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Energy Efficiency Trends and Policies in Greece 1

Energy Efficiency trends and policies in Greece

July 2018


Contact persons:

Minas Iatridis, Centre for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving (CRES), Greece

Argyro Giakoumi, Centre for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving (CRES), Greece

Fotini Karamani, Centre for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving (CRES), Greece

The sole responsibility for the content of this publication lies with the authors. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Communities. The European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.


TABLE OF CONTENT

TABLE OF CONTENT .............................................................................................................................3

LIST OF FIGURES ...................................................................................................................................4

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..........................................................................................................................6

1. ECONOMIC AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY CONTEXT ...................................................................8

1.1. Economic context ........................................................................................................................... 8

1.2. Total Energy consumption and intensities ..................................................................................... 9

1.3. Energy efficiency policy background ............................................................................................ 15

1.3.1. Energy efficiency targets .............................................................................................................. 15

2. ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN BUILDINGS ....................................................................................... 21

2.1. Energy efficiency trends ............................................................................................................... 21

2.1.1 Residential sector.............................................................................................................................. 21

2.1.2 service sector .................................................................................................................................... 26

2.2. Energy efficiency policies ............................................................................................................. 27

3. ENERGY EFFIENCY IN TRANSPORT ........................................................................................ 35



4. ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN INDUSTRY ........................................................................................ 45



5. ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN AGRICULTURE ................................................................................ 51



REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................................... 52


LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: GDP and VA GREECE 2000-2016 .............................................................................................................. 8

Figure 2: Yearly variation of GDP and VA GREECE 2000-2016 ................................................................................ 9

Figure 3: Final energy consumption in Greece 2000-2016 ................................................................................... 10

Figure 4: Yearly variation of Final energy consumption in Greece 2000-2016 ..................................................... 10

Figure 5: Final energy consumption per fuel in Greece 2000-2016 ...................................................................... 11

Figure 6: Share per fuel in final energy consumption mix in Greece 2000-20016 ................................................ 12

Figure 7: Final Energy Consumption by sector in Greece 2000-20016 ................................................................. 12

Figure 8: Share per sector in final energy consumption in Greece 2000-2016 ..................................................... 13

Figure 9: Primary and Final Energy Intensity Greece 2000-2016 .......................................................................... 14

Figure 10: Global Energy efficiency index-ODEX, in Greece 2000-2016 ............................................................... 14

Figure 11: Final Energy Consumption in Residential 2000-2016 ........................................................................... 22

Figure 12: Final Energy Consumption by fuel, Residential 2000-2016 .................................................................. 22

Figure 13: Share in final Energy Consumption by fuel in Residential 2000-2016 ................................................. 23

Figure 14: Final Energy Consumption by End Use in Residential 2000-2015 ........................................................ 24

Figure 15: Share of Final Energy Consumption by Energy Use in Residential 2000-2016 ..................................... 24

Figure 16: Residential Energy Efficiency Index-ODEX, in Greece 2000-2016 ........................................................ 25

Figure 17: Final Energy Consumption in Services in Greece 2000-2016 ............................................................... 26

Figure 18: Final Energy Consumption by Fuel in Services in Greece 2000-2016 ................................................... 26

Figure 19: Share of Final Energy Consumption by Fuel in Services in Greece 2000-2016 .................................... 27

Figure 20: Final Energy Consumption in Transport in Greece 2000-2016 ............................................................ 35

Figure 21: Final Energy Consumption by fuel in Transport in Greece 2000-2016 ................................................. 36

Figure 22: Share of Final Energy Consumption by Fuel in Transport, Greece 2000-2016 ..................................... 36

Figure 23: Final Energy Consumption by mode in Transport 2000-2016 .............................................................. 37

Figure 24: Share by mode in Transport 2000-2016 ............................................................................................... 37

Figure 25: Share by vehicle in road transport in Greece 2000-2016 ..................................................................... 38

Figure 26: Energy Efficiency Index in Transport 2000-2016 .................................................................................. 38

Figure 27: Final Energy Consumption in Industry 2000-2016 ............................................................................... 45


Figure 28: Final Energy Consumption by fuel in Industry 2000-2016 ................................................................... 46

Figure 29: Share of Final Energy Consumption by Fuel in Industry in Greece 2000-2016 .................................... 46

Figure 30: Final Energy Consumption by Branch in Industry in Greece 2000-2016 .............................................. 47

Figure 31: Energy Efficiency Index-ODEX in Industry 2000-2016 .......................................................................... 47

Figure 32: Final Energy consumption of agriculture sector 2000-2016 ................................................................ 51


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report represents the case study of Greece for the HORIZON 2020 project “ODYSSEE-MURE, a

decision support tool for energy efficiency policy evaluation – ODYSSEE - MURE”. It introduces an

analysis of energy efficiency trends for Greece over the period 2000 – 2016. It gives an overview of

energy efficiency trends on the basis of indicators extracted from the ODYSSEE database. Moreover,

it gives an overview of energy efficiency policies and measures based on MURE database.

Overall Trends

During the period 2000-2007, the total final energy consumption was increased by 18% with a 3%

average yearly increasing. However, both the implementation of measures to improve energy end-

use efficiency and the economic recession, have resulted in a significant reduction of final energy

consumption in 2007-2013. The total final energy consumption during this period follows an average

decreasing trend of 6% per year, that lead to a significant reduction of final energy consumption by

31% during this period. In the period 2013-2016 a slight increase is observed by 9%. The energy

efficiency index (ODEX) for all sectors in Greece decreased regularly by 33%, between the years 2000

and 2016.

Industry

Since 2000 to 2016, the final energy consumption in industry has significant decreased by 30%.

Although until 2007 the industry’s final energy consumption was almost stable, the industry sector

was one of the first sectors which sustain the effects of the economic recession in final energy

consumption. This fact led to the decrease of final energy consumption of industry, over the last

years. The energy consumption has reduced almost in all industrial branches. The energy efficiency

index (ODEX) has improved by 29% in 2016 compared to 2000 (Figure 33). This improvement in the

energy efficiency index was the result of major decreases in chemical (41%), steel (42%) and paper

(46%) industry sectors.

Buildings

The building sector, which is consisting of the residential and tertiary sector, consumes 33% of the

final energy in Greece. Since 2000 to 2013, the final energy consumption in households has

decreased by 16%, while in the period 2013-2016 an increase of 14% is observed. Although until

2006 the households’ final consumption was steadily increasing, the households sector was one of

the sectors which sustain the effects of the economic recession in final energy consumption. This

fact, in combination with the energy efficiency measures that have been implemented since 2007,

led to the decrease of final energy consumption of household sector. Although until 2008 the service

sector final energy consumption had steadily increased by 7% average per year, the service sector

was also one of the sectors which sustain the effects of the economic recession in final energy

consumption. The residential energy efficiency index (ODEX) for Greece has decreased by 28%,

between the years 2000 and 2016.


Transport

Since 2000 to 2009, the final energy consumption in transport has increased by 26%. This steadily

increase of final energy consumption until 2009, has reversed after this year. The total energy

consumption of the sector had been reduced in the period 2009-2013 by 32%, mainly because of the

reduction of petroleum products consumption by 31%. The energy consumption in all transport

modes has decreased following the trends of the total sector. In the period 2013-2016 a slight

increase of 7% is observed in the sector. In 2016, the overall energy efficiency of the transport sector

has improved by 40% compared to 2000. The measures that contributed to the significant energy

savings that seem to be achieved in the transport sector are mainly related to the linking of the

taxation of vehicles with CO2 emissions, information, public awareness and education measures to

increase use of public transport and promotion of economical driving (Eco-Driving).


1. ECONOMIC AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY CONTEXT

1.1. ECONOMIC CONTEXT

During the period 2000-2007, GDP in Greece increased by 32%, following an average annual growth

rate of 4%. In the same period, the increase of added value almost in all sectors was also substantial

(Figure 1). This increase is mainly due to the boost for major investments and infrastructure

constructions for the Olympic Games and the inflow from EU structural funds which contributed to

this economic performance, during the period 2000-2007.

The official data from ELSTAT and Eurostat demonstrate the clear impact of the economic recession

on the Greek economy during the period 2007-2016. All sectors of economic activity show a decrease

in Gross Value Added, particularly for the period 2009-2013, where the impact of the economic

recession was being felt in the real economy.

Despite the increase in the service sector for the year 2008 which was 8.3% compared to 2007, in the

following period 2008-2013 there was a decreasing trend with an average decreasing rate of 5%,

while in the period 2013-2016 the Added Value of the service sector stays almost stable. The total

decrease for the period 2008-2016 was 26% (Figure 1).

The industrial sector shows an overall decline in Gross Value Added for the period 2007-2016 of 50%,

with a yearly average declining rate of 6% (Figure 1).

