Nikos Tsafos criticizes PASOK amendment on lignite energy

Greek Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy Nikos Tsafos has criticized a legislative amendment proposed by PASOK regarding the retention of lignite units within the national electricity system. The amendment, submitted by MP Paris Koukoulopoulos, seeks to maintain lignite production until the country achieves domestic natural gas production, specifically mentioning the Ptolemaida 5 plant with a horizon extending to 2049.

Tsafos argued that the proposal relies on “half-truths” regarding the utilization of lignite in the European Union and the assumption that lignite is an inherently cheap energy source. He stated, “Cheap energy is not something you legislate with an amendment,” asserting that the true cost of lignite production is not reflected in the proposed regulations.

The Deputy Minister noted that the phase-out of lignite began in 2005, not 2019, and that two-thirds of the process was already complete by 2019. He emphasized that “lignite is leaving because it is expensive.” Tsafos also questioned the logic of mandating lignite production if domestic gas production, increased renewable energy, and rising carbon emission costs render lignite units loss-making. Furthermore, he criticized the amendment's provision that could link the premature closure of specific units to a breach of confidence.