One of Greece’s many financial challenges relates to its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. Greenpeace wants to change this by further solarizing Greece.

The organisation says oil-powered electricity generation currently burdens Greek consumers with 800 million euros each year in oil subsidies and there is no solid plan in place to phase out oil.

Energy poverty is also on the rise, with 6 out of 10 Greek households struggling to pay their energy bills.

Solar could help alleviate both these issues and Greenpeace is seeking to raise a million dollars to install solar panels in communities facing serious energy problems.

To kick off Greenpeace Greece’s new crowdfunding campaign, activists from Italy, Spain and Greece have unfurled a 600 square meter banner reading ‘Oil is fueling Greek debt’ at the site of an oil-fired power plant under construction on the island of Rhodes.

“We know the world is watching Greece, so we’re asking the world to help us serve up a solution to wasteful spending on expensive oil,” said Takis Grigoriou, Climate & Energy campaigner at Greenpeace Greece. ” The sun is already our greatest asset, not just for tourism, but because it’s an unlimited and free energy source that can beat back recession and power sustainable development. Let’s use it”.

According to Energypedia, approximately 61% of Greece’s energy needs are met through imports with the remaining 39% tapped from national energy sources; mainly coal (77%) and renewables (22%). Imported energy sources are primarily petroleum products.

Greece enjoys significant solar resources, with an average global horizontal irradiation level of more than 1,500 kWh/m2.

Solar technologies have made significant inroads in the country – a 2020 target of 2,200 MW of solar PV had already been achieved in 2013. Greece has the second largest capacity of solar hot water systems in Europe.

The nation also has excellent wind power resources, with an economic wind energy potential estimated at 10,000-12,000 MW.

“Solarizing the Greek economy is a win-win-win scenario: Not only can Greece dramatically cut costs and save billions from energy imports, we can also shift to clean sustainable energy and redirect funds to where they matter most: pensions, welfare policies and stimulating the economy,” said Mr. Grigoriou.