The official signing of the Joint Ministerial Decision marks the launch of the redesigned Apollo Program, which aims to drastically reduce electricity bills for thousands of vulnerable households. The initiative focuses on protecting beneficiaries of the Social Household Tariff and accelerating the green transition through renewable energy sources. Three ministers co-signed The crucial document was signed by Minister of National Economy and Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis, Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou, and Deputy Minister Nikos Tsafos. The decision launches a program with strong social character and developmental dimension.
Priority for vulnerable households with Social Household Tariff A
The initial phase of “Apollo” primarily targets beneficiaries of Social Household Tariff A, with the main goal of substantially reducing electricity costs. Utilizing renewable energy sources serves as the primary tool for achieving this purpose. The program is funded by the Recovery and Resilience Fund and covers more beneficiaries compared to the original proposal. Meanwhile, a second Joint Ministerial Decision is being prepared to extend the program to General Government entities. Municipalities, regions, Land Reclamation Organizations, and Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Companies will be able to participate, extending the benefits of reduced electricity costs to the public sector as well.
600 MW tenders for wind and solar projects
The Apollo Program proceeds with launching special competitive tenders for Renewable Energy Source projects totaling 600 MW. The distribution includes 400 MW from wind farms and 200 MW from solar projects that will feature integrated energy storage. The Energy Regulatory Authority will conduct the tenders, following a strict and predetermined timeline. Investors participating in the tenders must meet specific completion deadlines. Solar systems with batteries must be ready by December 31, 2027, while wind stations must be completed by September 30, 2028.
Competition rules and participation requirements
To ensure healthy competition, the Joint Ministerial Decision sets power concentration limits. No investor can secure more than 25% of the total tendered capacity, thus ensuring broad participation and avoiding monopolistic situations. An essential prerequisite for tender participation is project maturity, meaning the existence of a Final Connection Offer. Additionally, solar projects without storage can participate, provided owners modify their licenses to incorporate batteries if selected.
The Apollo Program is expected to contribute decisively to reducing electricity costs for vulnerable households and municipalities, while simultaneously accelerating the country’s energy transition toward cleaner energy sources.
