Climate & Energy

Domestic gas consumption reached a quarterly high in October 2025 (5.7 TWh), with Russian gas accounting for the largest share of imports for the same month (2.43 TWh). Overall, the first 10 months of 2025 saw gas demand reach record highs in power generation (40.5 TWh) and in networks (10.2 TWh). LNG ranked first in imports with 25.1 TWh (+80.6% compared to 2024), closely followed by Russian gas via Sidirokastro (23.2 TWh). Total exports for the 10-month period amounted to 5.74 TWh, with the largest share (97%) being exported via Sidirokastro.

Despite being the only region to cut emissions in 2023–2024, proposed changes to the EU #ETS2 risk increasing emissions and reducing revenues needed for the green transition. Environmental NGOs and think tanks — including The Green Tank — sent a letter to Commissioner Hoekstra.

In his article on energypress, titled “The weakening of ETS2 as a risk for the European climate strategy”, Nikos Mantzaris analyzes the recent announcement by the European Commission to consider changes to the new Emissions Trading System (ETS2) for buildings and road transport, following a request from 19 Member States, including Greece.

In the first 9 months of 2025, emissions from the power sector reached 11.65 million tons, exceeding the annual carbon budget of the NECP by 1.5 million tons. Fossil gas plants were responsible for 55%, with a record high of 6.45 million tons. Without the 9-month RES curtailments (1,785 GWh), emissions from the sector would have been 10.7 million tons (-8.1%). For September, however, emissions were limited to 1.17 million tons due to reduced total electricity production.

Montel News featured comments by Nikos Mantzaris, policy analyst and co-founder at The Green Tank, on the sharp rise in renewable energy curtailments in Greece during 2025.

Renewable energy sources (RES) took the lead in electricity generation in September 2025, with 2,464 GWh, although this represented a 16.5% decrease compared to August. Gas generation also fell to 1,719 GWh, while lignite increased (104 GWh, +39.7%). The average wholesale market price reached €92.75/MWh, up 26.8% compared to August. In the first nine months of 2025, gas generation set a record at 17,183 GWh, and exports also hit a record of 1,687 GWh. RES Curtailments reached historically high levels at 1,785 GWh for the nine-month period—more than double the amount for the same period in 2024—while lignite dropped to

In a letter addressed to 19 Environment Ministers, Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra announced on 21 October 2025 the European Commission’s intention to amend the rules governing the Market Stability Reserve (MSR). The 19 Ministers had co-signed a joint non-paper in June on price uncertainties in the new Emissions Trading System for buildings and road transport (ETS2).

In her article for New Money, Maria-Christina Doulami, Communications Officer at The Green Tank, reviews the latest data on the climate crisis in Greece and worldwide, emphasizing the urgent need for action.

The Green Tank has addressed a letter to the Ministry of Environment and Energy ahead of the Energy Council meeting on October 20, expressing concern over the course of negotiations within the EU Council on the proposed Regulation for the gradual phase-out of Russian gas imports.

The Green Tank has submitted its feedback to the European Commission’s revision of the EU Energy Security Framework, emphasizing the urgent need to move away from fossil fuels and redefine energy security around renewable energy, electrification, energy efficiency, and citizen participation.

In the latest episode of Lifo Podcasts titled “Social Climate Fund: Real support or a missed opportunity?”, Ioanna Souka, energy policy analyst at The Green Tank, talks with Dina Karatzou about the strengths and weaknesses of Greece’s Social Climate Plan. They discuss the social impacts of ETS2 and how Greece can make use of up to €15.5 billion to ensure a just and sustainable energy transition.

The first 9 months of 2025 saw the second highest historical gas consumption (51.3 TWh) after 2021. Demand in the power generation sector reached a decade high (36.5 TWh, 71% of the total). LNG was the first source of imports (22.8 TWh, +81% compared to 2024), although in September, Russian gas imports (2.51 TWh) exceeded LNG (1.63 TWh).

A decision of utmost importance for the integrity of the institution of Energy Communities (ECs), Citizen Energy Communities (CECs) and Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) was announced last week by the Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy and Water (RAAEY).

In her article published on energypress, Ioanna Souka highlights that citizen participation is a prerequisite for a fair and sustainable energy transition.