Figure 1: GDP and VA GREECE 2000-2016

* at current prices

Source: Eurostat


Figure 2: Yearly variation of GDP and VA GREECE 2000-2016

* at current prices

Source EUROSTAT

1.2. TOTAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND INTENSITIES

The trend of final energy consumption in Greece has changed during the period 2000-2016 (Figure

4). During the period 2000-2007, a yearly average increasing by 3% in the final energy consumption,

led to a total increase of final energy consumption by 18%, from 18.7 Mtoe in 2000 to 22.1 Mtoe in

2007. This increase is occurred mainly because of the economic growth of the country and the new

habits that were adopted by final consumers, during this period. This growing trend mainly came

from the increase of oil consumption by 15% (10.7 Mtoe in 2000 to 14.7 Mtoe in 2007) and a major

increase in electricity consumption by 28% (3.7 Mtoe in 2000 to 4.7 Mtoe in 2007), as this products

are the basic energy sources that participate in the final energy mix in Greece (Figure 6).

However, both the implementation of measures to improve energy end-use efficiency and the

economic recession, have resulted in a significant reduction of final energy consumption in 2008-

2013. The total final energy consumption during this period follows an average decreasing trend of

6% per year and this subsequently led to a significant reduction of final energy consumption by 30%

during this period, from 22.1 Mtoe in 2007 to 15.3 Mtoe in 2013. This significant decrease was

caused mainly due to the reduction of both petroleum products and electricity by 41% and 12%,

respectively.


In the period 2014-2016 a total increase in the final energy consumption by 8% is observed, from

15.5Mtoe in 2014 to 16.7Mtoe in 2016. The average increasing trend of this period is 3% per year.

This significant increase was caused mainly due to the increase of both petroleum products and

electricity by 8%.

Figure 3: Final energy consumption in Greece 2000-2016

Source: ODYSSEE

Figure 4: Yearly variation of Final energy consumption in Greece 2000-2016

Source: ODYSSEE


Figure 5: Final energy consumption per fuel in Greece 2000-2016

Source: ODYSSEE

During the period 2000-2016 the energy mix of the final consumption has changed. The introduction

of Natural Gas in 1998 led to the increase of the share of natural gas in the energy mix of the country

from 1% in 2000 to 6% in 2016 (Figure 6).

Moreover, the final energy consumption of renewable energy sources has also increased by 26% over

this period, mainly because of the implemented measures to promote the renewable energy sources

in all sectors which resulted to the increasing of the participation of renewables in the final energy

consumption from 6% in 2000 to 8% in 2016.

Finally, mainly because of the increasing cost of heating oil in the last years, the share of electricity

consumption in the final consumption has increased from 20% in 2000 to 27% in 2016, leading to the

reduction of the share of oil products in the final energy mix of the country. However, oil products

remain the dominant energy source of final consumers in Greece (Figure 6).


Figure 6: Share per fuel in final energy consumption mix in Greece 2000-20016

Source: ODYSSEE

The transport sector consumes the biggest part of final energy consumption in Greece with 6.8 Mtoe

in 2016 (Figure 7). Since 2008 to 2013, there was a reduction in consumption specifically in the

industrial, residential and agriculture sector, which is possibly due to the fact that these sectors were

the first ones which were affected by the economic recession. This fact had an influence in the final

energy consumption, which was further enhanced by the increase in energy prices. In the period

2014-2016 an increase in the consumption is observed.

Figure 7: Final Energy Consumption by sector in Greece 2000-20016

Source: ODYSSEE


The energy share of residential and transport sectors have been increased by 1% and 2%

correspondingly (Figure 8) comparing 2000 and 2016. On the other hand, the energy share of

industry and agriculture has decreased by 5% and 4% respectively for the same years. This is due to

the significant increase by 5% in the contribution of the tertiary sector in Greece's final energy

consumption, which is consistent with the orientation of the Greek economy, which is increasingly

evolving into a service economy, where the tertiary sector is gaining an ever increasing market share.

In the following chapters of this report a detailed analysis of all sectors is presented.

Figure 8: Share per sector in final energy consumption in Greece 2000-2016

Source: ODYSSEE

Concerning the overall energy intensities, two general indicators are generally used to characterize

the overall energy efficiency trends: the primary energy intensity (i.e. the ratio primary consumption

over GDP), and the final energy intensity (ratio final consumption over GDP). The primary intensity

provides an assessment of the energy productivity of the whole economy. The final intensity

characterizes the energy productivity of final consumers only. The final consumption, according to

the ODYSSEE definitions, excludes non-energy uses.

In 2016, primary and final energy intensity has decreased by 13% and 9% respectively compared to

2000 (Figure 9).


Figure 9: Primary and Final Energy Intensity Greece 2000-2016

Source: ODYSSEE

The Global energy efficiency index (ODEX) for Greece decreased regularly by 33%, between the years

2000 and 2016 mainly because of the energy efficiency measures that started to apply since 2008

and the economic crisis, leading to a total improvement in energy efficiency by 33% over these years

(Figure 10).

Figure 10: Global Energy efficiency index-ODEX, in Greece 2000-2016

Source: ODYSSEE


1.3. ENERGY EFFICIENCY POLICY BACKGROUND

The main pillar of all the efforts towards achieving the EU target of improving energy efficiency was

Directive 2006/32/EC, transposed into Greek legislation by means of Law 3855/2010. Under this

Directive, and by extension the aforementioned Law, the National Energy Efficiency Action Plans

(NEEAPs) provide a framework for the development of a strategy at national level, to further improve

energy end-use efficiency through the implementation of concrete measures and policies in the

various energy end-use sectors.

In this context, national EEAPs consist of useful policy tool not only for meeting the obligation of

reporting to the EU on the applied and planned measures for energy end-use and savings achieved,

but also as a national energy policy tool focusing on the improvement of energy efficiency.

Moreover, they can also be used as an energy policy tool both at Community level, to help extract

aggregate and comparative results at EU level, and will contribute to developing a common European

energy policy.

In October 2012, the European Commission adopted the new Directive 2012/27/EU on energy

efficiency with clear focus on achieving the overall energy efficiency target of reducing primary

energy consumption by 20% by 2020. The requirement to amend Directive 2006/32/EC on energy

services and to adopt the new Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency was the result of the signs

of divergence in achieving the target of Directive 2006/32/EC which were apparent from the National

Energy Efficiency Action Plans (NEEAP I & II) already submitted by the Member States, and the need

to update the legal framework for energy efficiency in the EU.

Directive 2012/27/EC came into force on 4 December 2012, repealing Directive 2006/32/EC and

Directive 2004/8/EC on cogeneration, with a deadline for compliance of 5 June 2014. Progress

towards the indicative energy savings target of 9% by 2016 under Directive 2006/32/EC is a

benchmark in the context of Directive 2012/27/EU and is part of this National Energy Efficiency

Action Plan (NEEAP).

The Directive 2012/27/EC was transposed into Greek legislation by the Law 4342/2015.

Thus, increasing energy efficiency is a key factor in meeting future challenges at both national and

European level. Reducing energy demand and focusing on improving energy efficiency are a key goal

of Greece in fulfilling its European commitments.

1.3.1. ENERGY EFFICIENCY TARGETS

The new Law 4342/2015 on energy efficiency sets several milestones demonstrating the trend of

compliance with the recommendations of the 2012/27/EU Directive.

The first milestone was the definition of the national energy efficiency target, as provided for in

Article 4 of the Law. The target was determined initially in the annual report on the implementation

of Directive 2012/27/EU, which was submitted in April 2013. However, under this NEEAP, this target

was updated to be consistent with the recently revised national energy strategy of the country up to

2030.


More specifically, the energy efficiency target set for 2020 is to achieve final energy consumption

levels of 18.4 Mtoe. It was decided to base the target on final energy consumption taking account of

the fact that this determines the requirements and demand for energy and, at the same time, the

calculation models for predicting the development and evolution of the energy system used simulate

final energy consumption more effectively.

Moreover, primary energy consumption in 2020 will amount to 24.7 Mtoe, whereas the energy

intensity of primary energy consumption and the energy intensity of final energy consumption in the

Greek economy in 2020 will be equal to 0.109 and 0.081 koe/€ respectively. The target for 2020 is

derived from estimates of the development of both the Greek economy, and the implementation of

measures, actions and programmes for improving energy efficiency, penetration of RES and

achieving energy savings in final consumption and primary energy production.

Furthermore, the energy savings target for the period 2014-2020, as calculated under Article 9 of the

Law 4342/2015 concerning the adoption of energy efficiency obligation schemes, is 3,332.7 ktoe

(38.8 TWh) in total, out of which the total for all new annual savings is 902.1 ktoe (10.5 TWh). The

intermediate periods for monitoring progress towards reaching the total energy savings target, as

well as the new savings, are defined as the following periods:

a) (2014-2015, during which the intermediate total energy savings target will be 300.7 ktoe (3.5

TWh), and

b) 2016-2018, during which the intermediate total energy savings target will be 1.678.9 ktoe

(19.5 TWh).

Firstly, it was decided to meet the energy savings target exclusively by adopting appropriate

equivalent policy measures to ensure energy savings among final consumers, without setting up an

energy efficiency obligation scheme for obligated parties (retail energy sales companies and energy

distributors). Thus, alternative policy measures were established to achieve energy savings among

final consumers. The bodies which are responsible for implementing these measures are the

competent public authorities, and their final beneficiaries are central and the general government,

public and private sector businesses, as well as final consumers. Later on, the adoption and

implementation of the energy efficiency obligation scheme was decided and established under a

Ministerial Decision (No 174063 / 11.04.2017). Thus, from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2020 an

energy efficiency obligation scheme is in place which ensures that energy distributors and/or

retailers defined as obligated parties operating in the Greek territory will achieve a specific

cumulative end-use energy savings target.

