- Table of Contents
Greece is situated in the south east of Europe, on the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula. The country’s neighbors are Albania, the Republic of Macedonia and Bulgaria to the north and Turkey to the east. Also, Greece borders three different seas: the Aegean Sea to the east of Greece’s mainland, the Ionian Sea to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. The coastline of Greece is 14,880 km in length, featuring approximately 1,400 islands of which 227 are inhabited. Greece is a member of the European Union since 1981 and its Economic and Monetary Union since 2001, NATO since 1952, and the European Space Agency since 2005. It is also a founding member of the United Nations, the OECD and the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization. Major cities include Thessaloniki, Piraeus, Patras, Heraklion and Larissa. The biggest city and capital of Greece is Athens. The country holds a population of 10.8 million people (2011 census). It has a nominal GDP of 305.42 billion US dollars (2010 IMF estimate, number 32 on the list) and a GDP which is slightly higher when measured in Power Purchasing Parity.[1]
Greece has a natural gas supply per capita of 0.283 toe and produces virtually no natural gas. Thus Greece imports the vast majority of its gas volumes, mainly from Russia. Despite this high dependency on gas imports, Greece barely has gas storages in place.[2]
| Basic Gas Facts | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010e |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas reserves (bcm) | .. | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Gas production (mcm) | 23 | 21 | 14 | 11 | 1 |
| Gas consumption (mcm) | 3312 | 4030 | 4208 | 3528 | 3809 |
| Gas imports (mcm) | 3294 | 4025 | 4220 | 3555 | 3815 |
| imports pipeline (mcm) | 2692 | 3120 | 3235 | 2730 | 2708 |
| imports LNG (mcm) | 602 | 905 | 985 | 825 | 1107 |
| import dependency (%)* | 99.46% | 99.87% | 100.28% | 100.76% | 100.16% |
| Gas exports (mcm) | - | - | - | - | - |
| Natural gas supply per capita (toe) | 0.246 | 0.301 | 0.312 | 0.263 | 0.283 |
| Technically recoverable shale gas resources (bcm) | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. |
| Coal Bed Methane reserves (bcm)** | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. |
| c = confidential; - = nill; ..= not available * Imports dependency of natural gas = (imports - exports) / consumption **Proven & Probable (2P); U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Coalbed Methane Outreach Program Sources: Natural Gas Information © OECD/IEA, 2011, EIA Analysis & Projections, GMI/EPA Coal Mine Methane Country Profiles | |||||
| Basic Energy Facts | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010e |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Energy Consumption (mtoe) | 30.22 | 30.22 | 30.42 | 29.44 | 27.02 |
| CO2 emissions, energy-related (Mt) | .. | 97.84 | 93.39 | 90.22 | .. |
| CO2 intensity, energy-related (tCO2/toe) | .. | 3.04 | 3.07 | 3.06 | .. |
| Energy consumption per capita (toe/cap) | 3.48 | 3.53 | 3.45 | .. | .. |
| CO2 per capita, energy-related (tCO2/cap) | .. | 8.74 | 8.31 | 8 | .. |
| c = confidential; - = nill; ..= not available Sources: Natural Gas Information © OECD/IEA, 2011 & EIA International Energy Statistics | |||||
This section explores total primary energy consumption (TPEC) and gas demand by sector for Greece.
In 2010, Greece’s TPEC amounted to 27.02 mtoe, an 8.25% decrease compared to 2009. In 2010, oil accounted for 13.98 mtoe while coal and gas accounted for 7.31 mtoe and 3.19 mtoe respectively. Other sectors accounted for 2.53 mtoe. [1]
In 2010, Greece consumed a total of an estimated 3,809 mcm of natural gas, 8% more than the previous year. In 2009, Germany consumed a total of 3,528 mcm of natural gas, 16% less than in 2008. Of its consumption in 2009, 2,181 mcm were used for transformation and 491 for industry (excluding the energy industry itself, which used 32 mcm), while 481 mcm was consumed by other sectors.*
Transformation includes the generation of electricity, while the demand from the ‘Industry’ refers to gas used for such things like the chemical-, iron and steel- and machinery industry. The demand from the ‘Energy Sector’ refers to gas used for the extraction of coal, oil, and gas and gas used in refineries, coke ovens and gas works.[1]
This section deals with gas reserves and gas imports.
