Solar Energy comes to Crete

Solar energy in Crete still remains unused, excluding the numerous solar boiler on the tops of the houses. This fact is about to change soon though, with the creation of the largest thermosolar plant in Europe, at the southeastern corner of Crete, at the Municipality of Lefki.

Municipality of Lefki is one of the smallest municipalities in Crete, with limited income, as the tourism is low and the landscape doesn’t allow much of agricultural exploitation. It is located at the most remote area of the southeastern Crete, south of Zakros, and east from Makry Gialos. The municipality consists of areas such as Xerokambos, Ziros, Goudouras and other small villages.

This remote area in Crete was chosen for the largest investment on solar energy so far, with the creation of a thermosolar plant that will be established in Agia Triada, covering a total area of 100 hectares, generating energy of 20MW.

The international company NUR-MOH won the contest held by the Municipality of Lefki. The company will provide the Cretan network with the produced electricity and will be paying 796,000 Euros on an annual basis to the Municipality.

Except for the rent, the Municipality will be receiving the 3% of the gross income, as the law suggests. A great number of new working positions will be open, while several landscape projects are to be launched. The thermosolar plant will also operate as a park open to the public. The Mayor of Lefki suggests that this is an investment of significant importance for the Municipality that will boost the development and utilization of natural resources. It is an investment that will enhance and make the area known, encouraging the use of eco-friendly technological solutions.

According to the signed agreement, the contractor will build and administrate the thermosolar station that will provide the area with at least 20 to 25MW. The plant will be able to concentrate the solar energy with the help of mirrors, will heat the water and will produce steam that will set in an electric generator/ tourbine in motion. The electricity will be sent to the existing network of DEI (public power corporation of Greece), who will be buying the generated energy.