Greece: Heatwave brings privately run power stations back into play

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In recent public debate on Greece’s electricity market, certain participants have contended that privately operated power stations are not necessary as the grid can meet the country’s needs through main power utility PPC’s production capacity, along with the support of imported power. This theory has not proven true amid the high electricity demand generated by the current heatwave in Greece.

Although electricity demand during this current heatwave has admittedly not reached levels struck prior to the recession, when summertime demand rose to levels of as high as 12,000 MW between 2004 and 2008, the system has had to resort to privately run stations and renewable energy sources (RES) for complementary support to PPC’s production.

Demand yesterday, according to official data, peaked at 9,674 MW, while demand for today has been forecast to reach 9,732 MW.

Demand was covered by PPC’s lignite-fired power stations, minus its damagaed stations in Ptolemaida, northern Greece, which all operated at full capacity, as well as PPC plants in Komotini, also in the north, and the utility’s modern stations Lavrio 5 and Megalopoli 5, along with support from privately run stations operated by Heron (Terna-Suez-QPI group, Enthes, Thisvi (Elpedison), Protergia (Mytilineos) and Korinthos Power (Mytilineos, MOH).

Imported electricity is expected to remain extremely limited, while, during certain parts of the day, hydropower stations will also contribute to a certain extent owing to their limits in the summer.

The RES sector has contributed significantly, providing over 2,000 MW during peak-hour demand, primarily through the contribution of photovoltaics.

The marginal price level exceeded 60 euros yesterday and is expected to fall slightly today to 58.873 euros.

source: energypress.eu

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