New Photovoltaic Park in Aetolia-Acarnania: Energy Relief for 300,000 Citizens

The Region of Western Greece (Perifereia Dytikis Elladas) is proceeding with the implementation of the largest public cooperative photovoltaic (PV) park in Greece. The project, established by a recent law passed in the Hellenic Parliament (Vouli), is planned for development in Aetolia-Acarnania and represents a major step toward energy transition and sustainable regional development.

Project Characteristics and Funding

The capacity of the new PV station is projected to reach 105 MW, making it the largest public virtual net-metering project in the country and one of the largest in Europe. Virtual net-metering is a mechanism—part of the myDATA, Greece's mandatory e-invoicing platform regulatory environment—allowing production from a remote renewable source to offset local consumption. The station will be constructed on public land in Mesolonghi, specifically at the Polder estate, which was granted to the Region of Western Greece by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food (Ypoyrgeio Agrotikis Anaptyxis kai Trofimon).

European funding has been secured for the investment. Specifically, part of the project's coverage will come from the Regional Operational Program (ROP) of Western Greece, through which €25 million ($27.2 million) has already been allocated, strengthening the region's role in the new energy landscape.

Social Impact and Energy Relief

The project carries a strong social mandate, aiming for a substantial reduction in energy costs for local communities. According to estimates by the Ministry of Environment and Energy (YPEN - Ypoyrgeio Perivallontos kai Energeias), the reduction in energy expenditure for beneficiaries will reach 62%.

In total, the park's benefits directly concern nearly 300,000 residents across twelve municipalities in the region. Of these, 147,000 farmers and citizens are set to gain significant energy security. Additionally, the project provides for the supply of free energy to 17,000 vulnerable households, providing essential relief to the region's lowest-income groups.

Statements and "Energy Democracy" Objectives

During his visit to the region, Minister Stavros Papastavrou described the project as a milestone that puts "energy democracy"—the concept of decentralized and inclusive energy production—into practice. He emphasized the government's commitment to maintaining a presence in the regions with policies that address real needs, safeguard energy security, and improve citizens' daily lives. He noted that the endeavor is being realized thanks to the organized and documented preparation of the Regional Authority.

For his part, the Regional Governor (Perifereiarchis) of Western Greece, Nektarios Farmakis, spoke of the realization of a major vision for the area. He noted that the institutional framework for the Region's Energy Communities (legal entities allowing local authorities and citizens to participate in renewable energy projects) provides the capacity to implement this large-scale cooperative project, thanking the Ministry leadership and the Prime Minister for their decisive support. Finally, he underlined that the responsibility now focuses on the rapid completion of the park so that its benefits can be swiftly delivered to the citizens.