Over the past few years, Greece has emerged as a notable player in Europe’s green transition. Solar and wind power have become the cornerstones of the country’s electricity generation, helping it reach record-breaking levels of renewable energy use. In 2023, Greece’s installed capacity in renewables climbed to 15.8 gigawatts—an impressive 15.5% increase from the previous year. By the end of 2022, renewable energy sources (RES) were covering over 42% of the country’s electricity needs.

Solar and wind power are leading the way, with wind generating 10.9 TWh and solar producing 8.4 TWh in 2023. Greece even ranks seventh in the EU for electricity generation from solar photovoltaics—an achievement made more striking considering its size compared to larger economies. Yet beneath the surface of these positive statistics lie several structural hurdles that could jeopardise long-term progress.

A system built for the few, not the many

One of the most pressing challenges is the concentration of the RES market. The majority of investments and production still come from a handful of large energy and construction companies. Smaller investors and everyday citizens often struggle to gain meaningful access to the system. In fact, data from 2022 showed that around 75% of solar capacity came from large-scale installations, while residential and small business participation through net metering remains disproportionately low.

Part of the problem lies in bureaucracy and grid congestion. Connecting new projects—especially smaller ones—to the network remains difficult in many regions. Areas like Central Greece, Western Macedonia, and the Peloponnese are already facing high levels of grid saturation. This limits opportunities for community-led energy initiatives and slows down Greece’s decentralisation efforts.

Georgios Xexakis, a senior researcher on energy transition and climate policy, believes the problem is no longer about generating renewable power—it is about integrating it effectively into the existing energy system. “For a country with around 5.5 GW of demand, it’s remarkable to have already reached such a high level of renewable penetration,” he says. But that success also raises concerns: “Can the infrastructure handle it? And who actually benefits from this growth?”

According to Xexakis, the key lies in rethinking the model. Rather than focusing on large, rural solar parks, he argues for empowering municipalities and local communities to take the lead—installing solar panels on schools, public buildings, and rooftops. These more distributed systems would not only relieve pressure on the national grid but also offer citizens a tangible stake in the transition.

Engineering a more ethical and decentralised model

He also warns that the ongoing concentration of investments risks sidelining public participation. “People want to be part of the energy shift,” he explains, “but we are losing momentum because the system favours top-down control and red tape.” He points to programmes like “Solar Panels on Rooftops” and “Exoikonomo” that show potential but are often marred by delays and unclear procedures.

Engineer Christos Kosmas agrees—though his approach is rooted in hands-on implementation. With a background in renewable energy systems, he emphasises the need to maximise existing infrastructure. “We need to think practically. Rooftops, factories, existing buildings—these are the places where we should be focusing investment,” he says. Local energy production, combined with storage, could allow communities to become partially autonomous, reducing pressure on the grid while increasing resilience.

Kosmas also raises an ethical point often overlooked in green debates: the environmental and social cost of the renewable energy supply chain. Many of the minerals used in solar panels and batteries, such as cobalt, are mined under harsh conditions, often in politically unstable regions. “Sustainability is not just about emissions,” he says. “It is also about the people and ecosystems behind the materials we use.”

Both experts agree that while Greece is on the right track, the journey is far from over. Progress should not be measured solely in megawatts but in how fairly and effectively the benefits of renewables are shared. That includes investing in smarter grids, reducing red tape, and creating space for grassroots participation.

If Greece wants to remain a leader in renewable energy, the next phase must focus on inclusivity, infrastructure, and decentralisation. Without those pillars, even the most ambitious climate targets risk becoming numbers on a page rather than real tools for change.

The full investigation is available in English in the form of a dedicated eBook [HERE], providing a comprehensive resource for researchers, journalists, policymakers, and citizens seeking a deeper understanding of how Southern and Southeastern Europe is navigating the age of clean energy.

This investigation was developed with the support of Journalismfund Europe.