Greece unveils Europe’s largest photovoltaic park with bifacial panels

The 204.3 MW solar park will cover the needs of 75,000 households

On 6 April, the Greek oil refiner and petrochemicals producer Hellenic Petroleum inaugurated what it claims to be the largest photovoltaic park with bifacial (two-sided) panels in Europe. What makes these two-sided panels special is that they can boost output by using the reflection of what lies underneath them, e.g., white gravel.

Located in Greece’s Kozani area, the 204.3 MW solar park is the largest RES (Renewable Energy Source) operational project in Greece and Southeast Europe. With the ability to produce approximately 350 GWh per year, the photovoltaic plant is expected to cover the needs of 75,000 households with zero emissions.

Responding to new challenges

Holding a speech at the inauguration of the new solar park, CEO of Hellenic Petroleum Andreas Siamisis explained that the project reflects the Group’s determination to respond to 'a new era of challenges'. More specifically, Siamisis shared:

“We are accelerating the energy transformation and supporting the transition to advanced and zero-emission forms of energy, but at the same time, we are modernising our successful core business. […] At Hellenic Petroleum Group, based on the strategic plan “Vision 2025”, we are implementing one of the largest investment programs in Europe, aiming at a drastic reduction of the environmental footprint by 50% by 2030 in order to contribute substantially to tackling the crisis.”

Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis also attended the opening ceremony on 6 April, where he praised the project and Hellenic Petroleum Group’s work. According to him, the photovoltaic park will help Greece become “a protagonist in the field of renewable energy sources”, adopting new innovative technologies that will turn the country’s green energy plans into a real development opportunity.

According to a press release, the total investment for the photovoltaic plant cost around EUR 130 million and created more than 350 jobs during the construction phase. As such, the solar park will not only positively impact the environment but also benefit the national economy.