Cero Generation has announced its 100MW Delfini solar farm in Greece has reached commercial operation.
The project will generate 157GWh of electricity annually, equivalent to powering 58,140 homes and avoiding 65,300 tonnes of CO2e emissions.
The PV array has been built on mountainous terrain and connects a 2.5km 33kV MV (medium voltage) line to a 33/150kV HV (high voltage) substation (110MVA step-up transformer).
It includes a 10km network of overhead lines, consisting of 29 overhead line towers connecting the project into the Electricity Transmission System operated by IPTO (ADMIE).
The project, which was financed by lenders Piraeus Bank and Eurobank, is underpinned by a long-term private power purchase agreement (PPA) with Axpo, making it the first such project in the country not to leverage Greek government subsidies on electricity costs, said Cero.
Delfini is also the first renewable project in Greece to have benefited from the Next Generation EU Recovery and Resilience Facility, added the developer.
Cero’s 26GW portfolio is one of the largest in Europe, and the company now has over 600MW of projects in operation or under construction. It is developing several projects across Greece, including a 370MW solar scheme in central Greece in the municipalities of Domokos and Stylida, in the regional unit of Fthiotida.
“We are delighted to see our Delfini project reach commercial operation, producing cleaner, cheaper, and more secure energy for the Drama region,” said Cero chief executive Marta Martinez Queimadelos.
She added: “I am very proud of the vision, tenacity, and engineering excellence that the Cero team has deployed in order to bring this complex and ambitious project into operation.
“This is a landmark project in Greece, and the PPA with Axpo demonstrates that renewable energy projects can be built without the need for government subsidies.
“We hope this will demonstrate the commercial viability of many other Greek solar PV projects.”
Axpo’s country manager in Greece Machias Vasileios added: “We are thrilled to facilitate such a landmark agreement thanks to our long-standing PPA expertise across several energy markets, in-depth understanding of customer needs and, last but not least, local presence.
“We will continue to support innovative and bespoke energy products and services, which ultimately help advance the region’s energy transition.”
The EPC contractor for the project was Ameresco SUNEL Energy S.A, a joint company established in Greece.
Its chief executive George Sakellaris said: “It is a privilege to be at the forefront of creating a greener, cleaner future for Greece.
“With the Delfini Solar project now fully energized, we mark a historic milestone as one of the first private solar power purchase agreements in Greece.
“This initiative not only paves the way for future agreements that promise economic and environmental advancements, but also signifies a commitment to fostering a sustainable future.”
Sunel Group chief executive Konstantinos Zygouras added: “The Delfini project exemplifies our dedication to innovation and sustainability, while directly benefiting the local community.
“By delivering more affordable energy to the grid, Delfini will play a crucial role in reducing costs for consumers.
“This project sets a new benchmark in the renewable energy sector, and we are proud to lead the way in creating sustainable energy solutions.”