Under Article 5 on the exemplary role of public bodies’ buildings, it was decided to renovate 3% of

the total floor area of heated and/or cooled buildings owned and occupied by the central

government without applying the alternative approach. Moreover, a list of heated and/or cooled

central government buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m2 was published.

This section presents an overview of horizontal energy efficiency measures covered by Article 7 as

well as other horizontal measures that are not covered by Article 7 and have either been or will be

adopted for the implementation of Articles 19 and 20 of the EED.


The two horizontal alternative measures presented here are:

SAVE and SAVE II programme for local government ogranisations

The purpose of the ‘SAVE’ (ΕΞΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΩ) programme is the implementation of actions and proven

best practices for reducing energy consumption in the urban environment, with emphasis on the

building sector (municipal buildings of 1st grade local authorities) and the upgrade of public spaces,

on one hand, and in the area of municipal and private transport and energy intensive municipal

facilities, on the other, through the implementation of technical interventions and actions to raise

awareness and mobilize citizens, the local government, businesses and bodies.

The call for continuation of the Programme was published in March 2012. The «SAVE ΙΙ»

(ΕΞΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΩ ΙΙ) provides financing to energy saving interventions in existing municipal buildings

and infrastructure of 1st grade local authorities, including open building facilities (swimming pools,

sports facilities etc.). It does not grant funding to projects launched by municipalities or municipal

units (municipalities formerly included in the ‘Kapodistrias’ plan) which are subsidized by the

‘Programme.

The programme ‘Standard demonstration projects on the use of Renewable Energy Sources and

Energy Saving Actions in new, under construction or existing buildings, gyms and swimming pools

owned by local authorities and municipal enterprises of local authorities’ grants financing to

demonstration projects using Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Saving Actions in new, under

construction or existing buildings, gyms and swimming pools owned by local authorities and

municipal enterprises of local authorities.

Furthermore, the participation of Greek municipalities in the European initiative ‘Covenant of

Mayors’ which aims at integrated energy planning at the local level and achieving specific

environmental objectives is supported and promoted both at central and at regional level.

The existing other horizontal measures not covered by Article 7 are the flowing ones:

Information system for monitoring energy efficiency improvement and achieved energy savings

This is a supporting action, the purpose of which is to develop an information system incorporating

all necessary digital services for energy modelling and statistical databases to support the national

policy for improving energy end-use efficiency, under the relevant national energy targets. The target

groups of this measure are:

The energy sector of the Ministry of the Environment and Energy , where the maximum use

of infrastructure and systems to be developed, will enable the efficient monitoring of the

directives on energy end-use efficiency and energy services, and other directives relating to

energy savings.

Businesses and professionals active in the field of energy savings and cogeneration, as well as

those to be active in the coming years, e.g. energy service companies, energy inspectors, etc.

Final consumers in the residential, tertiary, industrial, agriculture and transport sector.

Through the implementation of the information system, all the necessary tools related to the


quantitative monitoring of national targets will be provided, so that Energy Efficiency Action Plans

are designed and planned, and it will be further possible to ex post evaluate the degree of

implementation of the measures and the achievement of the National Energy Savings Targets

contained therein. The information system will be outward looking and will also form a key support

tool for the operators of the energy market, including companies providing energy services and

energy efficient equipment, end users, energy inspectors, energy decision makers etc.

Programmes to provide financial support for investment in energy saving technologies and

research

The measure concerns public aid for

private investment in renewable energy sources, cogeneration of heat / power / cooling,

energy saving and the substitution of conventional fuels through the resources of the

operational programmes and of the development law.

to promote cooperation between undertakings, research bodies and education

establishments on technological development and demonstration research projects with

long-term relevance to stimulate the production of innovative products and services with the

objective of:

reducing cost and promoting renewable energy sources (RES);

developing new technological applications, systems and energy efficiency

improvement materials;

Tax exemptions on energy savings interventions

The purpose of the measure is to introduce tax incentives to promote energy efficient technologies /

interventions.

The Article 25 of Law 4067/2012 (Government Gazette, Series I, No 79, 09-04-2012) ‘New Building

Code’, provides incentives for minimum energy consumption buildings. More specifically, incentives

are provided to increase the plot ratio to 10% in the case where the building has a particularly high

energy efficiency ratio or environmental performance.

The Law 4178/2013 ‘Tackling illegal building - Environmental Balance and other provisions’

(Government Gazette, Series I, No 174, 08-08-2013) provides that a joint decision of the Ministers for

Finance and for Environment, Energy and Climate Change may allow the amounts paid for services

rendered, work and materials on the energy upgrade and the structural adequacy of buildings

erected before 2003 to be offset against the special fine, up to 50% of the fine. Moreover, Article 51

provides that for legally existing uses of buildings or facilities which are retained, and also for uses

covered by building permits issued under Article 26 of Law 2831/2000, it is permitted, within a

period of three years, to carry out energy upgrading works and works on the layout of building with

the purpose of improving the environment, on the basis of the building regulations which were

applicable at the time the derogation was granted.

The Laws 4110/2013 (Government Gazette, Series I, No 17, 23-01-2013) and 4172/2013

(Government Gazette, Series I, No 167, 23-07-2013) repealed the exemptions for expenses for

energy efficiency improvement interventions, as implemented under Law 3522/2006 (Government

Gazette, Series I, No 276, 22-12-2006) and Law 3842/2010 (Government Gazette, Series I, No 58, 23-

04-2010).


However, the new legislation is expected to introduce a reduction in income tax at a specific

percentage of the costs for energy upgrading interventions of buildings which are performed after an

energy inspection and which relate to the following:

installing a new, or replacing the existing, burner and/or oil boiler system to install a natural

gas system (central or individual) or a system operated mainly by Renewable Energy Sources

or a high efficiency combined heat and power system or a district heating/cooling system,

making interventions in the existing distribution network system (automatic devices,

circulators, chimney, pipe replacement or insulation, etc.), including the terminal heat output

units (radiators, under floor heating system, etc.),

changing the central air conditioning installation from oil powered to natural gas powered or

installing a new natural gas system,

installing solar systems for hot water use and installing a central solar powered air

conditioning system,

installing decentralized power generation systems powered by renewable energy sources

(solar panels, small wind turbines) and cogeneration of electricity and cooling - heating with

natural gas or renewable sources, installing thermal insulation on the building envelope by

placing double energy glazing and heat insulated/ thermally broken window frames,

installing thermal insulation (external and internal) on the building envelope including the

flat roof/roof and the pilot (open parking space in place of the ground floor of the building),

installing automatic control devices for the heating system,

additional work required to complete implementation of the intervention,

the cost of an energy inspection by a qualified energy inspector.

The amount of the expenditure on which the above reduction is calculated may not exceed EUR

15,000.

Implementation of an energy management system (EMS) in the tertiary and public sectors

This in an institutional/ Regulatory measure wich is linked to the establishment of an Energy

Management System. In general, the Energy Management System is a process based on the

international or European standard (EN 16001 or ISO 50001) which aims at monitoring the energy

performance of a system to improve its energy efficiency and reduce energy costs.

Target group of this measure is all public sector buildings and buildings with overall surface area exceeding 1000 m

2

Article 8(1) of Law 3855/2010 provides for the gradual implementation of an energy management

system to all central and general government agencies. Article 8(1) of the this Law also states that

the principles, requirements and guidelines of the Energy Management System shall be determined

in accordance with the International or European Standard (EN 16001), as applicable from time to

time.

Green agricultural and island communities — New development model

The programme ‘Green rural and island communities - New development model’ aims to achieve

balanced, sustainable regional development while creating pioneering economies, highlighting the

particular characteristics of isolated communities, creating new jobs, strengthening various forms of


tourism, familiarizing the public and employees with Green Development practices. The direct result

and purpose of all the above will be to retain and increase the productive population.

The ultimate goal is to implement a new Green Development Standard, offering high added value

potential and prospects for the local economy.

The main objectives of the programme include addressing climate change and reducing air pollution,

achieving energy savings in public buildings and housing, improving thermal, optical and

environmental conditions in public buildings and housing, improving the microclimate of the broader

area, promoting RES and best solid waste management practices, recovering waste energy,

streamlining the facilities for water resources management and protection of vulnerable groups,

especially in extreme weather/climate conditions.

Creating a Rural or Green Island ‘Community’ may, for example, be accomplished through the

following interventions:

(1) Energy savings interventions in public buildings, (2) Transport, (3) Public lighting, (4) Excess RES

energy saving, (5) Bioclimatic upgrade of public spaces, (6) Management of Water Resources, (7)

Management of solid waste - biogas processing unit, (8) Generation of electricity using RES, (9)

Training, dissemination, networking and information actions.

For the period 2017-2020, two new horizontal measures to improve energy efficiency are

established. The main characterisitcs of these programmes are given below:

Energy upgrading of street lighting

This is a funding programme for the tertiary sector, targeting first and second-degree local authority

organizations.

