Hydropower is an important—but not dominant—part of Greece’s energy system. Here’s a clear overview of how it works in Greece, its scale, and its challenges.
Overview of hydropower in Greece
Hydropower uses flowing or stored water (usually behind dams) to spin turbines and generate electricity. It is considered a renewable energy source because it relies on the natural water cycle.
In Greece:
- Hydropower supplies roughly 6–10% of electricity, typically around 8–9% in recent years.
- It is mainly used to cover peak demand (when electricity use is highest).
- It is one of the country’s oldest renewable energy sources, developed significantly after the 1950s.
Key characteristics
1. Geography helps—but also limits
- Greece is over 80% mountainous, especially in the north and west, which is favorable for hydropower.
- Rivers, rainfall, and snowmelt provide good conditions—but not as abundant as in countries like Norway.
2. Large vs. small hydropower
There are two main types:
Large hydropower plants
- Built with dams and reservoirs
- Provide significant electricity and grid stability
- Examples include major plants like Kremasta and Thisavros (among the largest in Greece)
Small hydropower plants
- Typically <15 MW capacity in Greece
- Often run on river flow (no big dams)
- Lower environmental impact
- Growth has been relatively slow despite good potential
3. Energy potential
- Theoretical hydropower potential: ~80 TWh/year
- Economically viable: ~12 TWh/year
- Currently developed: about 40% of that potential
This means Greece still has untapped hydropower capacity, especially in small-scale projects.
Role in the energy system
Hydropower in Greece plays several roles:
- Peak load balancing (quickly adjusting supply)
- Energy storage (via pumped-storage systems)
- Grid stability support for wind and solar integration
- Water management (irrigation, flood control)
Challenges
Despite its benefits, hydropower expansion in Greece faces obstacles:
- Environmental concerns (ecosystem disruption from dams)
- Climate change & droughts, reducing water availability
- Regulatory and investment barriers, slowing new projects
- Limited remaining sites for large dams
Future outlook
Hydropower will likely:
- Remain stable (not rapidly growing) as a share of energy
- Become more important for energy storage and flexibility, especially with more solar and wind
- Expand mainly through small hydro projects and upgrades, rather than new large dams