ENEL inaugurates Kafireas, the largest wind facility of Greece

Enel, through its Greek renewables subsidiary Enel Green Power Hellas S.A. (“EGPH”), has connected to the grid its new Kafireas wind farm complex, which is the largest of its kind in the country with an overall capacity of more than 154 MW. Located in the municipality of Karystos (Evia), Kafireas involved an overall investment of around 300 million euros. Today’s inauguration ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of Greece, Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Greek Minister of Environment and Energy, Mr. Kostis Hatzidakis, along with Enel Green Power CEO, Mr. Antonio Cammisecra, Enel’s Head of Europe and Euro-Mediterranean Affairs, Mr. Simone Mori, as well as the Head of Enel Green Power Europe, Mr. Aristotelis Chantavas.

Antonio Cammisecra, Enel Green Power CEO, said: “We have reached a significant milestone by connecting to the grid the largest wind project in Greece, one of the first countries where we started our renewable journey more than a decade ago. Kafireas underscores our global commitment to renewable energy and decarbonisation, in line with our pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as well as our commitment to a diversified generation mix at country level.

On top of the supply of zero-emission energy nationwide, this project also has a strong local focus, as we are supporting our stakeholders in Evia by backing sustainability initiatives aimed at enhancing the island’s economy, alongside undertaking environmental protection activities.”

 EGPH already operates two wind farms in the municipality of Karystos, the 7.5 MW Iliolousti I and the 9 MW Iliolousti II. EGPH is a leading owner and operator of renewable plants in Greece; with Kafireas, the company will reach over 460 MW of installed capacity from wind (approximately 354 MW), solar (around 90 MW) and hydro (about 20 MW).

The Kafireas facility, which is a cluster of seven wind farms for a total of 67 turbines, will be capable of generating approximately 480 GWh per year, which is set to reduce CO₂ emissions into the atmosphere by 315,000 tonnes annually. The facility is supported by a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Hellenic Electricity Market Operator (DAPEEP).

The wind project includes the interconnection with mainland Greece through a 150kV high-voltage overhead, underground and submarine cable as well as two new 150 kV high-voltage substations in Evia. The energy from Kafireas will be delivered to the national grid on mainland Greece through the super-high-voltage station located in Pallini, Attica.

The construction of Kafireas has implemented Enel’s “Sustainable Construction Site” model, involving the recycling of 550,000 tonnes of soil and stones excavated during construction to revert an inactive quarry to nature, as well as the reuse of 10 tonnes of construction materials like wooden pallets, in cooperation with the local community, to fix the stables of local shepherds.

In line with the Creating Shared Value (CSV) model adopted by the Enel Group, which aims to combine business development and local community needs, EGPH has carried out sustainability projects in support of local activities such as beekeeping and livestock breeding.

These projects include the creation, throughout the wind parks, of special areas for the optimal positioning of beehives and ramps to facilitate the movement of sheep and goats. Other initiatives being carried out include the reforestation of around 100 hectares, including the wild chestnut forest of Kastanologgos of 64 hectares, with the aim to recreate and protect the wider ecosystem, support forestry activities, as well as promoting sustainable tourism.