The summer exemption period for renewable energy curtailment in Greece has ended. Specifically, according to estimated energy surplus data from the Greek Regulatory Authority for Energy, Water, and Waste, from June 1 to August 27, the curtailment of green electricity reached approximately 601 GWh, excluding weekends. The cumulative curtailment has reached 1,571 GWh, a significant increase from the pre-summer level of 970 GWh.
The Greek Independent Power Transmission Operator (ADMIE) and the Federation of Solar Energy (FoSE) are implementing curtailment to ensure system stability, primarily due to the continuous growth of photovoltaic (PV) installed capacity, which has led to excess supply during typical summer noon demand. Additionally, during periods of high wind power generation, curtailment has even extended to Saturdays and Sundays. For example, in June alone, curtailment occurred on at least 20 days. The annual curtailment for 2025 is expected to reach 2 TWh. Although solar radiation decreases and PV production declines starting in September, the curtailment trend remains unchanged.
Industry analysts estimate that PV power producers will see a revenue reduction of at least 10-15%, and projects with SEDY contracts will face intensified revenue losses. Starting in 2026, most curtailment will be conducted through market terms, with FoSE remotely managing its representative portfolios. ADMIE will only need to implement curtailment for redispatch purposes, which is expected to account for no more than 10-20% of system-excluded production. Battery energy storage solutions are projected to begin operation in the second half of 2027, providing a buffer for revenue losses and gradually offsetting them from early 2028.
The project infrastructure includes 76 battery containers, 19 bidirectional converter centers, and a 33/66 kV step-up substation. It will be connected to the existing Lucero substation via a 362-meter-long 66 kV transmission line. The system will draw electricity from the substation, store it during low-demand periods, and feed it back into the grid during high-demand periods, thereby enhancing the operational stability of Chile’s national power system. Operation monitoring will be conducted remotely in real-time, and an office control center will be built within the step-up substation for maintenance purposes.
The project has a designed lifespan of 30 years, after which an assessment will be conducted to decide whether to decommission it or extend its operation for another five years. During the construction phase, an average of 33 workers will be employed, peaking at 50 workers. In the operational phase, an average of 2 personnel will be required, with the number potentially increasing to 5 under specific circumstances. The project aims to optimize grid dispatch through energy storage technology, aligning with the trend of grid-side energy storage development and supporting Chile’s energy transition.