The full title of this funding programme is: ‘Implementation of energy efficiency improvement actions

in street lighting facilities of local authority organisations’ and it is an initiative of the Greek

Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund, with the collaboration of the Centre for Renewable Energy

Sources and Saving (CRES), for the supply and installation of more energy-efficient equipment in the

street lighting facilities of first and second-degree local authority organisations, having the ultimate

goal of saving resources, reducing operating and maintenance costs, and improving the quality of the

lighting facilities of local authority organisations.

A low-interest loan will be raised from the Greek Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund, using

sources of funding of the European Investment Bank and the Greek Consignment Deposits and Loans

Fund. The loan granted will have a maturity of up to 10 years at a floating or fixed interest rate at the

option of the local authority organisations. It is possible for each interested local authority

organisation to apply for either the whole or part of the project budget, if it chooses to finance the

remaining part of the project from a different source of funding. The objective of the programme is

that the estimated annual reductions in the operating and maintenance costs of the street lighting

facilities that will result from its implementation can cover the servicing of the loan (Debt Coverage

Rate > 1) and bring economic benefit to the local authority organisations.

Private investment aid scheme for regional and economic development

This is a funding programme for the primary, industrial and tertiary sector. The target groups are


undertakings which are established or have a branch in Greece at the time of the start of the

investment project .

The categories of eligible costs of investment projects include:

Investment costs for energy-efficiency measures.

Investment costs for high-efficiency cogeneration from RES.

Costs for the production of primary energy from RES.

Costs for installing efficient district heating and cooling systems.

The implementing body is the Ministry of Economy and Development.

The following types of aid are granted to investment projects that are subject to the aid schemes:

Tax deduction.

Grant.

Financial leasing subsidy.

Subsidy for the cost of creating new jobs.

Stabilisation of income tax rate.

Ventura capital financing through a holding fund.

2. ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN BUILDINGS

2.1. ENERGY EFFICIENCY TRENDS

The building sector, which is consisting of the residential and tertiary sector, consumes the 38% of

the final energy in Greece (Figure 8). As these sectors show a different behaviour during the

examined period (2000-2016) concerning the trends in energy consumption, they are examined

separately in this section of the report.

2.1.1 RESIDENTIAL SECTOR

Since 2000, the final energy consumption in households has decreased by 5% from 4.5 Mtoe in 2000

to 4.2 Mtoe in 2016.

Although until 2006 the households’ final consumption was steadily increasing, the households

sector was one of the first sectors which sustain the effects of the economic recession in final energy

consumption. This fact, in combination with the energy efficiency measures that have been

implemented since 2007, led to the decrease of final consumption of household sector (Figure 11).

An increase in residential final consumption occurred in 2011 mainly because of the colder winter

(Figure 12). Another reason is that this year the government announced that a new tax in heating oil

will be implement in 2012, that would led to the increase of heating oil cost by 50%. These facts led

the consumers to procure the heating oil for the next years in 2011, leading to the significant

increase of final energy consumption in residential sector.


Figure 11: Final Energy Consumption in Residential 2000-2016

Source: ODYSSEE

Figure 12: Final Energy Consumption by fuel, Residential 2000-2016

Source: ODYSSEE

During the period 2000-2013 the energy mix of residential sector has change. From 2000 to 2006 the

petroleum products are the main fuels that are used by the residential sector (more than 50%, Figure

13). After 2006, by the introduction of Natural Gas in the energy mix of the country, part of the needs

of residential that had covered by petroleum products, started to cover by natural gas, fact that led

to the reduction of the percentage of petroleum products at the mix of final energy consumption.


After 2012, because of the high cost of petroleum products the main fuel that is consumed in the

residential sector is the electricity (40%). Moreover in 2016, because of measures for promoting the

renewable energy sources, the percentage of these increased by 7% compare to the average

percentage of the period 2000-2010, from 17% to 24% respectively (Figure 13).

Figure 13: Share in final Energy Consumption by fuel in Residential 2000-2016

Source: ODYSSEE

The biggest part of final energy consumption in households is consuming for space heating (Figure

14). Households in 2000 consumed for space heating 3.1 Mtoe against 2.8 Mtoe in 2015; namely a

13% total reduction in space heating energy consumption. The energy share of electric appliances

and lighting, between the years 2000 and 2015 has increased by 6% (Figure 15) because of the

increase of their number and size. The energy consumption for cooking and hot water production

remains almost constant during the period 2000-2015, with a slight increase for cooking in the period

2013-2015 (Figure 15).


Figure 14: Final Energy Consumption by End Use in Residential 2000-2015

Source: ODYSSEE

Figure 15: Share of Final Energy Consumption by Energy Use in Residential 2000-2016

Source: ODYSSEE


The residential energy efficiency index (ODEX) Greece decreased regularly by an average of 2%, in

the period 2000 - 2016 mainly because of the energy efficiency measures that started to apply since

2008 and the economic recession, leading to a total improvement in energy efficiency by 30% over

these years (Figure 16).

Figure 16: Residential Energy Efficiency Index-ODEX, in Greece 2000-2016

Source: ODYSSEE


2.1.2 SERVICE SECTOR

Although until 2008 the service sector final consumption was steadily increased by 7% average per

year, the service sector was one of the first sectors which sustain the effects of the economic

recession in final energy consumption (Figure 17). This fact led to the decrease of final consumption

of the sector, since 2009, with exemption 2012 where a slight increase has occurred, mainly because

of the increase of electricity consumption (Figure 18). Also an increase is observed in the period

2014-2016, with an average increase of 9% per year (Figure 17).

Figure 17: Final Energy Consumption in Services in Greece 2000-2016

Source: ODYSSEE

Figure 18: Final Energy Consumption by Fuel in Services in Greece 2000-2016

Source: ODYSSEE


The energy mix that is consuming in tertiary sector remains stable, with an exemption of the

introduction of Natural gas. The electricity remains the main fuel with a percentage of 79% in the

overall energy consumption of the sector (Figure 19).

Figure 19: Share of Final Energy Consumption by Fuel in Services in Greece 2000-2016

Source: ODYSSEE

2.2. ENERGY EFFICIENCY POLICIES

Under Article 5 of Directive 27/2012/EE on the exemplary role of public bodies’ buildings, it was

decided to renovate 3% of the total floor area of heated and/or cooled buildings owned and

occupied by the central government without applying the alternative approach. Moreover, a list of

heated and/or cooled central government buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m2 was

published.

Directive 2010/31/EU of the European Parliament were transposed into national law by Law

4122/2013 ‘Energy efficiency of buildings – transposing Directive 2010/31/EU of the European

Parliament and of the Council, and other provisions’ (Government Gazette, Series I, No 42, 19-02-

2013).

Article 9(2) of this law provides for establishing a national plan to increase the number of nearly zero-

energy buildings, which may include different goals depending on the category of use of the building,

and notifying it to the European Commission.

A study is currently being completed in accordance with the reporting requirements set out in the

EPBD Directive (2010/31/EU). Specifically, the study includes:

specifications of the technical characteristics of nearly-zero energy buildings, taking into

account national, regional or local conditions, including an indicator of primary energy use in


kilowatt-hours per square meter per year (kWh/m2/year),

information on the policies and financial or other measures taken to promote nearly-zero

energy buildings, including details of national requirements and measures for the use of

energy from renewable sources in new buildings and existing buildings undergoing major

renovation,

Moreover, Article 10(2) of Law 4122/2013 provides for measures, funding programmes and other

means to improve the energy efficiency of new and existing buildings. In establishing incentives, the

cost-optimal energy efficiency levels along with the costs and benefits of energy efficiency

investments to society are taken into account. The joint decision of the Ministers for Finance,

Environment, Energy and Climate Change and of any other competent minister, specifying the

measures stated in Article 10(2), is pending.

The list of heated and/or cooled central government buildings in accordance with Article 5 of

Directive 2012/27/EC was posted on YPEKA’s website on 31 December 2013. The list contained

heated and/or cooled buildings of central government with a total useful floor area of over 500 m2.

The identification of the bodies of the central government was based on the definition of the Central

Administration provided in Article 2 of Law 3871/ 2010 ‘Financial management and accountability’

(Government Gazette, Series I, No 141) in accordance with which the Central Government is

comprised by the Presidency of the Republic, the Ministries, the Decentralized Administrations and

the Independent Authorities.

The list was drafted based on information from the Special Department for Strategic Planning,

Coordination and Implementation of Programmes (EYSSEP) of the Ministry of Administrative Reform

and E-Governance, as derived from a project deliverable implemented under the Administrative

Reform Operational Programme entitled ‘Recording and Analysis of Current Situation’ and involves

the recording of the central government’s building infrastructure, with sufficient identification data,

taking into account changes that have occurred in ownership due to the sale by the Hellenic Republic

Asset Development Fund (HRADF). This process resulted in the drafting of a final list of 82 buildings,

with a total floor area of 309 712 m2.

Finally, in Article 5(7) of the Directive sets the necessary framework for public bodies at regional and

local level to be encouraged to play an exemplary role as regards energy efficiency of buildings.

In the following paragraphs an overview of the existing and new measures for the mobilisation of

investments for the renovation of residential and tertiary sector buildings are presented.

