Greece says its entire electrical grid ran on 100% renewables for the first time
NPR Online NewsFEB 22 2023
The Facts
For five hours last Friday, Greece's entire national grid ran on renewable energy. The news was announced by its independent electric utility operator, who hailed the achievement as a step toward adding more green energy to Greece's portfolio.
Greece hopes to ultimately generate at least 70% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. Besides environmental reasons, the move is intended to stabilize the nation's power grid and manage energy costs.
Greece already has a diverse energy portfolio — including natural gas, wind, hydro and solar power, as well as dirty fossil fuel lignite, or "brown coal." Greece also uses about one-third as much energy per capita as the US.
The Spin
Narrative A
Despite the turbulence of global energy markets, Greece has persevered and joined an elite club — including the US State of California — to hit a 100% renewable energy milestone. This transition gives a sense of optimism — from solar-powered greenhouses in Spain to transforming coal mines to solar farms in Virginia, there's good reason for hope in pressing ahead for a more resilient and peaceful future.
Narrative B
With the world's energy sector topsy-turvy because of the Ukraine War, Iran unrest, and OPEC+ production cuts, good energy news is welcome in the Eastern Mediterranean — including Greece. However, there's a risk of new conflict, too; energy partners Greece and Egypt are worried about Turkey's neo-Ottoman style of gas deals with Libya, including infringements on Greek sovereignty. There are reasons for hope but good reasons for caution.