Within the next month, Kastoria and Argos Orestiko network will be activated – These areas will be among the first ones in Greece to be supplied with LNG
The filling of the LNG Storage and Gasification Station (LNG) developed by Enaon EDA, Hellenic Gas Distribution Company, a subsidiary of Enaon, part of Italgas Group, was successfully completed on Tuesday 24/09/2024 at the Industrial Park of Kastoria, with the aim of bringing natural gas to the areas of Kastoria and Argos Orestiko. These areas will be the first in Greece that Enaon EDA will supply with virtual interconnection through the LNG station, followed by Florina and the Industrial Area of Patras by the end of 2024.
In Kastoria, the LNG was transported from the DEPA Commercial facilities to the Revithoussa Terminal Station, through a specially constructed tanker (LNG truck) which has an insulated tank in order to keep the gas in a liquid state.
The cooperation between the two companies provides for the supply and transportation of LNG from the Revithoussa LNG station in order to cover the supply needs of Western Macedonia (Florina, Kastoria, Argos Orestiko) and Western Greece (Patras).
This supply is a milestone in DEPA Commercial strategy in order to bring natural gas to all over Greece, especially to the most remote areas, which are not connected to the national transmission network, supporting the energy transition and the country’s climate objectives.
From the Storage and Gasification Station, the LNG will be regasified through heating to return it to its gaseous form and be fed into the Medium and Low Pressure network being constructed in the areas of Kastoria, Maniaki, Argos Orestiko and Dispilio.
The partial activation of the Medium and Low Pressure networks for the supply of the areas Argos Orestiko and Dispilio is planned for the beginning of October and with the completion of these areas the activation of the Medium and Low Pressure networks for the supply of the area Maniaki will follow. The network in the town of Kastoria is estimated to be activated by the end of October.
The project in the areas of Kastoria and Argos Orestiko foresees investments of €11,76 million and is co-financed by Enaon funds and funds from the NSRF 2014-2020 through the Operational Programme “Western Macedonia 2014-2020”. The contract concerns the construction of total 117 km of Medium and Low Pressure network through which at least 2,100 consumers from the residential, commercial and industrial sectors will be supplied in the period 2025-2026.
Already, there is an increased interest in connection to the gas network from households and businesses as well as from public and municipal buildings, including the General Hospital of Kastoria and the building of the Regional Unit of Kastoria.
So far, about 50 km of the network has been constructed and project is expected to be completed in June 2025.
Ms Francesca Zanninotti, CEO of Enaon EDA , Hellenic Gas Distribution Company highlighted: «We are particularly proud of the successful completion of the process of the LNG storage and gasification station developed by Enaon EDA with the aim of the supply of Kastoria and Argos Orestiko, marking an important step toward ensuring the efficient and uninterrupted distribution of natural gas to our customers. We are moving forward with the immediate filling of the network with natural gas, consistently following procedures with a focus on safety, efficiency and environmental responsibility. The project is progressing rapidly and very soon these areas will be the first ones in Greece to be supplied by Enaon EDA through a state-of-the-art LNG small scale infrastructure developed with the expertise of the parent company Italgas. We would like to thank all those who contributed to the successful completion of this critical phase and we remain dedicated to the continuous development of our infrastructure to meet the needs of our society and our consumers».
The CEO of DEPA Commercial Group, Mr. Konstantinos Xifaras, commented: «The LNG refuelling that took place in Kastoria is the first by DEPA in a series of refuelling of the remote distribution network in Greece that will follow. True to its strategic development plan and social mission, DEPA Commercial is bringing the economic and environmental benefits of natural gas to households and businesses across the country, cost-effectively and safely. At the same time, our company is strengthening its position in the LNG transportation market, constantly increasing its fleet of vehicles to meet the needs of even the most remote areas of our country».
It should be noted that the development of LNG tanks by Enaon EDA ensures the supply of energy to areas remote from the national gas transmission system, bringing significant benefits to local communities. A similar approach is taken by the parent company Italgas in Sardinia, Italy, where the significant development of distribution networks in recent years has been supported by LNG tanks.
The arrival of natural gas will put an end to the energy isolation of these areas, giving citizens and businesses access to an efficient and environmentally friendly form of energy. The gas networks will be digital and will also be able to receive renewable gases such as biomethane and, in the future, hydrogen, contributing to the development of the regions and their smooth transition to the new energy era.
