Overview
Heron I is a 148 MW gas-fired power plant in Greece, operated by the Public Power Company of Greece. It plays a role in the country's electricity grid.
Heron I is a gas-fired power plant located in Greece, with a capacity of 148 megawatts. It is owned and operated by the Public Power Company of Greece, the country's dominant electricity utility. The plant is currently operational and contributes to the national power supply. As a gas-fired facility, Heron I operates under Greece's national energy regulations, which align with the European Union's Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU). This directive sets emission limits for pollutants such as SOx, NOx, and particulates, and requires the use of Best Available Techniques (BAT) to minimize environmental impact. Gas power plants like Heron I typically have lower CO2 emissions compared to coal-fired plants, but still contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The plant's capacity of 148 MW places it in the medium-scale range for gas power plants in Greece. It likely serves as a mid-merit or peaking plant, helping to balance supply and demand on the grid. The Public Power Company of Greece operates a diverse portfolio of generation assets, and Heron I supports the country's energy security and transition towards cleaner energy sources.
Environmental context
Heron I, as a gas-fired power plant, emits CO2, NOx, and other pollutants, though at lower levels than coal plants. Its location in Greece, a country with significant solar and wind resources, places it within a grid increasingly integrating renewables. Modern gas plants often use combined cycle technology for higher efficiency.
Frequently asked questions
Heron I is located in Greece, with coordinates approximately 38.2801° N, 23.3264° E. It is situated in the region of Central Greece.
Heron I is a gas-fired power plant, meaning it generates electricity by burning natural gas. It has a capacity of 148 megawatts.
Heron I is owned and operated by the Public Power Company of Greece (DEI), the largest electricity utility in Greece.
Gas power plants in Greece must comply with the EU Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU), which sets emission limits for pollutants like NOx and SOx, and requires the use of Best Available Techniques (BAT) to reduce environmental impact.
Heron I, with its 148 MW capacity, provides flexible generation that can help balance the grid, especially as Greece increases its share of renewable energy sources like wind and solar.