The existing measures comprise to the following ones:

Regulation on the Energy Performance of Buildings

Law 3661/2008 ‘Measures to reduce energy consumption in buildings and other provisions’

(Government Gazette, Series I, No 89, 19-05-2008) harmonizes Greek legislation with Directive

2002/91/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2002 on the energy

performance of buildings (OJ L1, 4.1.2003).

Law 3661/2008 incorporates all the provisions of the Directive, provides for the adoption of a


Regulation on the Energy Performance of Buildings and distinguishes five main themes: definition of

minimum energy performance requirements and the method for calculating energy performance

(Article 3) of new and existing buildings (Articles 4 and 5), issue of energy performance certificate

(Article 6), inspections to boilers and air-conditioning systems (Articles 7 and 8), provision of qualified

and accredited energy inspectors (Article 9).

The regulation on the energy performance of buildings (KENAK) introduced an integrated energy

design in the sector of buildings to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, energy savings and

environmental protection through specific actions:

1. Preparation of a study on the Energy Performance of Buildings

2. Establishing of minimum requirements for energy efficiency in buildings

3. Energy Rating of Buildings (Energy Performance Certificate)

4. Energy inspections to buildings, boilers and heating and air conditioning systems

The Study on the Energy Performance of Buildings replaces the study on heat insulation and is

prepared for every new or existing building (over 50m2), which undergoes a complete renovation and

is be based on a specific methodology covering:

a) the requirement to meet minimum standards on the design, envelope and

electromechanical installations of buildings and

b) its comparison with the reference building. Reference building means a building with the

same geometry, position, orientation, use and operating characteristics as the building

concerned, which also meets minimum standards and has specific technical characteristics.

Saving at home’ programme

The ‘Saving at Home’ programme aimed at providing financial incentives for energy-saving

interventions in the residential building sector with a view to reducing energy needs. The types of

housing that can be subsidized by the programme are: Single-family houses, Apartment blocks for

the part of the block which relates to all the apartments in the building, Individual apartments.

The proposal (combination of interventions) for energy upgrade which is submitted with the

application should cover the following requirement which is the minimum energy objective of the

Programme: it must upgrade by at least one energy class or, alternatively, provide an annual primary

energy savings greater than 30% of the reference building consumption (kWh/m2).

Beneficiaries were categorized based on income and societal criteria in 3 different categories, and

the level of subsidy and low interest loan was differentiated accordingly.

The applications completed by June 2016 as part of the ‘Saving at home’ programme amounted to

51,659 of a total budget of €529million. 83 % of the completed applications involved the

replacement of window frames, 53.9 % thermal insulation and 71.6 % upgrade of the heating system

and domestic hot water supply. The total area of renovated residences amounts to 5.2 million m2


resulting in total annual primary energy savings of 853.6 GWh.

Mandatory installation of solar thermal systems in new residential buildings

Solar thermal systems will replace 50-100% of conventional fuels and electricity, depending on the

climatic conditions in each area, the load and the position of the building.

Article 8(3)(f) of Ministerial Decision D6/B/oik.5825/09.04.2010 ‘Adoption of Regulation on the

Energy Performance of Buildings’, and Article 10(3) of Law 3851/2010 ‘Accelerating the development

of Renewable Energy Sources to address climate change and other provisions relating to issues with

the competence of the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change’ (Government Gazette,

Series I, No 85, 04-06-2010), requires the use of solar thermal systems to cover part of hot water

needs. The minimum percentage of the solar share on an annual basis is set at 60%.

Energy upgrading of social housing buildings - ‘Green pilot urban neighbourhood’ programme

The objective of the programme is to upgrade four industrial buildings to nearly zero energy

buildings and optimise the local microclimate.

The programme will present the pilot-demonstration and innovative implementation of integrated

development and implementation of green and sustainable urban housing units, which are occupied

by low-income citizens, and are part of an optimized urban environment. The main criteria for the

selection of neighbourhoods were the economic level of residents, the potential energy savings in

the buildings and the prospects for significant improvement of the local microclimate. The

implementation plan of projects for each neighbourhood includes the following stages:

Stage 1: Information, social and business awareness and involvement

Stage 2: Energy recording of buildings and microclimate conditions

Stage 3: Energy study and drafting of specifications issue

Step 4: Tender notice for the projects

Step 5: Evaluation of proposals and selection of contractors Stage 6: Construction, supervision and

delivery of project Stage 7: Evaluation of benefits and demonstration activities

This programme is based on voluntary agreements.

Mandatory installation of solar thermal systems in tertiary sector buildings

Strengthening SMEs active in manufacturing, tourism and trade – services

The programme ‘Strengthening SMEs active in manufacturing, tourism and trade - services’ aims to

provide support to micro-enterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises, whether they are

existing, new or in the process of being established, which are making investments which are


oriented towards innovations, the environment and information technology.

The Programme is open to:

Existing enterprises that, by 31 December 2011, have two or more closed fiscal years with

duration of at least twelve months and which, among other requirements, must have their

declared KAD(s) before the submission of the proposal.

New enterprises/enterprises in the process of becoming established that must have their

declared KAD(s) before the submission of the proposal. Enterprises in the process of

becoming established must have their declared KAD(s) before the first disbursement of the

grant.

Procurement costs for environmental protection and energy saving equipment and installations are

eligible under the programme. Examples of operations eligible for funding are:

1) Building works, electromechanical and specialized installations, directly either to energy savings or

environmental protection, in production, storage, distribution and administration areas of

undertakings:

Upgrading the central heating system to an environmentally friendly one

Replacing glass panes and/or panels with new energy efficient ones that meet the

requirements of the Regulation on the Energy Performance of Buildings

Heat insulation of buildings

Planted flat roofs

Insulation of heating/cooling transmission networks

(2) Purchase - transport - installation of environmental protection equipment and systems:

Installation of a RES system or heat pumps for hot water production and/or heating/cooling

purposes

Replacing old burner/boiler systems with a new high efficiency one or a natural gas system

Equipment and operations to reduce water consumption,

Equipment and operations for liquid and solid waste management,

Equipment and operations to reduce air pollutants and nuisance, Equipment and operations

on reducing soil, subsoil, water and air pollution,

Replacing electrical/electronic devices with new ones in energy class A,

Installation of lighting control system with motion sensors,

Installation of external shading,

New measures for the renovation of buildings are also programmed of the period 2017-2020. These

measures comprise to the following ones:

Regulation on the Energy Performance of Buildings


‘Saving at home II’ programme

This is the follow up of the ‘Saving at home’ programme.and it involves the implementation of

interventions to improve the energy performance of residences that are proved to have low energy

performance and belong to low-income owners who cannot fully fund on their own the energy

upgrade of their residence, or in which interventions going beyond the minimum required levels of

energy performance will be implemented.

This programme started in 2018 and is funded by the European Union (European Regional

Development Fund (ERDF) and National Resources, through the Regional Operational Programmes

(ROP) and Operational Programme ‘Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship, Innovation’ (OP-CEI) of NSRF

2014-2020. The total public expenditure of the programme amounts to EUR 292.18 million (EUR

248.06 million from the OP-CEI Operational Programme ‘Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship,

Innovation’ and EUR 44.12 million from the ROPs -Regional Operational Programmes).

Improving the energy efficiency of SMEs

This measure aims to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in order to improve their

energy efficiency. It provides financial incentives.

The action involves:

- Interventions in the building envelope: Thermal insulation, window frames/glazing, shading

systems.

- Upgrade of internal electrical installations and power distribution systems.

- Upgrade of systems for the production and distribution of thermal energy both for

cooling/heating purposes and in production. (e.g. hot water/steam generating equipment

and systems, waste heat recovery equipment, etc.).

- Upgrade or inclusion of new materials and equipment to reduce energy losses.

- Upgrade of lighting equipment.

- Installation of energy management systems.

- Energy inspections and/or energy audits before and after assessing the energy outcome.

- Certification of the energy management system according to ISO 50001.

- Project consultant.

- Other interventions, as specified in the guide.

Interventions do not include production equipment. Specific objectives (desired outcomes) and

eligible budget limits will be set for each of these interventions.

The action is funded by the European Union [European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)] and

National Resources, through the Operational Programme ‘Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship,

Innovation’ (OP-CEI) 2014-2020. The total budget of the action amounts to EUR 64.06 million and the

total public expenditure amounts to EUR 32.3 million.

Replacement of oil-fired heating systems with gas-fired ones in residences

This measure involves the subsidy for the cost of the internal gas installation to replace existing oil-

fired heating systems in residences, with a view to reducing emissions of gaseous pollutants by

improving the energy efficiency of residential heating systems and increasing gas penetration in

urban areas.

The target group is low-income owners who cannot fully fund on their own the replacement of the


existing oil-fired heating system with a natural gas system.

This action will strengthen residences located in low-price zones of Attica where the penetration of

natural gas is low.

The action is funded by the European Union [European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)] and

National Resources, through the Operational Programme ‘Transport Infrastructure, Environment and

Sustainable Development’ (2014-2020). The current budget for this action is EUR 5 million.