Greece holds very small gas reserves. Greece’s reserve of gas is estimated to be around 1 bcm of natural gas. [1]
| By country of origin (in mcm) | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010e | %Total 2010 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | - | - | - | - | 127 | 3.33% |
| Algeria | 602 | 905 | 985 | 526 | 766 | 20.08% |
| Egypt | - | - | - | 253 | 46 | 1.20% |
| Qatar | - | - | - | - | 39 | 1.02% |
| Russia | 2692 | 3120 | 2798 | 2023 | 2064 | 54.10% |
| Trinidad & Tobago | - | - | - | 46 | 46 | 1.21% |
| Non-specified/Other | - | - | 437 | 707 | 727 | 19.06% |
| Total | 3294 | 4025 | 4220 | 3556 | 3815 | 100% |
| %Total Consumption | 99.46% | 99.87% | 100.28% | 100.79% | 100.16% | - |
| c = confidential; - = nill; ..= not available Source: Natural gas information 2010 & OECD/IEA, 2010 | ||||||
| By transport type (in mcm) | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010e | %Total 2010 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipeline imports | 2692 | 3120 | 3235 | 2730 | 2708 | 70.98% |
| LNG imports | 602 | 905 | 985 | 825 | 1107 | 29.02% |
| Total | 3294 | 4025 | 4220 | 3555 | 3815 | 100% |
| %Total Consumption | 99.46% | 99.87% | 100.28% | 100.76% | 100.16% | - |
| c = confidential; - = nill; ..= not available Source: Natural Gas Information © OECD/IEA, 2011 | ||||||
Gas imports account for about 100% of the total volumes of consumed gas in Greece. Most of Greece´s gas imports are being accomplished via pipeline, only 29% is imported via LNG. Greece’s gas pipeline imports originate mainly from Russia, LNG originates mainly from Algeria. The share of Russian gas in Greece’s gas imports contracted to 54% in 2010 (slight decrease from 2009, when it was 57%), while the share of Algerian gas in Greece’s imports increased quite significantly from 14.79% in 2009 to 20.08% in 2010. No gas exports take place from Greece.[1]
This section deals with the gas grid, LNG terminals and storage facilities in Greece.
Pipelines
DESFA, a 100% subsidiary of DEPA SA (in turn owned by the Greek state for 65% and by Hellenic petroleum for 35%), is the only owner and operator of the transmission system and the Revithoussa LNG Terminal. The transmission system holds a total length of 1,218 km. Also, Greece is connected to the TGI (Turkey-Greece-Italy) pipeline from Azerbaijan. There are two cross border interconnections: at Sidirokastron (Bulgaria) and Kipi (Turkey). There are twelve gas-fired power plants in Greece with a total gas-fired power generation of 4,139 MW. Four Distribution System Operators (DSOs) are active in Greece, including DEPA. [1], [2]
| TSO | Length of Transmisson Network (km) | Total Compressor Power (MW) | Total transported energy (gas, 2009, GWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESFA | 1218 | - | 37339 |
| Total | 1218 | - | 37339 |
| Source: ENTSOG Ten Year Network Development Plan 2011-2020 | |||
Gas Infrastructure Projects
There are a few infrastructure projects planned in Greece (see table below).
