Legal Framework

For the member- states of the European Union, until 2020 it is expected:
a) 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the levels of 1990
b) 20% penetration of RES in the gross final energy consumption
c) 20% primary energy savings

Specifically for Greece, the target concerning the greenhouse gas emissions is a 4% reduction, as far as the non- trading sectors are concerned, relative to the 2005 levels. An 18% penetration of RES in the gross final consumption is also expected.

The Greek government has adopted a target of 20% for the RES of which 40% specializes in electricity; 20% specializes in thermal RES and 10% in bio- fuels. Finally, in relation with the energy savings Greece has already drawn up the 1st Energy Efficiency Action Plan; according to this a 9% energy savings is foreseen regarding the total consumption until 2016, while the goal of a percentage of 20% which has been in total set for the European Union has not been specified per Member – State.

Specifically, according to the results of the energy models, the national targets for 2020 concerning the electricity generation are expected to be fulfilled by the production of 13.300 MW via RES (approximately 4000 MW today), where all the related technologies are expected to participate; wind parks with 7.500 MW –today there are 1.746MW in operation – hydroelectric factories with 3.000 MW and solar parks with about 2.500 MW are indicated as prominent, and for heating and cooling with the development of heat pumps, solar thermal systems and biomass applications.