There are also some existing measures in place, which target public buildings, in order to meet the

obligations set under Article 7 of Law 4342/2015 on the exemplary role of buildings belonging to

public bodies. These measures comprise to the followings:

- Integrated energy planning of local authority organisations and Covenant of Mayors

- Energy savings interventions on public buildings

- Interventions to improve energy efficiency in school buildings

- Compulsory installation of central solar thermal systems to meet domestic hot water

requirements

- Compulsory replacement of all low energy efficiency light fittings in the public sector and

the wider public sector

- Energy managers in public sector and general government buildings’ There are also two new policy measures for the energy upgrade of public buildings which are presented below: Energy upgrading of public buildings This measure belongs to the category grant –exemplary role of the public sector and aims at energy

upgrading of energy-intensive public buildings, exploiting the potential for energy savings and

improving energy efficiency in the building sector, with public sector buildings being an example to

mobilise the entire economy.

The upgrades will, inter alia, include:

1. Energy upgrading and energy savings interventions, such as adding insulation, replacing

window frames and glazing with new certified, energy-efficient ones, replacing burner

systems/boilers/piping with a RES system, replacing old air conditioning systems, passive

solar systems, etc

2. RES projects such as construction of a high efficiency cogeneration of heat and power facility,

construction of a facility for making use of the heat produced from the HECHP and/or RES

facility for cooling purposes, etc.

Specific requirements for the energy upgrade of public buildings will be defined with a view to

implementing interventions that exceed the minimum required energy efficiency levels or, if

economically and technically feasible, their upgrading to energy classes B+, A, A+, or to Nearly Zero

Consumption Buildings. Meeting the energy target will be ensured through the conduct of an energy

audit by an energy inspector both before and after the implementation of the interventions. The

programme is funded by the European Union [European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)] and

National Resources, through the Regional Operational Programmes (ROP) and Operational

Programme ‘Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship, Innovation’ (OP-CEI) and the Operational

Programme ‘Transport Infrastructure, Environment and Sustainable Development’ (OP-TIESD) of

NSRF 2014-2020. The total public expenditure of the operation amounts to EUR 244.93 million. The


public expenditure as part of the call titled ‘Energy Upgrading and Energy Savings Actions and

Utilisation of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in Sports Facilities’ amounts to EUR 27 million.

Holding Fund under the name ‘Infrastructure Fund – Projects for the energy upgrade of public buildings This measure belongs to the category grant –exemplary role of the public sector. The Holding Fund

under the name ‘Infrastructure Fund’ - which was set up with Ministerial Decision No

6269/29.11.2017 (Government Gazette, Series II, No 4159), aims at maximising the use of the

Financial Instruments to cover the financial gap, inter alia in the fields of Energy Saving and

Promotion of Renewable Energy Sources (RES). As part of the Fund, resources from the Operational

Programme ‘Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship, Innovation’ (OP-CEI) relating to these areas will be

drawn, in conjunction with national resources from a European Investment Bank (EIB) loan and

repayments of the JESSICA financial instrument for the period 2007-2013. The liquidity of public and

private entities will be strengthened through the Infrastructure Fund, for the implementation of

projects with favourable funding conditions. In the energy sector, the projects that will be financed

by the Infrastructure Fund and are related to the resources to be allocated by OP-CEI will concern

projects for the energy upgrading of public buildings, as well as projects for the production and

distribution of energy from RES.

The Fund draws resources from the Operational Programme ‘Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship,

Innovation’ (OP-CEI), in conjunction with national resources from a European Investment Bank (EIB)

loan and repayments of the JESSICA financial instrument for the period 2007-2013. The total

resources of the Fund amount to EUR 450 million, while the resources of OP-CEI in the energy sector

amount to EUR 128.7 million.


3. ENERGY EFFIENCY IN TRANSPORT


Since 2000 to 2009, the final energy consumption in transport has increased by 26% from 7.3 Mtoe in

2000 to 9.2 Mtoe in 2009 (Figure 20). This growing trend mainly comes from the increase of oil

consumption by 25% (7.28 Mtoe in 2000 to 9.1 Mtoe in 2009) (Figure 21)

Due to economic recession and the energy efficiency measures that were implemented after 2007,

the steadily increase of final energy consumption until 2009, has reversed after this year (Figure 20).

The total energy consumption of the sector has been reduced by 32% in the period 2009-2013,

mainly because of the reduction of petroleum products consumption by 31% (Figure 21). In the

period 2013-2016 a slight increase is observed by 7%.

Figure 20: Final Energy Consumption in Transport in Greece 2000-2016

Source: ODYSSEE


Figure 21: Final Energy Consumption by fuel in Transport in Greece 2000-2016

Source: ODYSSEE

Since 2006, the introduction of Natural Gas and biofuels in the energy mix had as a result a slight

decreasing trend by 2% in the share of petroleum products in the energy mix of transport sector.

Petroleum products remain though the dominant fuel in transport sector (Figure 22).

Figure 22: Share of Final Energy Consumption by Fuel in Transport, Greece 2000-2016

*Gas, electrical energy, renewable energies

Source: ODYSSEE

The energy consumption in all transport modes has decreased following the trends of the total sector

(Figure 23). The biggest part of final energy consumption in transport is consumed by road transport

with a share of 88% at the total final consumption of the sector (Figure 24). The trend in the fuel mix

remains almost stable during the period 2000-2016.


Figure 23: Final Energy Consumption by mode in Transport 2000-2016

Source: ODYSSEE

Figure 24: Share by mode in Transport 2000-2016

Source: ODYSSEE

The share by type of vehicles remains basically constant during the period 2000-2016. The cars are

responsible for the biggest energy consumption of the road transport with an average share of 57%

in the final consumption of the mode. Trucks and light vehicles consume the 38% of the total

consumption of road mode (Figure 25).


Figure 25: Share by vehicle in road transport in Greece 2000-2016

Source: ODYSSEE

In 2013, the overall energy efficiency of the transport sector has improved by 31% compared to 2000

(Figure 26).

Figure 26: Energy Efficiency Index in Transport 2000-2016

Source: ODYSSEE



In this section the policy measures implemented to improve energy efficiency in passenger and

freight transport and to move towards more sustainable modes of transport are presented.

Reshaping of the public transport system

This measure aims to increase the percentage of citizens using public transport.

The facilitation of the task of public transport was done with the objective of increasing the share of

passenger demand for fixed rail and road public transport.

The objective is to increase the percentage of public transport use from 26.6% in 2008 to 35% in

2016.

In order to determining energy savings, a documented system has been applied to collect and

process information so that the implementation of this measure can be monitored and evaluated.

Many of the actions of the measure have been completed in the capital region and include:

Improvement of public transport route planning.

Linking of new routes to existing ones.

Creation of organised parking spaces near to bus stops and metro stations.

Information systems for the travelling public.

The following actions are in the planning stage for all the urban centres in the country that are

subject to an organizational framework of operation for the public transport system.

Improving the reliability of public transport by the use of smart control and management

systems on transport networks.

Facilitating the connection and functionality of existing transport networks (i.e. between

different means of transport and different geographical areas).

Smart ticket charging and cancelling systems.

Monitoring the quality of service provided by public transport with the aim of increasing their

share in passenger transport.

Transport infrastructure projects

The objective of the measure is to shorten travel time for cars and public transport and thereby to

improve transport quality and safety and achieve energy savings. Additionally, the construction of

appropriate infrastructure will increase the viability of alternatives (walking, cycling, etc.). Increased

use of fixed rail transport will help to reduce private car use and bring energy savings.

Through the development programme ‘Third Community Support Framework’ 2000-2008, a series of


infrastructure projects have been completed and delivered, contributing to the intermediate energy

savings target for 2010. These include:

Extension of the Athens Metro

Extension of the suburban railway in the wider Athens region

New national and regional trunk routes.

Moreover, the following actions have been implemented at the initiative of Municipalities across the

country:

Creation of low traffic circulation streets

Creation of pavements and cycling paths

Street lighting using RES

Actions that are underway and whose implementation will be completed by 2016 include:

Creation of new infrastructure (road improvements, new bus lanes, installation of smart

traffic lights for public transport, modernization and extension of the rail network, etc.)

New metro in Thessaloniki

Installation of RES in urban and municipal transport remote service points (stops, ticket

vendors, stationmasters etc.) for energy saving purposes

Development of urban mobility plans

The objective of the measure is the improvement of mobility and of travel safety, curtailing of

individual travel by private car, energy savings. It is implemented in the large municipalities of Athens

and Thessaloniki and in other urban centres.

Actions:

Optimization of private car use (car-sharing).

Car-sharing has been implemented successfully in other European cities (Barcelona, Bremen, etc.)

and is used by bodies or in company schemes which have a lot of vehicles for the travel of members /

customers between specific pick-up points and parking areas. The body or company pays the costs of

purchase, operational management and maintenance of the fleet and the customer / member is

charged in accordance with usage time and the distance covered. In Greece, and specifically in

Athens, car-sharing has been run on a pilot basis by CRES in cooperation with a private rent a car

company since the beginning of 2011.

Promotion of travel by foot and bicycle.

(Karditsa, Trikala and Thessaloniki have networks of bike path) and it is planned to develop several

tens of kilometers in Athens and other Greek cities and islands.

In Athens, carrying bikes on trams and the electric railway has been permitted.


Development of mobility plans at large companies, schools, tourism sites, hospitals and event venues,

etc.

