The natural gas flame lighting ceremony was conducted by the CEO of Enaon EDA, Fr. Zanninotti, in the presence of the Regional Governor of Western Macedonia and institutional representatives of the region.
A significant step toward the energy upgrade of Kastoria and the coverage of the increased energy needs of the region’s residents with a more economical and efficient form of energy was achieved with the activation of the natural gas distribution network in the city, a project led by Enaon EDA, a subsidiary of Enaon of the Italgas Group.
The ceremony for the activation of the network, marked by the symbolic lighting of the natural gas flame, took place on Friday, 21 November 2025, by the CEO of Enaon EDA, Ms. Francesca Zanninotti, in the presence of the Regional Governor of Western Macedonia, Mr. Giorgos Amanatidis, the Deputy Regional Governor of Kastoria, Mr. Dimitrios Savvopoulos, the Deputy Mayor of Kastoria, Mr. Konstantinos Tsanousas, the Member of Parliament for Kastoria, Ms. Maria Antoniou, the Head Coordinator of the Prime Minister’s Office in Northern Greece, Ms. Elena Sokou, as well as representatives of local institutions.
The CEO of Enaon, Ms. Barbara Morgante conveyed in her greeting her satisfaction that natural gas has now reached Kastoria, in line with the company’s strategic plan, contributing significantly to the energy upgrade of a region with particularly high energy needs.
The CEO of Enaon EDA, Ms. Francesca Zanninotti, noted during her speech:
“The use of natural gas will make a real difference in the daily lives of Kastoria’s residents as it brings a a significant reduction in energy costs, both for households and for businesses. And in regions like Kastoria, with colder winter and higher energy needs, that saving is not just theroretical. It truly maters. The first consumers have already been connected to the network and can start benefiting the advantages of natural gas. Significant benefits will also extend to public and municipal buildings in the area, among which the Kastoria Hospital that we expect to be connected to the network in 2026.”
The Regional Governor of Western Macedonia, Mr. Giorgos Amanatidis, emphasized: “The arrival of natural gas in Kastoria is a decisive step not only for the city, but also for the entire Region of Western Macedonia, as it is a project with clear social, developmental, and environmental benefits. Natural gas, a cleaner, more efficient, and more affordable form of energy, contributes to the prosperity of the local community by reducing the energy burden on households with increased needs. At the same time, it strengthens the local economy by helping businesses streamline their operating costs and become more competitive, while also offering significant benefits for environmental protection”.
The deputy mayor of Kastoria, Mr. Konstantinos Tsanousas, pointed out: «We welcome the arrival of natural gas in Kastoria, an important project that will bring multiple benefits to the daily lives of residents and the local economy. The Municipality of Kastoria is working closely with Enaon EDA to ensure the smooth and rapid implementation of the project, with the aim of enabling the citizens of Kastoria to enjoy the benefits of natural gas as soon as possible and with the least possible disruption».
The Member of Parliament for Kastoria, Ms. Maria Antoniou, emphasized that the arrival of natural gas is the vindication of a long-standing effort for Kastoria to acquire a more economical, cleaner, and safer form of energy.
The project for the development of the natural gas distribution network in Kastoria and Argos Orestiko has a total budget of €11.7 million and is co-funded by the Company’s own resources and by funds from the Operational Programme of the Region of Western Macedonia. With the co-financing of Greece and the European Union, the project began with resources from the NSRF 2014–2020 and is being completed through the Western Macedonia Programme 2021–2027.
Within the framework of the project, 28 km of low-pressure network have already been constructed out of a total of 65 km, as well as 11 km of medium-pressure network that will serve both Kastoria and Argos Orestiko. The supply of Kastoria, which is remote from the national natural gas transmission system, is made possible through the development of small-scale LNG infrastructure projects, utilizing Italgas’ expertise.
To date, 264 connection contracts have been signed, of which 183 concern residential and commercial consumers, also serving the areas of Maniakoi and Chloi. The first consumer connections have already been activated, while the construction of other 60 consumer connections within the urban area is underway. It is estimated that by 2030 a total of 3,200 consumers of all categories will be connected to the network.
It is noted that, within the context of the co-funded project, there is a 100% discount on connection fees for all residential and commercial consumers.
