Greece is accelerating its energy transition by transforming former lignite mining regions into major renewable energy hubs. Through their joint venture Meton Energy, owned 51% by RWE and 49% by PPC, the two companies have commissioned 930 MWp of solar capacity in Northern Greece. Built on the site of the former Amynteo open-cast lignite mine, the projects are expected to generate enough clean electricity to supply more than 400,000 households annually, marking one of the largest renewable developments in the region.
The initiative represents more than a shift toward renewable power—it is also a model for industrial and regional transformation. Former coal mining areas often benefit from existing grid infrastructure, experienced energy-sector workforces, transport networks and strong political support for economic transition. By repurposing lignite sites for large-scale solar generation, Greece is preserving the energy role of these regions while replacing fossil fuel production with sustainable electricity generation, creating a more resilient and long-term transition pathway.
The strategy is being reinforced through the construction of an additional 567 MWp of solar capacity in Central Macedonia by RWE and PPC. At the same time, PPC’s target of reaching 19 GW of renewable capacity by 2030 highlights the company’s transformation from a coal-dependent utility into a leading renewable energy developer. This large-scale investment programme is expected to create opportunities across the energy value chain, including EPC contractors, grid equipment manufacturers, battery storage providers and corporate offtakers seeking reliable sources of clean electricity.
As renewable capacity continues to expand, market integration will become increasingly important. Higher levels of solar generation are likely to place downward pressure on electricity prices during peak production hours, making issues such as price cannibalization more significant. Greece’s evolving support mechanisms for periods of zero or negative electricity prices reflect the need to adapt market rules alongside renewable deployment. The long-term success of utility-scale solar in former lignite regions will therefore depend not only on new generation capacity, but also on continued investment in battery storage, grid modernization and flexible electricity market design.
