German utility RWE and Greek Public Power Corporation (PPC) have begun commercial operation of a 930 MW solar portfolio built on the site of the former Amynteo lignite mine in Western Macedonia.
The project consists of nine solar power plants, grouped into three clusters, and was developed through their joint venture Meton Energy, in which RWE holds a 51% stake and PPC the remaining 49%.
According to the companies, the new solar facilities are expected to generate enough electricity annually to supply the equivalent demand of around 400,000 households. The project is part of Greece’s broader strategy to repurpose former coal mining areas as the country continues its phase-out of lignite-based electricity generation.
RWE and PPC are already advancing the next phase of their cooperation. Construction is currently underway on the Kotyli and Neo Syrakio solar projects in Central Macedonia, which will add an additional 567 MW of capacity. These projects are expected to be completed by 2027 and to generate enough electricity to meet the needs of more than 240,000 households.
PPC said the investments align with its long-term strategy to expand renewable capacity to 19 GW by 2030. Alongside wind and solar expansion, the company also plans significant investments in battery energy storage systems to improve grid integration and support higher shares of renewable generation.
