In the latest episode of ADMIE’s podcast “Stin Priza (Plugged In), with journalist Mantalena Piou,” Nikos Mantzaris, policy analyst and co-founder of The Green Tank, explains why renewables are driving down electricity generation costs, yet consumers have not yet seen these savings reflected in their bills. As he notes, the parallel rise in gas-fired generation, the lack of sufficient storage infrastructure, and the absence of incentives to shift demand to low-price hours are undermining the economic benefits of renewables.
He stresses that energy storage—both front-of-the-meter and behind-the-meter—is essential for lowering electricity prices, as is strengthening self-generation, which has stalled due to uncertainty around the new net-billing framework and the lack of available grid capacity. He also highlights the need for more flexible tariffs so that households and businesses can take advantage of price volatility, as well as broader use of bilateral contracts (Power Purchase Agreements-PPAs) in industry.
On the debate around capacity remuneration mechanisms (CRMs), Nikos Mantzaris underlines that Greece must first demonstrate whether a real adequacy issue exists and, if interventions are needed, prioritize strategic reserve mechanisms. Only if these prove insufficient should the country consider “technologically neutral” market mechanisms that do not lock it into one-sided support for gas-fired units. At the same time, he comments on recent European “retreats” in climate policy, noting that the low carbon price proposed for the new Emissions Trading System (ETS2) may ultimately harm the most vulnerable households.
Addressing the growing curtailments of renewables and the increasing frequency of negative prices, he emphasizes that the solution lies in the systematic development of storage, demand shifting, and—over the longer term—the electrification of buildings, transport, and industry. He also warns that the emerging battery market must be designed carefully, with transparency and diversity, to avoid distortions similar to those seen in the past in the renewables and energy-community markets.
Finally, he expresses optimism that Greece can achieve cleaner and more affordable energy—provided there is consistent political will to reduce dependence on gas and push forward the necessary reforms. “The technological capacity is there,” he notes; “the question is how to use it in a way that truly benefits citizens and the economy.”
Listen to the full podcast episode [in Greek] (02/12/2025) here.
