The natural gas flame-lighting ceremony was carried out by the CEO of Enaon EDA, Fr. Zanninotti, in the presence of the Regional Governor of Central Macedonia and the Mayor of Veria
The path has opened for Veria’s transition to a sustainable energy future, following the activation of the natural gas distribution network in the city, led by Enaon EDA a subsidiary of Enaon of the Italgas Group. The first households have already been connected to the natural gas network and are enjoying the benefits of this more economical and efficient form of energy.
The natural gas flame for the supply of Veria was symbolically lit yesterday by the CEO of Enaon EDA, Ms. Francesca Zanninotti, in the presence of the Regional Governor of Central Macedonia, Ms. Athina Athanasiadou – Aidona, the Deputy Regional Governor of Imathia, Mr. Kostas Kalaitzidis, the Mayor of Veria, Mr. Kostas Voryiazidis, the Deputy Minister of Development, Mr. Lazaros Tsavdaridis, of the Bishop of Veria, Naoussa, and Campania, Mr. Panteleimon, as well as representatives of local institutions.
The CEO of Enaon EDA, Ms. Francesca Zanninotti, stated during her speech:“The arrival of natural gas in Veria is not a promise for the future. It is now a reality. The first consumers have been connected to the network and can start experiencing the benefits of using natural gas. The development of the natural gas distribution network in Veria is not just technical infrastructure, but a major investment in the energy upgrade of the entire region. Our commitment is long-term: even after the completion of the current co-financed project, we will continue to expand the network wherever there is demand, ensuring that more and more residents can have access and benefit of using natural gas. And our responsibility does not end with the construction of pipelines. We recognize our broader role toward the history and identity of the regioin, and that is why we are strengthening our cooperation with the Ephorate of Antiquities, supporting efforts to highlight its rich cultural heritage, as we can see from the numerous findings discovered during the construction of the network”.
The Regional Governor of Central Macedonia, Ms. Athina Athanasiadou–Aidona, emphasized: «The natural gas flame we are lighting tonight marks the beginning of an era of energy modernization and social development for the city of Veroia. This is a project of strategic importance for the local community and the daily lives of citizens, with multiple benefits. It enhances the energy self-sufficiency and economic sustainability of households and businesses alike. The use of natural gas will also significantly reduce our environmental footprint. The Region of Central Macedonia has made and continues to make a decisive contribution to this effort. We have set as a strategic priority the inclusion in the NSRF of the extension of natural gas to as many urban centers in Central Macedonia as possible. To this end, we have allocated €20 million to co-finance projects and infrastructure so that natural gas can reach Veroia, Giannitsa, Alexandria, Katerini, Kilkis, and Serres. This initiative was launched during the term of office of the present European Commissioner and then Regional Governor of Central Macedonia, Apostolos Tzitzikostas. We are continuing this initiative with consistency and determination, as our goal is to bring natural gas to as many citizens and businesses as possible».
The Mayor of Veria, Mr. Kostas Voryiazidis, stressed: «The arrival of natural gas in Veria is now a reality for our city. It is an important step for the energy upgrade of the region, ensuring affordable energy for households and businesses, while also contributing significantly to environmental protection. The project is in full swing and the Municipal Authority is in constant communication with Enaon EDA to ensure that the work is carried out in a coordinated manner and with the least possible disruption to residents».
The Deputy Minister of Development, Mr. Lazaros Tsavdaridis noted: «Today’s lighting of the natural gas flame in Veria marks a milestone of progress and vindication for our region. We are fulfilling a long-standing commitment to the citizens of Imathia, proving in practice that development is not an abstract concept but is measured by substantial projects that improve everyday life. The arrival of natural gas shields households by reducing heating costs and provides our local businesses with cheaper energy, strengthening their competitiveness. At the same time, we are taking a decisive step toward the green transition, ensuring a cleaner environment. This project is the result of excellent cooperation between the Government, the Region, the Municipality, and Enaon EDA. As Deputy Minister of Development and Member of Parliament for the Prefecture, I feel proud that Veria is acquiring the modern energy infrastructure it deserves. The flame lit today symbolizes hope and our determination to continue creating prospects for prosperity for Imathia».
The project for the development of the natural gas distribution network in Veria and Giannitsa has a total budget of 7.6 million euros and is co-funded by the Company’s own resources and the Operational Program of the Region of Central Macedonia. With the co-funding of Greece and the European Union, the project was launched with resources from the NSRF 2014–2020 and is being completed through the Central Macedonia Program 2021–2027.
The network development in Veria is progressing according to Enaon EDA’s planning. Already, 25 km of low and medium pressure network have been constructed, out of the total 40 km that will be completed in 2026. A large part of the network has already been activated. In addition, more than 100 consumer connections have been constructed, with new ones continuously being added.
Demand for connection to the natural gas distribution network in Veria is particularly high: more than 1,000 consumer applications have been submitted, while approximately 265 connection contracts have already been signed. It is estimated that by 2030 around 2,700 consumers residential, commercial, and industrial will be served.
It is noted that, as part of the co-funded project, there is a 100% discount on connection fees for all residential and commercial consumers.
With the activation of the natural gas network, Veria is taking yet another decisive step toward a more modern, sustainable, and energy-efficient future, with multiple benefits for the local community.
