New law in Greece to increase curtailments, regulate auctions, roll out Apollo self-consumption program

Several big changes are being introduced in the Greek energy market through a new bill of law submitted by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy for public consultation.

New law in Greece to increase curtailments, regulate auctions, roll out Apollo self-consumption program -0
Source: Photo: TungArt7 on Pixabay

As for renewables, the Apollo program is envisaged to be rolled out with the aim of lowering energy costs for vulnerable consumers and municipalities through self-consumption. It will run in six distinct phases starting with the formation of a citizen energy community by every region in the country, according to the proposed law.

The bill would also expand production curtailments in the distribution grid. So far, they were possible mainly on the transmission grid, as control systems are installed within large renewable energy projects. Now such systems will be added initially to units of over 1 MW in the distribution grid and later on they will be expanded to include plants of over 400 MW.

Producers would have a six-month deadline to make necessary changes, otherwise they would have to pay 25% of their income and receive no compensation from Renewable Energy Sources Operator and Guarantees of Origin (DAPEEP).

The bill includes a requirement for renewable energy projects competing in auctions to be subjected to increased curtailments or install batteries. The provision is subject to approval from the European Commission. The exact level of new curtailments would be specified by the ministry’s workgroup in the coming months. It is expected to reach 40% to 45% of output.

Another change is that feed-in tariffs for small photovoltaics would be ended after May, with the exception of rooftop systems. Investors who sign a contract for a subsidy by the end of April would need to submit a preparedness document by the end of August to retain it. Otherwise they will have to participate in an auction.

Negative price appears for the first time in the wholesale market
Through the proposed changes, the ministry is attempting to update the regulatory framework for renewables so that it reflects the new conditions. So far in 2024, curtailments have increased significantly, along with hours of zero price in the wholesale market.

Near zero prices have become an almost daily phenomenon in April as high temperatures have led to low demand and solar production has increased. It should be noted that on Sunday, April 8, a negative price was recorded for the first time in Greece, of EUR 0,01 per MWh below zero, at 15:00.

Parliaments

California nurses applaud new law that provides transparency, improves equity in nursing education
Parliaments

California nurses applaud new law that provides transparency, improves equity in nursing education

California Nurses Association, the largest union of registered nurses in the state, applauds the signing of Senate Bill 1015 by Governor Gavin Newsom. Nurses say the new law, which was authored by Senator Dave Cortese and sponsored by CNA, is an essential step towards ensuring clinical placement opportunities for California’s future nurses, particularly for students attending public institutions like community colleges and state universities.

Seychelles' parliament adopts motion to make sign language official language
Parliaments

Seychelles' parliament adopts motion to make sign language official language

The National Assembly unanimously adopted a motion to designate Seychelles Deaf Language as an official national language, marking a significant milestone for the islands' hearing-impaired populationin. The motion was brought forward by Regina Esparon, the Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) elected member for Glacis, on behalf of the Women's Parliamentary Caucus, coinciding with the Deaf Week 2024.

Ireland: New law to ban disposable vapes and restrict flavours
Parliaments

Ireland: New law to ban disposable vapes and restrict flavours

Disposable vapes will be banned and vape flavours and colours restricted under new legislation proposed by the government. The Department of Health yesterday published the general scheme of the proposed Nicotine Inhaling Products Bill, which will introduce further restrictions on nicotine inhaling products or vapes.

Brazil calls EU to suspend anti-deforestation law
Parliaments

Brazil calls EU to suspend anti-deforestation law

Brasília urges the European Commission to reconsider its anti-deforestation rules, which could potentially impact Brazil’s exports by almost US$15 billion. The European legislation passed in 2022 includes a ban on the import of products from areas deforested from 2022 onwards, even if deforestation is legal in those areas. 

UK parliament recognizes Bitcoin and digital assets as personal property
Parliaments

UK parliament recognizes Bitcoin and digital assets as personal property

The UK Parliament has introduced the Property (Digital Assets etc.) Bill today to officially and legally recognize Bitcoin $57,732.86, cryptocurrencies, and other digital assets as personal property. This new law will, for the first time, formally protect digital assets such as Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and carbon credits under English law, News.Az reports citing Cointurk news.