The CEO of Enaon, speaking at the 3rd Hydrogen & Green Gases Forum, emphasized the importance of establishing a comprehensive and clear framework for the development of renewable gases in the Greek market
The next steps and challenges for developing the biomethane and hydrogen market in Greece were highlighted by Ms. Barbara Morgante, CEO of Enaon, of the Italgas Group, during her speech at the 3rd Hydrogen & Green Gases Forum. The event, organized yesterday by energypress.gr, featured distinguished speakers from the political, business, and academic sectors.
The CEO of Enaon spoke at the thematic session “The energy transition at a critical crossroad – The problems in the absorption of RES production and the key role of Hydrogen and green gases” of the conference, which was also attended by Ms. Maria Rita Galli CEO of DESFA,Mr Pantelis Kapros, professor of NTUA, Mr. Dimitris Triantafylopoulos, CEO of Hellenic Hydrogen and Mr. Panagiotis Papastamatiou, General Manager of HWEA.
The discussion was moderated by the journalist Mr. Giorgos Fintikakis.
“The draft law on biomethane and hydrogen is a first step but not the only one. Many more steps are needed, and they must be taken quickly, in coordination with all stakeholders, so that the Greek market can develop a comprehensive and clear framework for renewable gases,” Ms. Morgante stated during her speech, emphasizing that the networks managed by Enaon, through its subsidiary Enaon EDA, are “already ready as of yesterday” to distribute biomethane.
“Unfortunately, in Greece there is still no production of biomethane. Therefore, a boost is needed, as well as incentives for potential investors and biogas producers who have expressed interest in converting their plants and producing biomethane. A study we are conducting on the proximity of the plants and distribution networks we manage shows that in many areas of the country the biomethane produced could be integrated to nearby networks without requiring large investments,” the CEO of Enaon added. The benefits, she pointed out, would be multiple. Biomethane is a domestic energy source that diversifies the national energy mix, enhancing the independence and resilience of the energy system. At the same time, it promotes the circular economy and the sustainable development of rural areas, with a positive impact on local communities.
“The existing natural gas distribution infrastructure in Greece is of critical importance for the development of renewable gases. If we base our strategy on a single solution, the consequences could be particularly severe as was recently the case in Spain following a widespread power outage. We must leverage all available technologies to maintain the flexibility and reliability of the overall system,” Ms. Morgante stressed.
Also, the CEO of Enaon referred to the company’s initiatives aimed at preparing the networks to accommodate hydrogen in the future. Enaon has already launched a study to assess the readiness of its networks to distribute a blend of natural gas and hydrogen, while the forthcoming launch of joint work with DESFA to explore the prospects of developing hydrogen mixtures with other gases in existing networks in Greece has already been shared.
Natural gas serves as the “bridge” for a smooth and just transition of the country towards a sustainable energy future. Consumers interest in this more affordable, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly form of energy remains strong. It is indicative that, 50,000 new consumer connections to the network, which currently distributes natural gas and,in the future, will distribute renewable gases, are expected in 2025.
