Ioannina, Arta, Preveza and Igoumenitsa will be supplied through state-of-the-art, small-scale LNG infrastructure projects, with a total budget of 31 million euros
The development of natural gas distribution infrastructure in the Region of Epirus, by Enaon EDA, Hellenic Gas Distribution Company, a subsidiary of Enaon of the Italgas group, was the focus of meetings held by the CEO of Enaon EDA, Ms. Francesca Zanninotti and executives of the Company with representatives of local authorities, including the Regional Governor of Epirus, Mr. Alexandros Kahrimanis and the Mayor of Ioannina, Mr. Thomas Begas, on Friday, September 27, 2024.
During the meetings, which were held in a particularly constructive atmosphere, Enaon EDA presented the planning of the projects aimed at bringing natural gas to Ioannina, Arta, Preveza and Igoumenitsa.
The Company’s primary concern – the CEO of Enaon EDA, Ms. Francesca Zanninotti ensured the Regional Governor of Epirus, Mr. Kahrimanis and the Mayor of Ioannina, Mr. Thomas Begas, in the meetings she had with them – is to proceed with the projects with the least possible disturbance while respecting the residents of the area, and taking into consideration the ongoing projects of the Region and the Municipal Authorities of the Region.
These areas will be supplied through state-of-the-art small-scale LNG infrastructure projects being developed with the expertise of parent group Italgas, showcasing a new logistics model that leverages small-scale installations for sustainable territorial development.
The projects have a total budget of 31 million euros and are co-financed by Enaon’s own funds and resources from the Public Investment Program.
As part of the projects, 5 Liquefied Natural Gas Storage and Gasification Stations and a total of 173.5 km of Medium and Low Pressure network will be constructed, through which more than 4,200 consumers from the residential, commercial and industrial sectors will be supplied, bringing significant economic and environmental benefits.
Especially regarding the city of Ioannina, the project has a budget of 17 million euros and foresees the construction of 143.5 km of Medium and Low Pressure network completed by 2026, through which more than 2,600 consumers will be supplied. The restart of the network construction works in Ioannina is planned for mid-October, while the filling of the LNG Storage and Gasification Station is expected in the second quarter of 2025.
The CEO of Enaon EDA, Ms. Francesca Zanninotti, after thanking the representatives of local authorities for their cooperation and their valuable contribution to the development of the projects in the region, noted: «Investments in the Epirus Region demonstrate our commitment to providing an efficient and “clean” form of energy even in areas that are remote from the national natural gas transmission system, supporting the national and European goals for the energy transition. Our company ensures that natural gas networks, which can also distribute renewable gases such as biomethane and, and hydrogen, in the future, operate in a safe and sustainable manner. We recognize the role natural gas plays in providing clean energy to end consumers and we are committed to minimizing environmental impact throughout our supply chain. With environmental responsibility at the center of our strategy, we invest in innovative technologies and practices to reduce our carbon footprint and preserve the environment and its resources for future generations».
The Mayor of Ioannina, Mr. Thomas Begas, after the end of the meeting he had with the CEO of Enaon EDA, in the presence of the Deputy Mayor responsible for energy issues, Mr. Aris Kassis, emphasized the following:
«We warmly support the arrival of natural gas in our area, as it is a project of strategic importance for Ioannina and the residents of the wider region. The resumption of work on the construction of the necessary infrastructure is an important step towards the energy transition we seek. Natural gas will not only benefit public bodies, households and businesses financially by providing a more affordable and stable form of energy, but will also make a significant contribution to protecting the environment.
Ioannina is committed to playing a leading role in the 100 climate neutral cities program, and the use of natural gas is a key tool to achieve this goal. For this reason, I proposed to the representatives of the company to sign the memorandum of cooperation that other private entities have already signed with our municipality, thus contributing practically to our effort. By reducing carbon dioxide emissions and replacing older, polluting forms of heating, we will reduce the use of solid fuels responsible for smog in the winter months, improving air quality and the health of our citizens.
At the same time, the development of these infrastructures is part of a more comprehensive sustainable development plan for Ioannina, which includes the promotion of energy democracy, the strengthening of energy efficiency and the formation of a better urban environment.
We are optimistic that our collaboration with Enaon EDA will improve the daily lives of our fellow citizens, while at the same time contributing to addressing contemporary environmental challenges. For our part, we are committed to doing everything in our power so that Ioannina will soon acquire natural gas distribution infrastructure, always having as a priority, in the construction phase, the least possible disruption to the citizens’ everyday life and the diligent implementation of the project so that the quality of the municipality’s infrastructure is not at risk».
Finally, the Mayor of Ioannina committed to immediately send the Company a list of municipal buildings, with priority given to schools of all levels, so that from the planning phase the possibility of connecting them to natural gas can be ensured.
