The project’s implementation could contribute significantly to the social and economic development of the local community. The Project’s Owner will try to develop initiatives modelled on local needs and potential. Furthermore, by choosing, whenever possible, regional and local contractors and suppliers and hiring local personnel, during both the construction and operation phase, the project could benefit directly and indirectly the economy of the areas in which it operates. Finally, the formulation of the lake and the improvement of access roads create additional leisure facilities in the area and could attract visitors and tourists.

Τhe project’s contribution to sustainability is particularly important, as it assists the EU target of 20% greenhouse gas emissions reduction until 2020. Additionally, the reservoir is estimated to contribute both towards increasing biodiversity, as well as the populations of specific groups or species that benefit from deeper waters with lower flow rate and soft substrate. This is expected to happen due to the increase, over time, of sediment at the bottom of the reservoir. In terms of species or groups with wider living space, such as mammals, reptiles, birds, etc., the reservoir is expected to function in a positive way by increasing the total biomass of the food chain.

All PCI projects can be viewed by following the link to an interactive map developed by CEF-E.

Connecting Europe Facility – Energy

Yes there are but of lesser total installed power. The two Hydro Pumped Storage Systems already operating in Greece are: Sfikia near Aliakmonas River (315 MW) and Thisavrosnear Nestos River (384 MW).

The expected completion date for the Action is the end of 2016.

The Action is planned to span for a period of approximately 2,5 years.

It includes additional Land Surveying, final Geological and Geotechnical studies and Detailed Design for the Project components (Dam and Waterways, Power stations, Access roads, Substations and Interconnection lines). The primary aim of this stage is the preparation of the detailed design of the hydro pumped energy storage project (consisting of final reports and drawings explaining a concrete technical design solution) which will constitute the final deliverables of the Action. The second part of the activity includes the preparation of the tender documents for works and supplies and consists of drafting the tender documents that will be used for the bidding procedure.

Prior to theEnvironmental Terms Approval for PCI-3.24 by the Ministry of Reconstruction of Production, Environment and Energy, an EIA study will be compiled, which aims at taking into account the technical parameters of the ongoing Main design and the physical interventions expected to take place during construction. The Environmental Team will assess the environmental impact of the planned project and elaborate the EIA report, accompanied with all relevant documentation.

Pumped storage systems represent a giant rechargeable battery. The method stores energy in the form of gravitational potential energy of water, pumped from a lower elevation reservoir to a higher elevation. They are the most mature technology to store energy at any time, usually regardless of the weather. They are smaller than conventional reservoirs and less controversial, providing they use at least one existing reservoir. Pumped storage units can start up in a few minutes, in an emergency situation, to provide the necessary reserve capacity.

Initially, the philosophy of these systems was to serve and facilitate the operation of coal-fired stations at constant levels of output, functioning more efficiently and reducing CO2 emissions. In a system with a substantial proportion of thermal plants, at base and medium load, this is more than compensated by the increase in efficiency of oil, gas and coal generators as well as the subsequent reduction in the amount of greenhouse gas emissions.

The project has obtained production license by the Regulatory Authority of Energy (RAE) and the temporary interconnection terms offer, from the Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO). At the time being, the PCI is under design development.

The maximum rate for co-financing for studies is up to 50%.

Two upper reservoirs will be constructed at Ag. Georgios and Pyrgos. The existing artificial Kastrakilake will be used as the common lower reservoir.