PPC Renewables has secured Trina Storage as its technology supplier in their 50MW/200MWh Amyntaio battery energy storage project in Western Macedonia, representing an important milestone in the energy transition process in Greece. This flagship project is among the largest in battery storage capacity in Greece, contributing to the renewed enthusiasm for constructing Greece’s renewable energy infrastructure. The project also represents PPC’s commitment to reshaping its energy scene in Western Macedonia, thereby cementing Greece’s importance in Europe’s energy storage sector.
Trina Storage offers state-of-the-art technology for expanding into the Greek market
Trina Storage will deliver an FTS-compliant AC battery energy storage solution with a total capacity of 244MWh, consisting of 60 Elementa 2 DC block battery cabinets, eight power conversion systems, and medium-voltage skids. Its Elementa 2 series lineup features in-house-developed 306Ah high-energy-density LFP batteries with 4,073kWh capacity in 20-foot ISO container designs with enhanced water-based cooling systems, among other features.
It features four levels of threat detection with integrated Honeywell Li-ion Tamer gas detection functionality, as well as automated aerosol fire suppression systems for improved security. Moreover, these companies have agreed on a comprehensive long-term service contract to cover overall maintenance, remote monitoring, spare parts, as well as performance assurance, guaranteed by 10-year availability warranties.
“Greece is soon to become one of the most crucial energy storage markets in Europe, thanks to energy auctions, policy support, and energy balancing for its abundant renewable resources,” said Gabriele Buccini, Trina Solar’s Head of Trina Storage Europe.
Strategic location leverages existing infrastructure for grid services
The Amyntaio project will be developed on the site of an existing thermal power plant operated by PPC, Amyntaio, which is an existing 600MW coal-based power plant in Western Macedonia, illustrating again the strategic utilization of traditional energy infrastructure. It offers optimal connectivity to the grid with available transmission infrastructure for efficient integration with the battery storage capacity, while at the same time addressing fossil fuel dependence for energy in the region.
Battery storage will support critical grid services applications such as frequency regulation, renewable energy integration, and capacity resource adequacy, primarily for improving grid stability. Such services are vital for Greece’s overall energy transition objectives, contributing to necessary grid balancing with high shares of intermittent renewable energy resources in the country’s overall electricity grid.
Other investments, such as those in renewable energy in Western Macedonia, are worth almost €6 billion in total, including projects for a cumulative battery storage capacity of 860MW, with energy storage projects in ex-mining areas in the form of pumped hydro energy storage facilities. Kardia investments are valued at 430 million euros, while other investments, such as in South Field, require 310 million euros.
Government support programs trigger speedy market development
Greece’s energy storage industry has registered substantial growth with Capex support tenders conducted by the country’s energy, waste, and water regulatory authority, with such support being crucial to market certainty for energy storage project developers and technology companies. The model has facilitated defined support for project developers, with financial assistance extending to about EUR 50,000 each year.
After successfully concluding several tender notices, Greece has secured more than 1,000MW of battery energy storage, with its third tender securing 189MW from nine systems with a four-hour duration. Such regulations have encouraged foreign companies with energy storage technology, such as Trina Storage, to invest in multiple projects in Europe, with over 4GWh secured in more than 50 projects.
Amyntaio, a project undertaken by PPC Renewables, marks a cornerstone project for Greece’s energy storage industry, marrying modern technology with optimal geographic location to facilitate Greece’s energy transition to renewables. By partnering with Trina Storage, there is international faith in the growth of Greece’s battery energy storage market, which also offers an opportunity to create capacity in the next multi-gigawatt pipeline projects. Amyntaio marks Western Macedonia’s successful energy transition from fossil fuel-based energy to modern renewable energy systems.
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