In the name of “green” development, the Ministry of Environment and Energy approved a fund of five million euros for energy upgrading projects of the Holy Monastery of Vatopedi using Renewable Energy Sources (RES). The project was included in the ministry’s 2021-2025 sectoral development program and is scheduled for completion by June 2025.
The project
In particular, the project includes the energy upgrade of the thermal system of the Vatopedi Monastery with the aim of minimizing the emission of exhaust gases. The strengthening of the already “green” energy character of the Monastery has been designed with a focus on the production of electricity from the sun, with the installation of a photovoltaic system and parallel utilization of the biomass that is available in sufficient quantities in the local forest. All this will be combined with “intelligent” control technologies to enhance the efficiency factor of the thermal system.
But the …”holy” enterprise doesn’t stop there. The project has also included the creation of a single network, with an energy center and micro-grid for electricity transmission as well as projects to strengthen the fire safety of the buildings and the monastery’s environs.
Energy consumption
In fact, the goal is, after completion of all projects, the reduction of the annual primary energy consumption of the buildings of the Vatopedi Monastery in order to reach 80,000 kilowatt hours per year, with the estimated annual reduction of greenhouse gas emissions being calculated at 300 tons of CO2 equivalent (dioxide of carbon).
The “greening” of the monastery had started since December 2019, when the monastery acquired a hybrid system with photovoltaics with a power of 462 kW (kilowatts) for the production of electricity, six lithium-ion battery arrays with a total storage capacity of 553.8 kWh (kilowatt hours) direct current, four diesel generators, transformers as well as a 20 kV two kilometer-long power transmission line, .
The goal of the 2019 project was to save 450,000 liters of diesel per year that the monastery consumed. With the addition of the new projects, the Monastery continues its effort to wean itself off the use of fossil fuels, covering, if possible, all of its energy needs from RES.
Mount Athos
At the same time, the large project of the Holy Community of Mount Athos is underway, with a budget of 15.8 million euros (including VAT) concerning the supply and installation of 21 autonomous photovoltaic plants, with a total power of 2.64 MW and energy storage systems, to cover a significant percentage of the annual consumption of the 17 monasteries there. According to the tender, the project should be completed in the spring of 2024.
However, it is noteworthy that all interventions proceed with the required attention and study in order not to alter the landscape and aesthetics of the Athos peninsula. That is why the positioning of the photovoltaic panels is done so that there is no visual contact from the monasteries.
στο Google News και μάθετε πρώτοι όλες τις ειδήσειςLatest News
Eurostat: Women and Youth Most Underpaid in Greece
In the EU 18.2% of women are low-paid compared to men, against 23% in Greece. A staggering 43% of young Greeks are low-paid—the second-worst rate in Europe.
Public Services in Greece to Go Under Review with New Rating Tool
Public services will receive their evaluation scores and feedback directly, fostering a system of accountability and continuous improvement.
Istanbul Earthquake – Greek Prof. Concerned Major Quake Yet to Strike
Responding to concerns over whether a potential major quake in Istanbul could affect Greece, Papazachos was reassuring: “The fault extends as far as Lemnos and the Northern Sporades, but it doesn’t rupture all at once. An earthquake in Istanbul doesn’t have the capacity to directly affect Greek territory.”
Greece 4th Most Popular Summer Destination for Europeans
Southern Europe remains the top choice for Europeans at 41%, though down 8% from last year, likely due to rising temperatures and climate concerns.
Easter Sales Performance and the Source of €4–5 Million in Losses
Easter retail sales were relatively weak this year, with the only "real winners" being the livestock farmers who had lambs to sell.
Hotel Foreclosures Continue to Plague Greece’s Islands
A surge in hotel foreclosures across Greece’s islands threatens small tourism businesses, despite booming visitor numbers and record-breaking travel in 2024.
Athens Launches Task Force to Safeguard Historic City Center
The new municipal unit will ensure compliance to zoning laws, curb noise, and address tourist rental issues starting from the Plaka district.
WTTC: Travel & Tourism to Create 4.5M New Jobs in EU by 2035
This year, international visitor spending is set to reach 573 billion euros, up by more than 11% year-on-year
IMF: US Tariffs Shake Global Economy, Outlook Downbeat
IMF slashes global growth forecast to 2.8% as U.S. tariffs create uncertainty and ‘negative supply shock
First Step Towards New Audiovisual Industry Hub in Drama
The project is set to contribute to the further development of Greece’s film industry and establish Drama as an audiovisual hub in the region
![Accor: Η βιωσιμότητα «κλειδί» για την ανάπτυξη και ανθεκτικότητα του ελληνικού τουρισμού [έρευνα]](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/thumbnail-90x90.jpg)
![Οι αλλαγές που υπάρχουν στα φορολογικά έντυπα για τα εισοδήματα του φορολογικού έτους 2024 από ακίνητα [Γ’ Μέρος]](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/akinita-600x400.jpeg)
