In the presence of the CEO, Mrs. Francesca Zanninotti, the Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Mr. Christodoulos Topshidis, and the Mayor of Orestiada, Mr. Diamantis Papadopoulos, the natural gas flame lighting ceremony was held.
A new chapter for the border town of Orestiada began with the activation of the natural gas distribution network and the supply of the city with a more economical and environmentally friendly form of energy. The natural gas flame lighting ceremony took place yesterday, with the participation of Mrs. Francesca Zanninotti, CEO of Enaon EDA, a subsidiary of Enaon from the Italgas group, the Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Mr. Christodoulos Topshidis, the Mayor of Orestiada, Mr. Diamantis Papadopoulos,the Coordinator of the Prime Minister’s Office in Northern Greece, Ms. Elena Sokou, representatives of institutional and productive bodies, as well as a large number of citizens.
During her speech, Mrs. Francesca Zanninotti, CEO of Enaon EDA, remarked: “Orestiada, the most northeastern city in Greece, now finally overcomes the energy isolation. And the energy needs of his people and businesses can be solved with stability and sustanaibility. Therefore, the project we are announcing today is not just an infrastructure project, but a decisive step towards transitioning the city into a new energy era and improving the quality of life for its residents. Homes and businesses can now be heated in a more affordable and eco-friendly way. Natural gas is not only cheaper compared to traditional fuels – it is estimated to reduce energy costs by up to 40% – but it is also more environmentally friendly. Fewer emissions and a greener future for current and future generations. The modern energy network in Orestiada, besides natural gas, is also ready to distribute renewable gases, such as biomethane. This is a network that will support the development and prosperity of the local community, further strengthening the goals of sustainable development.” Mrs. Zanninotti also expressed her heartfelt thanks to the Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Mr. Christodoulos Topshidis, the Mayor of Orestiada, Mr. Diamantis Papadopoulos, and all the involved stakeholders for their excellent cooperation, as well as to the residents for their trust and interest in the company’s project.
The Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Mr. Christodoulos Topsidis, emphasized: “Today is a milestone day for Orestiada and for our entire region. With today’s ceremony, we are marking not only the operational launch of a major project, but also the transition to a cleaner, more economical, and more sustainable energy model. A model that respects the environment, strengthens the local community, and creates conditions for prosperity for future generations. We are talking about a stable energy step that brings immediate, measurable benefits: lower energy costs, more freedom for the family budget. We are talking about a student who can live in a warmer home without stress, a professional who will see their business operating with lower costs and greater efficiency, a parent who feels secure knowing that their child is growing up in a healthier, more human environment. Allow me to express a special thank you in memory of the late Georgios Pavlidis, our former Governor, who truly believed in the developmental potential of natural gas for our region. Today’s flame is also his work.”
The Mayor of Orestiada, Mr. Diamantis Papadopoulos, emphasized: “Today is a special and essentially historic day for our city. The beginning of the operation of the natural gas distribution network in Orestiada. Something that seemed like a distant dream. The natural gas distribution network in Orestiada is not just the completion of a technical infrastructure project, it is an accelerator of development. It marks the beginning of a new era. An era of transition to cleaner, more affordable, and environmentally friendly forms of energy. Among the next phases, the connection of 23 municipal buildings is planned, including the Cultural Complex, the Social Protection, Solidarity, and Sports Center (KKPAAO), sports fields, as well as many schools and daycare centers. This is a substantial intervention that will significantly reduce operating costs, enhance energy efficiency, and support the social role of the Municipality, with an immediate positive impact on the daily lives of citizens. The flame we are lighting today in Orestiada is a symbol of progress, resilience, and environmental consciousness.”
In her speech, the Coordinator of the Prime Minister’s Office in Northern Greece, Ms. Elena Sokou, emphasized the importance the government places on modernizing energy infrastructure, and on providing access to a more affrodable, safe and environmentally friendly energy source in border regions, while the President of the local branch of the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE) in Thrace, Mr. Akis Paraskevopoulos, highlighted the role of natural gas in the region’s development trajectory.
During the event, both the Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace and the Mayor of Orestiada warmly thanked Enaon EDA for its ongoing project and continued support of the local community, highlighting the importance of access to modern energy infrastructures.
The construction of the 60 km long natural gas distribution network in Orestiada has already been completed, and the city now possesses innovative infrastructure ready to distribute not only natural gas from today, but also serves as the foundation for the future integration of biomethane, further strengthening the goals for the region’s sustainable development.
The project of the network in Orestiada is in full progress, and the company is moving ahead at an accelerated pace with the implementation of connections for interested consumers. The city is being supplied using CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) technology, which ensures high safety levels and operates in accordance with the current legislation for supplying areas that are distant from the national natural gas transmission system.
The first consumer connections have already been completed, and the demand from the local community is high: more than 260 applications have been submitted, with contracts signed for 160 of them. The company’s plans foresee the construction of more than 720 delivery points by 2025 and over 2,640 delivery points by the end of 2029, serving not only households but also local businesses and public and municipal buildings.
The project for the development of natural gas distribution infrastructure in Orestiada has a total budget of €5.4 million and is co-financed by the company’s own funds and resources from the Operational Program of Eastern Macedonia – Thrace. With co-financing from Greece and the European Union, the project began with resources from the 2014-2020 NSRF and is being completed through the Eastern Macedonia-Thrace 2021-2027 Program.
As part of its expansion in the region, the company will operate a customer service office in Orestiada on Skra Street 8, starting Monday, March 14, 2025, with the aim of providing immediate and high-quality service to citizens and professionals wishing to connect to the natural gas network.
It is noted that, as part of the co-financed project, there is a 100% discount on connection fees for all residential and commercial consumers.