| Project | Type | Sponsors | Total Length (km) | Diameter (mm) | Technical Cap. Pipes** | Power of CS(s) (MW)*** | Sources | Expected Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Komotini-Thesprotia | Pipeline | DESFA | 801 | 508-1067 | .. | .. | .. | Security of Supply through diversification of supply sources |
| Aliveri pipeline | Pipeline | DESFA | - | - | .. | .. | .. | .. |
| Megalopoli pipeline | Pipeline | DESFA | - | - | .. | .. | .. | .. |
| N. Messimvria CS | CS | DESFA | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Enforcement and stability of the Greek National Natural Gas System (NNGS) |
| *compressor station **bcm/year; some figures are estimates as these data were only available on a 'per day'-basis ***absorbed power Source: ENTSOG Ten Year Development Plan 2011-2020 | ||||||||
One LNG terminal is currently operating in Revithoussa, which opened up in 2000. This facility is planned to be updated, expanding its capacity by 2015. One other terminal is proposed to be built in the future; in Palei Galini on the island of Crete (in two phases: 2015, 2016). [1]
| Site | Storage | - | Regasification | - | - | Owner | Operator | TPA | Start-up | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | #Tanks | Cap.* | Max. Hourly Cap. (mcm) | #Vaporizers | Cap.** | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Revithoussa | 2 | 130 | 0.75 | 6 | 5.3 | DESFA | DESFA | No | 2000 | Algeria | E |
| Revithoussa (after 2nd upgrade) | 3 | 225 | 0.93 | .. | 7.3 | DESFA | DESFA | .. | 2015 | .. | P |
| Palei Galini (Crete, 2 phases) | 1 | 175 | .. | .. | 2.2 | DESFA | DESFA | .. | 2016 | - | P |
| c = confidential; - = nill; ..= not available E = existing; U = under construction; P = proposed * capacity in m3 x1,000 **nominal capacity in bcm/year of gas Source: Natural Gas Information © OECD/IEA, 2011, GIIGNL 2010 & Gas Infrastructure Europe: GLE LNG Map 2011 | |||||||||||
- 1. Natural Gas Information © OECD/IEA, 2011
- 2. Gas Infrastructure Europe: GLE LNG Map August 2011
- 3. GIIGNL 2010
Greece does not have any storage capacity at the moment, but one facility is planned to be built in South Kavala with a storage capacity of 360 mcm and a send out of 4 mcm per day. [1]
| Nr. | Facility name | Operator | Storage Capacity (mcm) | Withdraw (mcm/day) | Injection (mcm/day) | TPA* | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Kavala | .. | 360 | 4 | .. | .. | .. |
| Total | - | - | 360 | 4 | - | - | - |
| Source: ENTSOG TYNDP 2011-2020, Gas Infrastructure Europe: GSE Storage Map 2011 | |||||||
This section deals with the gas market regulation in upstream, in the transmission grid and downstream.
Greece’s gas market could be characterized as an immature market which is still largely controlled by the national government. The sector is dominated by DEPA SA (Public Gas Corporation of Greece SA), of which 65% is owned by the state. The remaining 35% is in the hands of Hellenic Petroleum SA. DEPA SA is a vertically integrated gas company which owns the National Gas Transmission System (through its subsidiary DESFA SA). On top of that, DEPA SA had the exclusive right to import and supply natural gas in Greece until the signing of the Gas Law 3428/2005. The same law provides provisions for the establishment of a wholesale market in the future as no such market exists yet. The Regulatory Authority for Energy (RAE) regulates all energy markets (electricit, gas, and oil). The REA has mainly advisory powers, although its role have been significantly enhanced and strengthened through changes in legislation in recent years. A large majority of all imports originate from Russia via a pipeline while LNG arrives from Algeria and recently via the TGI (Turkey-Greece-Italy) pipeline from Azerbaijan. Long-term import contracts have been signed with Gazexport (Russia), Sonatrach (Algeria) and Socar (Azerbaijan). Gazprom (Russia) has set up a joint venture with Copelouzos Group (Greek), called Prometheus Gas SA for the direct sale of gas in the Greek market. However, no gas sales have been conducted by Prometheus Gas yet. [1], [2]
DESFA, the 100% subsidiary of DEPA SA, is the owner and operator of the National Network Gas Systems, comprising of the main high pressure pipeline and its branches. Also, the LNG Terminal at Revithoussa island is owned and operated by DESFA. DESFA is the only TSO in Greece. DEPA is also a local distribution system operator (DSO). Besides DEPA, there are three other local distribution companies: Attika (Athens), Thessaloniki, and Thessalia. DEPA is the only party authorized to form new distribution companies and holds 51% of the shares in the other three DSOs through its subsidiary EDA. DEPA has the right to cede the exploitation but not the ownership of such companies to minority shareholders. ENI owns 49% of DSOs Thessaloniki and Thessalia. Three additional distribution companies are likely to be established through partial private investments (in the regions of Sterea Ellada, Central Macedonia, and Eastern Macedonia and Thrace). An EU Directive has granted a 30-year derogation from Third Party Access (TPA) to the three existing distribution companies. As regarding the three additional distribution companies, a derogation period from TPA for 10 years has been granted to the distribution company of Sterea Ellada, and for 20 years to the other two. [1]
The gas market has been gradually opened to competition since 2005. Currently, all customers are free to choose their supplier, with the exception of households and small (less than 100.000 MWh) customers in the concession areas of the three DSOs or the concession areas of any future DSO that may be granted a derogation. These household customers will become free to choose their supplier once the derogations expire. [1]
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