Ameresco Sunel Energy has begun constructing Lightsource BP’s 560MW Enipease solar project in Greece.
The Enipeas project, co-funded by the European Union through the “NextGenerationEU” fund, is located in the regions of Larissa and Fthiotida and it is expected to reach completion within 18 to 24 months.
The project comprises two clusters: Skopia, a 400MW southern cluster, and Kalithea, a 160MW northern cluster, where nearly 970,000 photovoltaic modules will be installed. Upon completion, the project is expected to generate 0.90TWh of electricity annually, powering the equivalent of 225,000 households and avoiding CO2 emissions by 379kt per year.
Ameresco Sunel Energy is a joint venture between solar player Ameresco and EPC outfit Sunel Group.
Lightsource BP started its operations in the United Kingdom in 2010, and has since developed an installed capacity exceeding 9.5GW of solar projects across 19 markets.
“The 560MWp Enipeas project contributes substantially to create a more sustainable future for Greece as it will provide affordable, secure, and cleaner energy and will support the country’s decarbonisation goals and energy independence. We are excited to partner with Ameresco Sunel Energy SA on Enipeas, one of the largest clean energy projects of its kind in Europe,” said Natalia Paraskevopoulou, Lightsource BP’s Head of Country for Greece.
She added: “Additionally, the Enipeas project will contribute to boosting the local economy.
“The presence of workers and contractors will drive demand for housing, groceries, and other local services, generating additional income for local businesses and entrepreneurs.”
Ameresco Sunel Energy has already hired several local contractors and service providers, including a local civil contractor, community liaison officer, security guards, environmental subcontractors, water supply services, aggregates, and concrete supplies as well as a welfare cleaner.
Ameresco Sunel Energy SA has rented several accommodations in Skopia village for project personnel and provided two tractors to the communities of Skopia and Kallithea.
The team plans to further boost local employment by hiring additional workers, security guards, and subcontractors for various construction and infrastructure related jobs.
“Our efforts align with Lightsource bp’s commitment of delivering clean, secure energy while using local talent as much as possible,” said George Sakellaris, CEO at Ameresco.