Greek project transforms Halki into a modern, green island

It now has a large photovoltaic system, electric vehicles, and a 5G network

On 5 November, the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the island of Halki to unveil the ambitious GR-eco island project. With this initiative, Halki will become a green island where residents will have lower energy bills, modern digital infrastructure, and cleaner air.

According to the Prime Minister, the implementation of this project will lead to enormous savings that can reach up to EUR 250,000 per year. In addition to this, it will also result in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, with Halki producing 1,800 fewer tons of CO2 each year.

Taking this into account, Mitsotakis revealed that the power bills of residents will decrease, with a bill worth EUR 407 dropping to EUR 157. Commenting on this, the PM shared that the project can be seen as a bold response to not only the climate crisis but also the recent, drastic rise in energy prices.

Collaborating with multiple companies

To achieve its ambitious objectives, the government has collaborated with various companies such as the Greek Public Power Cooperation (PPC), Akuo Energy, Omexom/Vinci, Vodafone, Citroën, the Siggelidis Group, Philip Morris, etc.

Taking a case in point, PPC has joined forces with other businesses to install an advanced photovoltaic system on the island. Beyond this, Citroën and ALD Automotive have donated a total of 6 electric vehicles to the police, coast guard, and municipality on the island. To ensure the smooth operation of these cars, PPC has established several charging points.

With support from Vodafone, Halki’s connectivity has now been upgraded to 5G. In other words, the island will now have fast internet that will facilitate the lives of residents, tourists, and digital nomads. Thanks to this network, the island will further benefit from an advanced public lighting system and “smart benches”.

Further transforming Halki into a green and modern island, the tobacco company Papastratos has donated an electric boat. Having a capacity of 10 people and autonomy of up to 6 hours, this e-boat will prove especially useful during the tourist seasons.

Expressing his delight with the successful collaboration between public and private companies, Mitsotakis noted that the country’s ambitious goals can undoubtedly be achieved when businesses join forces and work towards a common goal.

In the future, the GR-eco project seeks to transform other Greek islands. Thus, the country will realise its goal of reducing the emissions of its islands by 10 million tons by 2030.

To view photographs of Halki, see the gallery above.