eurostat: Greece Among Cheaper Hourly Labor Cost Zones
In contrast, the countries that posted the highest hourly labor costs are Luxembourg (53.9 euros), Norway (51.9 euros), Iceland
GSEVEE: Economic Sentiment Indicator in Greece Down in Q2 2023
The drop follows a significant uptick in the ESI in the second half of 2022 (69.5 units) and a slight decline in the first half of 2023 (66.7 units)
Manpower Report: Sectors in Greece that Have Achieved Full Gender Equality in the Workplace
Greece surpasses this with 45%, showcasing progress but also room for improvement. Sectors like Consumer Goods and Services lead with 69% reporting full equality globally
Bank of America (BofA): Three Reasons Greek Economy Outperforms EC Average
BofA projects growth of 1.1% in 2024 and 1.7% in 2025, compared to forecasts for eurozone growth at 0.4%/1.1%, respectively