Greece is in the midst of a significant solar energy boom, with its solar PV pipeline projected to reach an impressive 44.8 GW by 2028, according to Fitch Solutions. However, this rapid expansion is placing significant pressure on grid capacity and causing connection delays, potentially hindering the smooth integration of new projects. For the latest insights on Greece’s solar landscape, visit PVKnowhow’s Greece Solar News Archives.
Greece’s Solar Expansion: A Status Update
Greece has made substantial strides in its solar energy infrastructure. By the end of 2023, operational solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity reached 8.1 GW, making it the eighth-largest solar market in Europe. Solar PV now accounts for 17.4% of the country’s power generation mix, with projections for 2028 estimating a total installed capacity of 12.57 GW. Despite this impressive growth, the existing solar PV pipeline faces significant hurdles. Of the 44.8 GW total, 29.1 GW are in the initial phase of securing environmental permits, 9.5 GW await grid connection approval, and 6.2 GW are under construction. This massive pipeline raises concerns about whether the country’s grid and policies can support such rapid expansion. Details on some key projects can be found at PVKnowhow Greece solar projects 2025.
Addressing Grid Challenges Through Policy
A primary challenge for Greece’s solar expansion is the grid’s capacity to handle the influx of new projects. Fitch Solutions highlights that achieving the 2030 target of 14.1 GW of installed solar PV capacity hinges on grid availability and faster project connections. To address these issues, the Greek government is taking action. In 2023, it implemented a new licensing framework to streamline permitting for renewable energy projects, including solar, aiming to reduce approval times and complexity. Additionally, Greece is investing €2.5 billion from European Recovery Funds to upgrade its grid infrastructure. This investment focuses on enhancing the transmission network’s capacity and resilience to mitigate the bottlenecks hampering new solar project connections. For further analysis of the Greek solar market, see PVKnowhow’s Greece Solar Panel Manufacturing Report.
Positive Outlook for the Greek Solar Market
Despite these grid challenges, the outlook for Greece’s solar market remains positive. The government’s efforts to streamline permitting and invest in infrastructure are expected to create a more favorable environment for development. The robust project pipeline also highlights significant investor confidence in the sector. As Fitch Solutions emphasizes, however, sustained growth depends on attracting and retaining investment. This requires a stable and predictable policy environment to assure investors of the market’s long-term viability. For more on Greece’s solar power growth, visit PVKnowhow.
