Greece has seen a record production of electricity from renewable energy sources exceeding the corresponding output from natural gas this year, without considering the contribution of large hydroelectric plants with exports expected to reach 3 billion cubic meters this year.

The structural upheavals in the energy market brought about by the international crisis also include the fact that Greece became an energy exporter and an energy channel for the Balkan countries, supporting their energy supply with Liquefied Natural Gas infrastructure.

Environment and Energy Minister Kostas Skrekas pointed out that with the increase in RES, Greece has a comparative advantage in electricity production for the first time because it has twice as much solar radiation compared to Northern Europe. He estimated that the production of "green" energy will translate into savings of more than 2 billion euros in 2023 from the substitution of natural gas imports.

The developments in natural gas exports are also impressive with the Liquefied Natural Gas storage and gasification infrastructure in Revythoussa playing a leading role. Skrekas has recently stated at the Ministerial Council of the International Natural Gas Conference in Bucharest, that the country exported 0.7 billion cubic meters of natural gas last year, while this year it is already approaching 2 billion.

Moreover, the country's export potential will be strengthened with the commercial operation of the Greek-Bulgarian natural gas pipeline that began on October 1 and the start of operation, in 2023, of the new floating Liquefied Natural Gas station in Alexandroupolis.

Originally published on: greekcitytimes.com

The extension of Line 3 in Piraeus will be operational within the next few days, according to Giorgos Karagiannis, deputy minister of infrastructure and transport.

Speaking to ERT, he highlighted the substantial advantages that the metro lines 3 and 4 additions will provide to not only all Athens citizens but also to the environment. Karagiannis noted that with the operation of the metro in Piraeus, the country’s largest airport will be connected to the largest port in less than an hour. The trial runs for Metro Line 4 started last Tuesday.

“An additional 340,000 passengers will travel daily on this line alone, while 2,000 new trees will be planted in Athens, and, for the first time, architectural contests for square redevelopments will be launched in collaboration with the Municipality of Athens,” he said.

Karagiannis also announced the project for the extension of Line 2 to Ilion will be tendered by the end of 2022 and the extensions to Menidi and Zefiri will follow in the next phase.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discover the largest mythological theme park ever made in Greece!

Mount Olympus opens its doors and invites visitors of any age to admire the grandeur of Greek mythology, in a spectacular themed show of 1800sqm.

Greece’s most important cultural heritage, the «beginning of everything», THE GODS OF OLYMPUS… as you have never seen them before.

For the first time in Greece, technology meets myth and together they create the most interesting and entertaining theme park.

Through imposing god figures, 3D projections, guided tours, interactive acts, and many surprises, everyone will be able to learn about every god’s life and deeds, as presented in greek ancient writings.

If you think you know about mythology through Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, you will be amazed by how much there is still to learn about the twelve Olympians – the most popular narrative in Greek history.

The European Commission has launched an online public consultation on the upcoming legislative proposal for a new EU framework for forest monitoring and strategic plans. The aim is to develop an EU-wide forest observation framework to provide open access to detailed, accurate, regular, and timely information on the condition and management of EU forests. All stakeholders are invited to share their views on this initiative via an online consultation that runs until 17 November 2022.

The European Green Deal calls for action to improve the quantity and quality of forests in the European Union, so the EU can reach its goal of climate neutrality and creating a healthy environment. The new EU Forest Strategy for 2030 sets the vision for effective afforestation, forest preservation, and restoration in Europe. The Strategy also announces a legislative proposal for a forest observation, reporting and data collection framework and requires the Member States to prepare strategic plans for forests.

In addition to improving forest monitoring, this information will lead to more data-driven decision-making on forests. It is expected to increase public trust in forest management, reduce illegal logging, incentivize and reward more sustainable forest management, and support the adaptation of forests to climate change. This initiative will also help deliver a Europe fit for the digital age as it will empower people, businesses, and administrations by providing access to harmonized forest-related data and making better use of digital technologies.

To read this article in full, please visit the European Commission's official website. 

The European Commission has launched an online public consultation on the development of a possible EU Soil Health Law.

Soils are the foundation of our food security, providing 95% of the food we eat. Healthy soils are vital for life on Earth. They deliver many essential services and are crucial to achieving key objectives of the European Green Deal such as climate neutrality, biodiversity restoration, zero pollution, healthy and sustainable food systems, and a resilient environment.

The EU Soil Strategy for 2030, adopted on 17 November 2021, sets the vision to have all soils in healthy condition by 2050 and to make the protection, sustainable use, and restoration of soils the norm. It also announces that the Commission will table a new legislative proposal on soil health providing a comprehensive legal framework for soil protection granting it the same level of protection that exists for water, the marine environment, and air in the EU. This proposal will complement the Nature Restoration Law and, ensure synergies with climate change mitigation and adaptation actions.

Sustainable soil management and restoration require the involvement of a wide range of economic and societal actors. Therefore, from farmers to foresters, from land planners to industry, from national governments to local authorities, from NGOs to citizens, all stakeholders are invited to share their views on this initiative on soil health via an online consultation that runs until 24 October 2022.

Soils host more than 25% of the world’s biodiversity, are the largest terrestrial carbon pool on the planet, and play a key role in the circular economy and adaptation to climate change. Yet, some 60-70% of EU soil ecosystems are unhealthy and suffering from degradation. Soil degradation is thought to cost the EU around 50 billion euros per year. Halting and reversing current trends of soil degradation could generate up to EUR 1.2 trillion per year in economic benefits globally.

To read this article in full, please visit the European Commission's official website. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greece has not stopped breaking one record after another in recent years - from tourism to important economic indicators that testify to the enormous dynamics that the country has developed in recent years, and this time, Athens has been listed as a Top 10 most beautiful city.

"World of Statistics" ranked the Greek capital as among the ten most beautiful cities in the world.

More specifically, Athens is in sixth place, with a rate of 77.5%, and right behind the Italian cities of Venice and Rome, as well as Barcelona, ​​Prague, and New York. The top ten is completed with Budapest, Vienna, Bordeaux, and Milan.

And while this victory of Athens may seem quite insignificant when compared to economic and social indicators, it can have a decisive effect on important sectors, such as tourism, and therefore the economy, work, and innovation.

The records in tourist arrivals this summer from every corner of the planet confirm that the ancient city is in the eyes of many the most beautiful city, hence their decision to spend the most carefree period of the year in this unique city.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekcitytimes.com

The Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) presented a new cartoon spot that introduces Greece as a destination that can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Screened for the first time on Thursday during the 15th Animasyros International Animation Festival on the island of Syros, the spot, titled “Greece. More than the eye can see”, presents the country as an ever-evolving sustainable destination, accessible 365 days a year.

Created in collaboration with Animasyros Productions (Zedem Media), the cartoon aims to inform travelers of all ages, from all over the world, about the multitude of alternative and thematic tourism options Greece offers.

The one-minute “Greece. More than the eye can see” cartoon showcases a significant variety of Greek landscapes and tourism activities, available to any traveler, inspired by well-known and unknown locations around the country.

The cartoon has been released in two languages – English and German – and was created with 2D animation techniques.

To read this article in full, please visit: news.gtp.gr