Following the initiative of the Attica Regional Governor, Mr. Giorgios Patoulis, the Region of Attica and the Development Organization “NEW METROPOLITAN ATTICA SA” held a special conference, with the participation of the Mayors of the region. The aim of the conference was to address the issue of the creation and operation of Energy Communities in the form of Regional Administration Organizations (RAO).

The participants present were President of the Board of Directors of New Metropolitan Attica, Mr. Nikolaos Papageorgiou; Vice President, Mr. Petros Mamalakis; Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Iossif Parsalis, Special Energy Consultant, Mr. Nikos Kasimatis and the Senior Coordinator of the Regional Managing Authority, Mr. Dimitris Drosis, who referred to the potential to utilize funds available as part of the Regional Operational Programmes (PEP) 2021-2027.

In his speech, the Governor of Attica, Mr. Giorgos Patoulis, underlined the importance of energy efficiency at the regional level:

“Energy efficient communities now constitute the most representative expression of energy participatory democracy and one of the most important actions in order to achieve the highest possible energy autonomy in the households and businesses of the Region. It is a very significant project in terms of the shift to alternative energy sources, environmental protection and the transition to a clean circular economy. The reduction of energy costs for the municipalities improves the life of inhabitants and protects public health through the reduction of the pollution caused by fossil fuel. Energy Communities combine an entrepreneurial approach with the participation of local residents, resulting in considerable long-term benefits. We envision Attica as a pioneer in the transition to a new model for energy consumption and a paradigm in the battle against energy poverty. Ahead of us lies a very important green project, which will significantly reduce the energy imprint of the Region of Attica, rendering it an inspirational beacon within the country and beyond our borders. Every one of the local authorities of Attica will join in a common goal, all positively contributing to the energy autonomy of each of their municipalities. We have clearly in our sights the establishment of sustainable, citizen-orientated and community-friendly urban and rural districts that make up a green Attica.”

President of the Board of Directors of NMA, Mr. Nikos Papageorgiou, focused on the strategy for the collaboration of Energy Communities arising from the auspicious accord of mayors responsible for these communities:

“The strategy will take the form of two key commitments; the first, moving as far and as quickly away from carbon dioxide emitting energy sources as possible, followed by the provision of access to safe, sustainable and affordable energy for every citizen and household.”

He went on to emphasize that as a development organization of the Region of Attica, New Metropolitan Attica, in cooperation with the local authorities of its multiple municipalities, would prove a highly effective partner in invigorating local financial development with high added value projects in local community-based systems of energy production and management.

Special Energy Consultant, Mr. Nikos Kasimatis, referred to the specific benefits of the Energy Communities of RAO:

• Enhancing the position of Attica’s Municipalities on the energy map of the country with their contribution to the transition to green energy.
• Covering the electricity consumption needs of the entire regional population with clean, green energy.
• Reducing the operational costs of RAO and their legal entities.
• Fund saving for the provision of electricity by the RAO which can be utilized for:

1. the support of RAO social structures,
2. sustainable urban mobility, development of infrastructure and equipment for electric mobility,
3. reduction of energy costs for consumers,
4. implementation of energy saving actions,
5. subsidizing with the electricity required for citizens’ needs,
6. encouraging the participation of local communities in “clean” and sustainable development,
7. enhancement of local economies, regional development and production reorganization,
8. further proliferation of Renewable Energy Sources (RES), with a substantial contribution to the country’s efforts for achieving its energy targets for 2030 (35% RES in the energy mix).

In his closing remarks “NEW METROPOLITAN ATTICA SA” Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Iossif Parsalis, touched on the uniqueness of the region’s municipalities and, therefore, the need to profile each one in some depth, especially in determining the nature of their energy consumption:

“New Metropolitan Attica can prove itself a valuable facilitator in the study of each individual municipality, fine-tuning the collaboration of the RAO to yield the best results in a project that will leave a considerable social imprint. At the same time, the Development Organization will examine possible tools provided by National and EU institutions.”

Energy Communities (EC) constitute urban cooperatives with the aim of combatting energy poverty and restoring energy democracy. The energy sector is going through a phase of transformation on a global level due to the climate change phenomenon, a fact which necessitates the transition to clean forms of energy. This transition, in production and in consumption, is at the top of the agenda, both on a European and a national level.

The European Commission, on 14/7 presented a large energy package, fundamental to which is a revision of the EU target for the contribution of RES to the energy mix from 32% to 40% by the year 2030. The immediate reduction of the cities’ and their citizens’ environmental imprint is encompassed by the European Green Deal as well as the EU’s targets for 55% reduction in pollutants by 2030.

In Greece, Energy Communities were introduced as an institution in 2018 and constitute a particularly useful tool in achieving fair energy transition and climatic neutrality. The National Energy and Climate Plan is already being revised. The target for the energy demand coverage through RES is expected to be revised to 72%, always bearing in mind the ongoing benchmark project of delignification.