100MW Delfini Solar Capacity Begins Operation

A New Era as 100MW Delfini Solar Capacity Begins Operation

Cero Generation has officially commenced commercial operation of its landmark 100MW Delfini solar farm in Prosotsani, Drama. The facility is set to generate 157GWh of clean electricity annually, sufficient to power approximately 58,140 homes and displace an estimated 65,300 tonnes of CO2e emissions each year. This project represents a significant step forward in Greece’s transition to sustainable energy.

Pioneering a Subsidy-Free Model

The Delfini project breaks new ground not only with its scale but also with its innovative financial structure. It stands as the first utility-scale solar project in Greece to be financed through a private power purchase agreement (PPA) with Axpo, forgoing traditional government subsidies. Furthermore, it is the inaugural Greek renewable energy initiative to receive backing from the Next Generation EU Recovery and Resilience Facility, setting a new precedent for future clean energy agreements in the country.

Marta Martinez Queimadelos, CEO of Cero Generation, celebrated the achievement, stating, “I’m delighted that our Delfini project is now online and producing cleaner, cheaper, and more secure energy for the Drama region. It’s a landmark development for Greece.”

Image: Collected

Mastering Complex Engineering Challenges

Constructed on difficult mountainous terrain by the Ameresco SUNEL Energy S.A. joint venture, the project’s engineering is a testament to modern ingenuity. The photovoltaic array feeds into a 33/150kV high-voltage substation via a 2.5km medium-voltage line. From there, a 10km network of 29 overhead line towers connects the facility to the national grid, operated by IPTO (ADMIE).

George Sakellaris, CEO of Ameresco, remarked on the project’s significance, calling it “a historic milestone as one of the first private solar power purchase agreements in Greece.” Konstantinos Zygouras, CEO of Sunel Group, added that the project exemplifies a commitment to innovation and will deliver more affordable energy to the local community.

Collaborative Success and Future Impact

The successful launch of Delfini highlights a strong collaboration between Cero Generation, its construction partners, and its offtake partner, Axpo. Machias Vasileios, Axpo’s country manager in Greece, expressed pride in facilitating the landmark PPA, reinforcing Axpo’s expertise in energy markets. As a key part of Cero Generation’s 26GW European portfolio—which includes over 600MW of assets already in operation or under construction—the Delfini solar farm solidifies the company’s role as a major player in Europe’s energy transition and provides a powerful blueprint for subsidy-free renewable development in Greece.

Sources

1. Cero’s 100-MW Solar Farm Begins Operations in Greece
2. Project Updates – Future Power Technology Magazine | Issue 163
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4. Cero Generation’s solar PV project in Greece goes live | Energy Global
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6. Ameresco Sunel Energy SA Has Successfully Reached Commercial …
7. Cero Generation to develop solar project with Ameresco and Sunel
8. Delfini Solar Project, Prosotsani, Greece – Power Technology
9. Cero reaches commercial operation at 100MW Greek PV plant
10. Cero Generation launches Greece’s ‘first’ private PPA with 100MW …