Energy Policies of IEA Countries: Greece 2017 Review

Overview of Greece's Energy Policies

Executive Summary

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has been conducting in-depth energy policy reviews of its member countries since 1976. The review process supports member countries' energy policy development and mutual learning, encouraging the exchange of international best practices and experiences. In 2016, the IEA shifted its focus to key energy security challenges in fast-changing global energy markets and the transition to a clean energy system.

Key Findings

• Energy Security: Greece has made significant efforts to advance energy sector reforms in a challenging environment of declining consumption and constrained finances.
• Renewable Energy: Greece has prioritized the development of its abundant renewable energy resources, with renewables playing a key role in the electricity sector. However, there is a need to explore renewable resources beyond solar and wind and advance their usage in non-electricity sectors.
• Energy Efficiency: Despite recent initiatives, there is substantial room for improvement, especially in the building sector. Enhancing public awareness about the benefits of energy efficiency and making funding more accessible would support these efforts.

Key Recommendations

• Renewable Energy: Implement additional initiatives to accelerate the shift towards renewable energy sources, including on Greek islands, without compromising electricity security.
• Energy Efficiency: Enhance public awareness about the benefits of energy efficiency and make funding more accessible.

Detailed Analysis

Energy Security

• Oil: Greece's oil supply is supported through emergency response capabilities, but there is a need to ensure long-term economic prospects and move towards a low-carbon economy.
• Natural Gas: Further details will be provided in a separate section.

Renewable Energy

• Current Status: Renewables play a key role in the electricity sector due to a supportive policy environment.
• Future Initiatives: Greece should explore renewable resources beyond solar and wind and advance their usage in non-electricity sectors.
• Greek Islands: Specific recommendations for the Greek islands will be detailed in the report.

Energy Efficiency

• Building Sector: There is substantial room for improvement in the building sector.
• Public Awareness: Enhancing public awareness about the benefits of energy efficiency and making funding more accessible would support these efforts.

Recommendations

• Diversify Energy Sources: Greece should diversify its energy sources and reduce the carbon intensity of the economy.
• Comprehensive Energy Market Reforms: Implement comprehensive energy market reforms to make the sector more competitive and clean.

Conclusion

This report aims to provide recommendations that support the Greek government's efforts to diversify energy sources and reduce the carbon intensity of the economy while implementing comprehensive energy market reforms. The goal is to help Greece implement its energy reforms successfully and ensure long-term economic prospects and a low-carbon future.