The submission of applications for four energy upgrade programs, which were announced earlier this year, has been extended until March 31, 2025, according to a decision by the Minister of Environment and Energy, Theodoros Skylakakis.

The Ministry of Environment and Energy, as it said in a statement, made this horizontal extension for the four programs, to facilitate the effort of the potential beneficiaries in the collection and correct submission of the required documents provided in the guides of the programs.

In particular, the programs, totaling €213.3 million, include the following:

– Athena (€37.2 million)

The program concerns the improvement of the energy efficiency of preschools and primary schools in operation throughout the Territory.

The beneficiaries of the aid are first-tier local authorities and their legal entities under public law (NPAs) operating primary schools and kindergartens.

Interventions relating, inter alia, to the energy used for technical systems (e.g. for heating, and cooling), as well as to vulnerable parts of the building that allow heat losses (e.g. frames, ceilings, etc.) are covered.

Applications are submitted via the program’s online platform: https://exoikonomo-scholeia.gov.gr/go-beyond/

– Phoebus (EUR 12,4 million)

The program is aimed at improving the energy efficiency of the operating municipal preschool, nursery, and kindergartens throughout the territory.

The beneficiaries of the aid are first-tier local authorities and their NAPs, which operate municipal nurseries, crèches and kindergartens.

The improvement of energy efficiency is related to interventions in the building envelope and technical systems (e.g. thermal insulation of opaque elements and damp-proofing of ceilings, replacement of transparent elements such as window frames and glazing, installation of heat pumps, etc.).

Applications are submitted by interested parties through the online platform of the program: https://exoikonomo-scholeia.gov.gr/go-beyond/

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– Improving the energy efficiency of mountain tourist accommodation (€10 million)

The project concerns the energy upgrade of mountainous, tourist accommodation. 10% of its budget will be allocated exclusively to traditional-preserved buildings (€1 million) and 90% (€9 million) to all other buildings of mountain tourist accommodation.

Costs for the implementation of the energy upgrading interventions are covered, as well as support costs, such as for services necessary for the submission, monitoring, and control of the application.

Applications are submitted through the online platform of the program: https://oreinaxenodochia.gov.gr/app/login

– Storage Systems in Enterprises (€153.7 million)

The program subsidizes businesses, irrespective of size and sector of economic activity, for the installation of storage (battery) systems in planned photovoltaic systems or the installation of storage (battery) systems in existing, active photovoltaic systems.

In both cases, only the storage system is subsidized.

In addition to the extension, the following conditions are also modified
specifically in this program:

– The requirement to activate the connection of the station (electrification) until the completion of the investment. Now, the purchase and installation of the relevant equipment (storage system) is sufficient for the completion of the investment.

It should be noted that in case of non-electrification of the investment, the expenditure category “Cost of connection with DEDDIE/ADMIE” is not subsidized.

– The requirement to submit the terms of connection no later than 2 months after the approval decision is changed to up to 4 months.

The above requirement is a prerequisite for the provision of an advance payment of up to 40% to the project.

At the same time, forthcoming legislation will ensure that electrical space is reserved for each investment at the level of the substation in question.

Applications are submitted through the online platform of the program: https://exoikonomo-epixeiro-fotovoltaika.gov.gr/go-beyond/

In addition, in the program “Promotion of energy efficiency in Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Enterprises (DEYA)”, the subsidy rate is increased from 60% to 80% of the value (excluding VAT) of eligible costs. The aim is to provide an enhanced incentive to DEYAs to implement energy-saving projects and infrastructure upgrades while ensuring their sustainable and efficient operation for the benefit of local communities.