The development of mobility plans involves actions which promote the avoidance of individual travel

in separate cars by large numbers of people who have the same destination at a defined time; for

example, free tickets for travel to and from the workplace by public transport, travel in buses of

employers, access to park-and-ride and group car use.

Gradual implementation, with pilot demonstration actions which will be an example for further

development and other areas, is being provided for.

Promotion of economical, safe and eco-driving.

Eco-driving is a new way of driving which combines simple driving techniques with rules of

maintenance. This leads to a fuel saving of 5-20%, cuts pollutant emissions, causes less noise

pollution and reduces the number of accidents.

CRES, as a promoter of the measure, has implemented the following actions:

1. Information campaign

Creation of the website for the National Campaign www.ecodriving.gr

Publication of printed and electronic information and educational material

Organization and participation in numerous events to promote economical/ecological driving

Development of computational and educational tools

2. Training of professional drivers

Pilot training activities have been implemented for all types of vehicles for transport operators in the

public, wider public and private sectors.

Moreover, Article 8(3)(d) of Law 3855/2010 ‘Measures to improve energy efficiency in end use,

energy services and other provisions’ stipulates the implementation of training courses to promote

economical eco-driving to vehicle drivers in the public and the wider public sector.

3. Incorporation of eco-driving in the training for the driving license.

Since 2009, the main principles of economical-ecological driving have been incorporated in the new

theoretical training textbooks for learner drivers. The ultimate goal is to standardize the certification

process for driving instructors and to comprehensively integrate economical-ecological driving in the

theoretical and practical training of learner drivers and in the retraining process for professional

drivers.

4. Education of private vehicle drivers through seminars.

It is to be applied on a large scale after the Incorporation of eco-driving in the educational process for

http://www.ecodriving.gr/


obtaining a driving license has been completed.

Incentives for the replacement of private vehicles and to promote the use of energy-efficient

vehicles (vehicles fuelled by biofuels and hybrid vehicles)

The purpose of the measure is to provide financial and tax incentives to replace old energy-intensive

vehicles with new, state-of-the-art ones and to promote energy efficient vehicles.

Decree-Law 16.9.2009/2 ‘Measures to address air pollution’ provides for the following economic

incentives:

Tax incentives for alternative technology vehicles (natural gas vehicles, hybrid vehicles), and

vehicles or improved engine specifications (EuroVΙ) (Article (2) (1)(A). Circulation taxes were

adjusted and are now calculated based on the engine capacity and the environmental

pollution caused by the engine of vehicles.

Financial incentives for scrapping of private cars [Article 3(1), Table 4) A subsidy is provided

for vehicle scrapping. The amount of subsidy depends on the engine capacity of the vehicle

withdrawn. Additional funding is provided for the purchase of new vehicles with EURO 4 and

EURO 5 engines.

The implementation of this legislative act stopped on 3 November 2009 with 140,000 vehicles having

been scrapped.

The measure of private car scrapping was resumed by means of Ministerial Decision ΔΕΦΚ

5006718ΕΞ2001/11.02.2011 ‘Incentives to replace old technology cars’ (Government Gazette, Series

II, No 246, 11-02-2011). New private passenger cars with an engine capacity of up to 2,000 cc that

meet the requirements of Directive 1998/69/EC ‘Phase B’ or later, or Regulation, and are intended to

replace private passenger cars withdrawn from circulation to be scrapped, are exempt from the

registration fee at a rate that depends on the engine capacity and the taxable value of the new car,

as defined in Article 8(2)(a) of Law 3899/2010 ‘Urgent measures for the implementation of the

assistance programme of the Greek economy’ (Government Gazette, Series I, No 212, 17-12-2010).

Eco-labelling – Energy label for cars

The target of the measure is for the majority of vehicles to have improved energy efficiency and

lower emissions.

The measure is applied in Greece under Ministerial Decision No 90364/31.01.2002 ‘Programme for

raising awareness and providing information to consumers on fuel economy and CO2 emissions in

respect of the marketing of new passenger cars’ (Government Gazette, Series II, No 110, 31-01-2002)

(transposing Directive 1999/94/EC).

The measure has not had the anticipated results because the responsible vehicle sellers have not

publicized it appropriately at car shows. However, many companies highlight the label with the

minimum requirements of the Directive.


For this reason, it is necessary to take the following measures for immediate implementation of the

measure:

Road transport - mainly passenger cars:

Raising the awareness of the public on their contribution to the problems of climate change and

environmental pollution are promoted. More specifically, actions to provide the public with

systematic information with the objective of ensuring the majority of vehicles have lower fuel

consumption and lower emissions.

Compulsory quotas of vehicles with greater energy efficiency in the fleets of the public services and

of public bodies

The target of the measure is for the majority of vehicles to have improved energy efficiency and

lower emissions.

About 600 new natural gas public transport buses were procured under the 3rd Community Support

Framework 2000-2006.

According to article 8(3)(a) and (b) of the Law 3855/2010 requires:

a quota of clean vehicles;

a procedure to replace old medium and heavy vehicles;

setting energy efficiency as a selection criterion in the procurement process of public services

and organizations.

Linking of vehicle taxation to energy efficiency and CO2 emissions

The purpose of the measure is to promote vehicles with lower fuel consumption and lower

emissions.

Circulation tax is henceforth directly linked with each vehicle’s pollutants, namely carbon dioxide

emissions. The amount of the tax is calculated by multiplying CO2 g/km of the vehicle by the

coefficient applicable to each scale.

Range Coefficient

From 0 to 100 CO2 g/km 0

From 101 to 120 CO2 g/km 0.8

From 121 to 140 CO2 g/km 1.00

From 141 to 160 CO2 g/km 1.50

From 161 to 180 CO2 g/km 2.00

From 181 to 200 CO2 g/km 2.25

From 201 to 250 CO2 g/km 2.50

Above 251 CO2 g/km 3.00


Replacing old public and private light trucks

The objective of the measure is the replacement of old public and private light trucks which meet

EURO III standards with new vehicles which meet EURO V standards.

Private new technology light trucks (up to 2 000 cc), bought in place of old ones, will be partially or

wholly exempted from the specific registration fee.

Replacing old private passenger vehicles

The measure aims at replacing public and private old passenger vehicles which meet EURO III

standards with new vehicles which meet EURO V standards. Under the measure, private new

technology passenger vehicles (up to 2000 cc) bought in place of old ones will be partially or wholly

exempted from the specific registration fee. Old vehicles are sent for scrapping (retired) under the

approved system for alternative management of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs).

Promotion of CNG and LPG-powered passenger vehicles

This measure involves the provision of incentives to facilitate the market penetration of private

passenger vehicles fuelled by compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Introduction of electric vehicles and electric vehicle recharging points

The measure involves the provision of favourable tax incentives and subsidies for the purchase of

electric vehicles of any type for private motorists and public agencies operating vehicle fleets. In

addition to the purchase of vehicles, this measure will include a subsidy for the construction of public

and private vehicle recharging points, powered mainly by renewable energy sources and/or

conventional energy sources.


4. ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN INDUSTRY


Since 2000, the final energy consumption in industry has significant decreased by 30% from 4.5 Mtoe

in 2000 to 3.1 Mtoe in 2016 (Figure 27). Although until 2007 the industry’s final consumption was

almost stable, the industry sector was one of the first sectors which sustain the effects of the

economic recession in final energy consumption. This fact led a decreasing trend of final

consumption of industry until 2013. In the period 2014-2016 a slight increase of 9% is observed.

Figure 27: Final Energy Consumption in Industry 2000-2016

Source: ODYSSEE

The petroleum products remain the main fuels in industry, and their reduction by 50% (1.95 Mtoe in

2000 to 0.98 Mtoe in 2013) is the main driver for the reduction of the total energy consumption of

the sector. A slight increase is observed in the period 2014-2016, reaching 1.2Mtoe in 2016.

Moreover a significant reduction in solid fuels and renewable sources by 78% and 25% respectively,

is noted from 2000 to 2016. Electricity consumption also decreases by 17%, from 1.17 Mtoe in 2000

to 0.97 Mtoe in 2016. The only fuel that is increasing is the Natural gas from 0.24 Mtoe in 2000 to

0.55 Mtoe in 2016 (Figure 28).


Figure 28: Final Energy Consumption by fuel in Industry 2000-2016

Source: ODYSSEE

Petroleum products remain the dominant fuel that is consumed in industry sector. Nevertheless, the

share of petroleum products in the energy mix of the sector is decreasing during the period 2000-

2016 (reduction of 5% from 2000 to 2016). The main reasons for this reduction is the introduction of

natural Gas in the energy market and the use of cheaper electricity, which lead to increase of their

consumption by 13% and 5% respectively, in 2016 compare to 2000. The infiltration of renewable

energies remains stable, and they represent around 6% of the total consumption of industry sector

(Figure 29).

Figure 29: Share of Final Energy Consumption by Fuel in Industry in Greece 2000-2016

Source: ODYSSEE


The energy consumption has reduced or remained almost stable in all industrial branches (Figure 30).

The branch with the greatest reduction in energy consumption is Textiles, clothing, leather industry

which consumption reduces from 0.21 Mtoe in 2000 to 0.04 Mtoe in 2015.

