The project, with a budget of €15.9 million, delivers significant economic and environmental benefits.
Hellenic Gas Distribution Company Enaon EDA, a subsidiary of Enaon, is steadily and methodically advancing the development of the natural gas distribution network in the border city of Alexandroupoli, marking a new chapter in the city’s energy upgrade and benefiting its residents.
The progress of the project was at the center of a recent meeting between the CEO of Enaon EDA, Ms. Francesca Zanninotti, and the Mayor of Alexandroupolis, Mr. Yiannis Zampoukis, held in a spirit of constructive dialogue. The meeting highlighted a shared commitment to close cooperation, with the goal of coordinating both sides to ensure the smooth implementation of the project for the benefit of the local community.
The CEO of Enaon EDA, Ms. Francesca Zanninotti, stated: «The meeting we held with the Mayor and his associates marks the transition of our cooperation with the Municipality of Alexandroupolis to a new basis. We acknowledge that in previous years the progress of the development of the gas network may have caused inconvenience and disturbance to the citizens. However, from now on, our company is committed both to minimize any disturbance to the citizens and to coordinate effectively and efficiently with the relevant departments of the Municipal Authority. Close cooperation with the Municipal Authority of Alexandroupolis and with local stakeholders is a cornerstone for the successful implementation of the construction of the gas distribution network in the city. Our goal is, in awareness of our role in the energy transition, to create real added value for the local community, through a cooperation based on respect, transparency and common benefit. Our commitment to complete the project within 2027 demonstates our willingness to minimize disruption and in full coordination with the projects implemented by the Municipality of Alexandroupolis. In this context, Enaon EDA has allocated the necessary resources to ensure that also through the contracting company, the project proceeds smoothly and with higher efficiency than in the past, producing tangible results. Natural gas offers direct and substantial economic benefits to the citizens and businesses of the region, enhancing competitiveness and reducing energy costs, with a positive impact on daily life and quality of life. The infrastructure we are developing today is an investment in the future, as it is designed to accommodate renewable gases, biomethane immediately and hydrogen in the future. Our goal is a modern, flexible, digital network that will benefit society for decades to come.».
The Mayor of Alexandroupoli, Mr. Yiannis Zampoukis, emphasized: «Alexandroupolis is a city with a special dynamic, which we must preserve and enhance, with respect to both the urban environment and the needs of its citizens. In the context of our strategy for sustainable development and enhancement of the quality of life, the Municipality of Alexandroupolis pursues close cooperation with all relevant stakeholders involved in the implementation of important infrastructure projects in the city. One of these projects is the development of the natural gas distribution network, which is being implemented by Hellenic Gas Distribution Company Enaon EDA. Our recent meeting with the CEO of the company, Ms Francesca Zanninotti, was held in a spirit of understanding and demonstrated the willingness of all parties to coordinate and plan effectively, with a view to the smooth and uninterrupted development of the project. This cooperation is now on an operational basis, with the main focus on compliance with technical specifications and the protection of the social and natural environment. We encourage the citizens to immediately express their interest in connecting to the gas network, as this will allow the project to be adapted to the real needs of the local community and reduce the disturbance during the works. At the same time, the timely engagement of citizens will accelerate the access to the economical and environmental benefits derived from the use of natural gas. It is particularly important for citizens to submit their application for connection to gas on time and before the completion of major projects, such as the “Urban Regeneration” of the “Antonis Tritsis” programme. After the completion of such interventions, it is not possible to return to extensive excavation of roads, which would be a financial and technical burden for the municipality and the citizens. The Municipality of Alexandroupolis continues to work consistently towards the implementation of projects that strengthen the local economy, upgrade the daily life of citizens and contribute to the protection of the environment».
The natural gas distribution network development project in Alexandroupoli and Komotini has a total budget of €15.97 million and is co-financed by the Company’s own funds and resources from the Operational Program of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. With co-financing from Greece and the European Union, the project started under the NSRF 2014–2020 and will be completed under the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace 2021–2027 Program.
In the city of Alexandroupoli, the project includes the construction of a total of 89 km of low-pressure network, of which 42 km have already been completed. Through the network, which is scheduled for completion within 2027, more than 2,400 consumers of all categories will be supplied. To date, more than 1,000 consumers have already been connected to the network, enjoying the benefits of natural gas use.
As a transitional fuel, natural gas plays a key role in the shift toward a more sustainable future, being a cleaner, more efficient, and more economical form of energy. Consumers benefit from substantial cost savings, while the environmental footprint of households and businesses is significantly reduced.
As construction work in Alexandroupoli is in full progress, this is an ideal time for consumers to express their interest in connecting to the natural gas network. Additionally, those interested should be aware that, under the co-financed projects, there is a 100% discount on connection fees for all residential and commercial consumers.
Expressing interest in time of allows for better planning of the works and ensures the seamless connection of consumers to the network. At the same time, it contributes to a more effective coordination with the works already underway by the Municipality and other bodies, thus minimizing the inconvenience to residents. In this way, the optimal use of resourses and the minimisation of disturbance and interventions in the city’s urban fabric is achieved.
