A solution to the waterlogging problem faced by many islands by using desalination combined with green energy production is being promoted by the Ministry of Environment and Energy.

According to Minister Thodoros Skylakakis, the plan being developed by the ministry includes the construction of hybrid power generation units with wind, photovoltaic, pumped storage and desalination units that will be used to produce electricity and fresh water for water supply and irrigation.

Pumped storage will be used both for energy production with hydroelectric turbines and as an energy storage facility as during times when energy demand is low and production from wind and PV exceeds consumption, excess energy will be used to return water to the upstream reservoir to be reused for power generation.

The announcement of the projects is expected in the autumn and €200 million in funding has been secured from the decarbonisation funds as most of the projects’ budget will be allocated to the construction of the green power plants, thus justifying the inclusion of the projects in this fund.

Through the notice, interested island municipalities facing water scarcity problems will be invited to submit their proposals.