PPC Renewables plans 250-kW geothermal pilot in Lesvos, Greece

Mytilene, Lesvos, Greece (source: Fatih Renkligil, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Carlo Cariaga 31 Jan 2024

PPC Renewables, the renewable energy subsidiary of state energy company, is planning to put up a 250-kW geothermal pilot project in the island of Lesvos in Greece within 2024. This is considered only an initial stage in development with the ultimate goal of installing and operating an 8-MW geothermal power station in Lesvos.

The plan to proceed with a geothermal pilot follows the positive results of pumping tests done in the Stipsi area, as well as the encouraging findings of geothermal fluid temperature in Argennos.

Initial research on the geothermal potential of Lesvos started in 2009 but has been stagnant since 2011. The work got back on track following the creation of a special purpose company in 2020 as a cooperation between PPC Renewables and ELECTOR. Following a tender, ELECTOR was chosen by PPC Renewables to be a partner for geothermal development of four geothermal fields – Lesvos, Milos-Kimolos-Polyaigos, Nisyros, and Methana.

The history of geothermal exploration is Lesvos and the future plans for development were further expounded on by Deputy Mayor for Planning of Western Lesbos Ms. Asanoula Kokkineli during a radio interview.

“The utilization of the Stipsis field is a very old case with a history that begins in 1972, that is, 50 years ago. We believe that the time has now come for its utilization for the needs of our island. It is estimated that by utilizing the energy fields of the region in general, a production unit of 8 MW will be built. Of course, the needs of the island are much greater. However, an attempt will be made to cover them as much as possible with renewable energy sources in cooperation with the citizens who can, with energy communities, support the effort of the municipalities of Mytilini and Western Lesvos to make our island autonomous in terms of energy with renewable sources by 2030.”

“We are working hard in this direction and we believe that we will succeed. In this effort, as Western Lesvos we will utilize all the possibilities we have. The geothermal field of Polichnitos may be of low potential, but it can be used for heating buildings and in agricultural production and the region’s greenhouses”. 

Source: EnergyPress.gr