EDA THESS’ development strategy relies on investments in advanced infrastructure and natural gas technologies that render distribution networks crucial for decarbonization.
The transition to cleaner forms of energy lies at the heart of developments and natural gas is the bridging fuel for electricity generation covering both base load in the short run and peak loads in the long run and filling the power gap created by the rapid withdrawal of carbon and the accelerated introduction of RES.
At the same time and in line with National and European targets, new requirements are emerging to further support and integrate RES into a new, integrated and sustainable energy model to tackle climate change. Gas distribution networks can optimally support the dispersed production and injection of renewable gases (hydrogen and biomethane), directly contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of the final mixture. At the same time, with the integration and utilization of renewable gases as alternative energy carriers, mitigation of voltage fluctuations in the electricity network is achieved and flexibility is provided through the conversion, storage and reuse of energy.
In light of the above, the General Manager of EDA THESS, Mr. Bakouras highlights the correlation that has been developed between gas and electricity sectors which will be further strengthened in the future by the implementation of methanation and Power-to- Gas technologies. In the same context, he stressed that in order to achieve climate neutrality, all forms of "green" energy should be supported and all available infrastructure should be fully utilized. To this end, the coordinated actions of all stakeholders in the energy sector are required to establish a greener, decentralized and digitized energy network.
EDA THESS, heading towards energy transformation, continues to implement large investments for the construction of sustainable infrastructure aiming to increase the penetration of natural gas. At the same time, it invests in technological innovations and the digitalization of the distribution networks that will enable the integration and distribution of increasing quantities of renewable gases in the future.
The Company's investment strategy focuses on best business practices aligned with environmental responsibility. EDA THESS is fully in line with the goals set by the State, in the framework of the national policy for Energy and Climate.
With the implementation of the Development Plan 2021 - 2025 amounting to 155.6 € million and the further penetration of natural gas, EDA THESS is expected to significantly contribute to the improvement of the quality of the environment, as in 2025 the distribution of natural gas is expected to reach ~ 580 million Nm3 in the areas of the License and respectively, the reduction of the environmental footprint from the use of natural gas for the period 2021 - 2025 is estimated at:
- 3.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide
- 19.2 thousand tons of sulfur dioxide
- 7.2 thousand tons of nitric oxide
With a view to the future, EDA THESS, being a member of the pan-European sustainability association GD4S along with the Union's leading distribution companies, contributes in:
The future of the natural gas market and the strategic importance of energy infrastructure, according to the General Manager, leave a lot of room for the development of the sector that will lead to the completion of a fair energy transition.
- Mr. Leonidas Bakouras is the General Manager of EDA THESS.
(The article is included in the volume GREEK ENERGY 2021 published for the 10th consecutive year by the staff of Energypress)
