Energy democracy takes off in Greece

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🗞️ Driving the news: In Greece, where energy prices are among the highest in Europe, citizens are increasingly forming renewable energy communities to generate their own power
• Hyperion, an Athens-based cooperative, is leading this movement by operating a solar farm in the Peloponnese, aiming to democratize energy production and support societal needs

🔭 The context: Greece's potential for renewable energy is significant, with solar irradiation levels 50% higher than in Germany
• Over the last decade, renewable energy's share in Greece's total energy consumption has doubled, thanks in part to solar and wind power
• The country is also working towards phasing out coal and reducing greenhouse gas emissions

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Initiatives like Hyperion contribute to the global fight against climate change by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting clean energy sources
• They also embody a model of energy democracy, where communities have control over their energy production and consumption, fostering social justice and economic resilience

⏭️ What's next: Hyperion and similar energy communities face challenges, such as integrating into the existing energy grid and ensuring the economic viability of their investments
• However, recent amendments to Greece's energy community laws, aligning with EU directives, may facilitate the growth of these initiatives, potentially setting a precedent for other regions

💬 One quote: "We're the best possible solution for the climate crisis," (Takis Grigoriou, one of Hyperion's cofounders)

📈 One stat: Greece's renewable energy share in total energy consumption has risen from 11% to 20% in the past decade, demonstrating significant progress towards a greener energy mix

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