Figure 30: Final Energy Consumption by Branch in Industry in Greece 2000-2016

Source: ODYSSEE

The energy efficiency index has improved by 13% in 2013 compared to 2000 (Figure 31). This

improvement in the energy efficiency index was the result of major decreases in chemical (41%) steel

(42%) and paper (46%) industry.

Figure 31: Energy Efficiency Index-ODEX in Industry 2000-2016

Source: ODYSSEE



In this section the measures aimed at improving energy efficiency in industry are presented.

Relocation of enterprises to industrial-business zones and business parks

The purpose of the programme ‘Relocation of enterprises to industrial-business zones and business

parks’ is to improve competitiveness through economies of scale for the enterprises to be relocated,

so that they can operate in organised premises, and to eliminate the nuisance caused and the

problems faced by manufacturing firms located within the urban fabric or other inappropriate areas

or in areas which they should leave.

The objectives of the programme include managing environmental resources and natural beauty in a

sustainable way, fostering extroversion in business activity, strengthening entrepreneurship and

support structures and streamlining enterprises’ receiving infrastructure, reducing the intensity of

energy use in organizations with high operational costs and creating conditions for strengthening

business activity and employment.

Existing manufacturing enterprises which started operating before 1 January 2009 can join the

programme. For this programme, existing manufacturing enterprises are defined as having

completed at least three years of operation.

Moreover, they should have a turnover of more than EUR 30,000 in the last fiscal year 2012 (FY 2011)

or more than EUR 100,000cumulatively over the last three fiscal years.

The following are eligible to be financed under the programme: energy saving interventions

(installing building envelope insulation, heat insulated window frames, energy class A air-

conditioning units, energy saving light bulbs, high-efficiency burners and boilers, exhaust heat

recovery, etc.). The procurement costs of equipment for energy self-production from RES and

substitution of fuels with natural gas or LPG are also eligible. More specifically, financing is provided

for the following:

high-efficiency burners and boilers;

equipment to substitute oil with natural gas or LPG;

equipment for exhaust heat recovery from boilers, air discharged from ventilation units,

cooler condensers, etc.;

equipment to substitute electricity or other conventional fuels with natural gas or LPG;

equipment to install heat and power cogeneration systems;

equipment to install systems for electricity generation from RES;

equipment to install combined heating and cooling systems that use solar energy and

biomass for own consumption purposes;

equipment to install biomass combustion system for heating purposes;

equipment for energy management systems (BEMS)


Innovative Entrepreneurship, Supply Chain, Food, Beverages

The programme ‘Innovative Entrepreneurship, Supply Chain, Food, Beverages’ involves enhancing

investments that promote innovation and/or improve the competitiveness of products and service

enterprises which have a comparative advantage, innovative investments by technologically

advanced enterprises active in the primary and secondary sector, investments by secondary

processing food industries, in particular those active in organic products or products with a

designation of origin or local products, and business plans of the supply chain sector. Eligible to join

the programme are very small-, small- and medium-sized enterprises pursuant to Commission

Recommendation 2003/361/EC, or Annex I to Regulation EC No 800/2008 (L 214/3/09.08.2008),

legitimately operating in Greece, apart from the special cases listed in ANNEX I.

Borrowing terms:

Amount of loan: from EUR 50,000 to EUR 500,000

Duration of loan: 5-10 years with a possibility of an interest-bearing grace period up to 2

years

Annual interest rate: stable during the entire period of loan and equal to 4.53%

Charge by Law 128/75: 0.60%

The programme ‘Innovative Entrepreneurship, Supply Chain, Food, Beverages’ provides financing for

the purchase and installation of new modern machinery and other equipment and facilities,

especially environment-friendly ones, which have reduced their energy consumption and have been

equipped with modern process-automation and quality control technologies.

Green Enterprise

The programme ‘Green Business’ aimed to create the conditions for integrating environmental

concerns into business operation in order to make interventions in production chain processes.

In particular, the programme’s specific objectives are to reduce the energy footprint and particularly

the environmental footprint of manufacturing enterprises, to develop and market ‘green’ products

and services, to improve the environmental and social profile of businesses and to reduce the lack of

social acceptance for manufacturing activity.

Existing enterprises active in the Greek manufacturing and ancillary services market are eligible to

join the programme.

Eligible to be funded under the programme ‘Green Business’ are energy and water saving recovery

interventions. The following are examples of this:

Developing and implementing systems for the recovery/saving and/or substitution of

conventional energy and water in the production process

Bioclimatic and small-scale building interventions to save energy/heat/water

Installing small-scare RES systems for own consumption


Support for improving energy efficiency in manufacturing enterprises

The measure entitled ‘Support for improving energy efficiency in manufacturing enterprises’ aims to

improve the energy efficiency of manufacturing enterprises, to reduce energy costs to boost their

competitiveness, and also to reduce the impact of climate change resulting from the excessive use of

energy.

The types of aid include either a capital grant to implement energy saving interventions, or an

interest subsidy on loans, or guarantees to obtain bank financing, or a combination of both.

Particular emphasis will be placed on supporting SMEs.

The measure may finance the following activities:

Conducting energy audits and benchmarking

Streamlining of equipment, upgrade of facilities and installation of new energy efficient

technologies

Education and training of staff

Implementation of market control standards and mechanisms

Certification, materials quality control, rules and procedures, calibration of laboratories

Certification of experts and development of energy auditors registers

Development, standardization, design, demonstration, testing and promotion of new

equipment and new materials

Education-training of the civil servants who will be handling market control, standardization

issues, etc.

Support to Energy Service Companies in implementing energy saving interventions

Particular emphasis will be placed on ex-post evaluation and assessment of the results of any action

financed, as well as on the competitive standing and energy saving performance of the contractor,

and on the periodic ex-post evaluation of the overall measure and formulation of proposals for

improvement.

Modern Manufacturing

Is a funding programme that involves the financing of business plans for small and medium-sized

enterprises and aims at transforming the manufacturing base of the Greek economy into new or

diversified production lines, products and manufacturing services with extrovert orientation.

The target group is existing manufacturing SMEs employing 50-250 persons or enterprises in the

process of being set up in eligible activity code numbers of the strategic priority sectors, mainly in

manufacturing and other related activities, such as the supply chain.

One of the three distinct choices of the programme is to improve energy efficiency. In particular, the

energy efficiency component for SMEs focuses on providing support to improve the energy efficiency


of their production processes and their preparation for the implementation of future Community

standards on energy consumption in the production of goods and related services.

The programme’s total approved budget is EUR 100 million, with 40 % being public expenditure. The

eligible budget of the investment projects may range from EUR 250 thousand to EUR 3 million. The

rates of aid for small enterprises amount to 30-45 % and for medium-sized enterprises to 20-35 %.

The programme is funded by the Operational Programme ‘Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship,

Innovation’ (OP-CEI) 2014-2020.

5. ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN AGRICULTURE


A significant reduction by 71% in 2016 compared to 2000 has occurred in the agriculture sector. As a

result the energy consumption in 2016 is 0.32 Mtoe and in 2000 is 1.1 Mtoe (Figure 32).

Figure 32: Final Energy consumption of agriculture sector 2000-2016

Source: ODYSSEE


Because of the share (2%) of agriculture sector in final energy consumption in Greece, this sector

isn’t examined for energy efficiency improvements, so no measures have been undertaken for this

sector.


REFERENCES

1. 3rd National Energy Efficiency Plan

2. 4th National Energy Efficiency Plan

3. Directive 2006/32/EC - Energy Services Directive

4. Directive 2012/27/EU - Energy Efficiency Directive

5. Law 3661/2008 - Measures to reduce energy consumption in buildings and other provisions.

6. Law 3851/2010 - Accelerating the development of Renewable Energy Sources to deal with

climate change and other regulations addressing issues under the authority of the Ministry of

Environment, Energy and Climate Change

7. Law 3855/2010 - Measures to improve energy efficiency in end‐use, energy services and

other provisions

8. Law 3899/2010 - Urgent measures for the implementation of the support program of the

Greek Economy

9. Law 3908/2011 - Aid for Private Investment to promote Economic Growth, Entrepreneurship

and Regional Cohesion

10. Law 4001/2011 - Operation of Electricity and Gas Energy Markets, for Exploration,

Production and Transmission Networks of Hydrocarbons and other provisions

11. Law 4046 / 2012 - Approval of Plans of Financial Facilitation between the European Financial

Stability Facility (E.F.S.F.), the Greek Republic and the Bank of Greece, the Plan of

Memorandum of Understanding between the Greek Republic, the European Commission and

the Bank of Greece and other urgent measures to reduce the public debt and rescue the

national economy

12. Law 4110/2013 - Provisions on the Taxation of Income, Regulations on Issues pertaining to

the competence of the Ministry of Finance and other regulations

13. Law 4146/2013 - Creation of a Development Friendly Environment for Strategic and Private

Investments

14. Law 4178/2013 - Tackle illegal building , environmental balance and other provisions


15. Law 4342/2015 – Energy Efficiency

16. Ministerial Decision D6/7094/2011 - Framework methodology for measuring and verifying

energy savings for achieving the national indicative energy end-use savings target-List of

indicative eligible measures to improve energy efficiency-Energy content of fuels for end use

17. Ministerial Decision No 174063/11.04.2017 Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme

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