The gas price crisis and the consequent explosion in electricity prices raises concerns about the adequacy of the system and puts lignite on the table as a fuel that could ensure the smooth supply of the country in the event of deteriorating conditions..
The issue of energy efficiency is to be found at meeting focus that has convened the Minister of Environment and Energy Costas Skrekas for today Monday 22 November in which all stakeholders such as RAE, DESFA, IPTO, the PPC, but also the private power generators. The minister will ring the alarm bell asking everyone to prepare properly, so that there is no danger to smooth power supply of the country with both gas and electricity. The mechanism Strategic Reserve, which is key, requires the relevant IPTO study which is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
The launch of the load will bring the lignites to the center
So what will first be asked of the generators, is to be available for the winter months all thermal units regardless of fuel. It must be noted that, is currently in scheduled maintenance that will last until 10 December, the Lavrio 4 of PPC, while based on the Code from 15 December to 15 February not allowed unit maintenance scheduling.
At the same time, for a smooth supply of the market with electricity, it has already been requested by PPC to prepare lignite stations ensuring the supply of the yards with lignite, so that in case of need, as happened in the summer with the prolonged heatwave to increase their participation in the energy mix.
An important role in ensuring adequacy in times of increased demand also play PPC hydroelectric, whose reservoirs, however, at this stage are at extremely low levels due to prolonged drought.
So given that the projected loads for the next period are calculated at 9.500 MW especially in the evening, that there is no contribution from photovoltaics, the attention is focused on lignite units, which, however, due to their age are considered, that it is not good to be forced and even for a long time.
As far as natural gas is concerned, the authorities assure, that there is no question of a smooth supply as the country now has multiple sources of pipeline gas supply, while just a few days ago the auctions of the slots for the import of liquefied natural gas in Revythousa and catering has been secured for both 2022, as well as for the 2023.
The cost of importing natural gas is unbearable
According to market sources, the problem is not a question of gas adequacy, but prices of course liquidity, importers must commit in case of need to import additional loads from the spot market which is known to have skyrocketed.
So lignite is emerging as a factor in ensuring a smooth supply, but also to a degree of price equilibrium. For example in the last days of their participation RES in the mixture is close to 20% and PPC "holds" the water very low for more difficult winter days, its use lignite has increased from single digit to double digit percentage.
Moreover, it seems that the energy crisis has created second thoughts regarding the immediate and complete abolition of the participation of lignite in the mixture.. The report of the Minister of Environment and Energy is typical Costa Skreka during the presentation of the new climate law, that for the shutdown of all lignite plants no later than the end of it 2028, it has been predicted "Review clause" the 2023 with a view to accelerating but "subject to ensuring adequate power and security of supply".
Besides, for this reason it has been requested by European Commission the approval of the Strategic Reserve of the mechanism, that is, compensation to PPC for the maintenance of lignite plants, which will be available to ensure adequacy in the system. The mechanism to be approved in order to be approved must prove that there is indeed a problem of adequacy, which will be recorded in the relevant IPTO study that is expected to be completed in the coming weeks after months of delays..
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