July 2026 - Presentation of the project “Ai Stratis - Green Island” at the 13th International Conference on Environmental Management, Engineering, Planning and Economics (CEMEPE 2026), the LIFE- FROSTDEFEND (LIFE20 CCA/GR/001747) and SECOTOX Conference, in Thessaloniki, 12 - 16 July 2026.
The conference is organized by the Division of Hydraulics and Environmental Engineering of the Department of Civil Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the Society of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety (SECOTOX) and the LIFE-FROSTDEFEND project, in collaboration with the NTUA’S UNESCO Chair on Green Innovation and Circular Economy, the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Thessaly, the Department of Environmental Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, and the Department of Chemistry, Democritus University of Thrace. The purpose of the conference is to promote knowledge, the exchange of ideas, and research on current issues in environmental science, engineering, and management.
The Centre for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving (CRES) will present at the conference the project through an oral presentation entitled “Ai Stratis - Green Island: The energy transition of a non-interconnected small Greek island.”
June 2026 – Organization of the Conference “The Energy Transition in the Greek Islands – GREEN ISLAND AI STRATIS”, in Lemnos island, 10-11 June 2026.
The conference is organized by CRES within the framework of the project “Agios Efstratios - Green Island”, and aims to highlight the opportunities and benefits arising from the energy transition of the Greek islands towards a sustainable and climate-neutral energy future.
Through this event, the goal is to foster a meaningful dialogue not only with the scientific and energy communities, but also with local authorities, the business sector, productive stakeholders, and local communities. The objective is to ensure that the green transition is effectively linked to citizens’ daily lives, local economic development, and the long-term sustainability of the islands.
The second day of the event includes a visit and guided tour of the project’s facilities on Agios Efstratios, offering participants the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the operation of the innovative hybrid energy system developed on the island.
The conference will feature presentations by representatives of GEK TERNA Group, NTUA, HEDNO, RAAEY, PPC Renewables, HWEA, and other public authorities and local government organizations, sharing their knowledge and experience regarding the challenges and prospects shaping the energy transition of the Greek islands.
Μay 2026 – Participation of CRES in the Clean Energy for EU Islands Forum 2026 in Mallorca, Spain, 20-21 May 2026.
The EU Islands Forum 2026, hosted at Casa Esment in Palma de Mallorca on 20-21 May 2026 under the central theme “Resilient Islands - Resilient Europe”, brought together representatives of island communities, European institutions, national and regional authorities, energy system operators, research centers, and experts from across Europe. The aim of the event was to exchange experiences and highlight effective governance and cooperation models that can accelerate the clean energy transition of European islands.
The thematic sessions of the forum focused on the challenges of decarbonization, strengthening the resilience of island energy systems, the development of energy communities, water - energy interconnections, as well as the importance of cooperation between local communities, public authorities, and European institutions in achieving climate neutrality targets. The program included plenary sessions, thematic workshops, policy discussions, and technical visits to innovative energy installations in Mallorca.
In addition to the regular Forum activities, two capacity-building workshops were held on 19 and 22 May 2026, offering practical training, experience sharing, and valuable knowledge to stakeholders involved in the energy transition of islands.
April 2026 - Presentation of the Project “Agios Efstratios - Green Island” at the WindEurope Annual Conference 2026 in Madrid, 21–23 April 2026.
The annual WindEurope conference in Madrid will bring together leaders from the wind energy industry, scientific institutions, policymakers, and investors to shape the future of wind energy in Europe. As one of the most important renewable energy events, the conference will highlight cutting-edge technologies, strategic policy discussions, and partnerships that advance the energy transition. Set in the dynamic environment of the Spanish capital, the event will serve as a leading platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration, reinforcing Europe’s commitment to accelerating wind energy deployment and achieving its climate and energy security goals.
The Centre for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving (CRES) will present at the conference the project and the first operational results, with a poster presentation under the title: “Ai Stratis – Green Island: Early operational results from a high RES penetration electrical system.”
February 2026 – Organization of a One-Day Conference on the Project “Ai Stratis - Green Island” within the framework of Verde.Tec Forum 2026.
On Friday, February 27, from 16:15 to 18:00, a one-day conference on the project “Agios Efstratios – Green Island” will be hosted in WORKSHOP 1 Hall at the MEC Paiania Exhibition Center. The conference will feature presentations by the Centre for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving (CRES) and the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (HEDNO), and with the participation of GEK TERNA. The event is part of Verde.Tec Forum 2026, held within the framework of the 8th International Verde.Tec Exhibition for Environmental Technologies. The Exhibition, the parallel Verde.Tec Forum, and the Greek Green Awards will take place from February 27 to March 1, 2026, at the MEC Exhibition Center in Paiania.
November 2025 - Commissioning of the Hybrid Station
Following the successful completion of the testing period, the system was commissioned for operation with the approval of HEDNO (Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator). The electricity generation system from Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and the integrated district heating system, which utilizes the excess energy from the hybrid RES plant, are now capable of supplying electricity and providing heating to the settlement of Agios Efstratios using environmentally friendly energy sources.
July 2025 - Start of Trial Operation of the Hybrid Power Plant
In early July, the trial operation of the Hybrid Power Plant in Agios Efstratios began, within the framework of the Ai Stratis - Green Island project, which makes the island the first in Greece to fully cover its energy needs from Renewable Energy Sources (RES), without the need to use conventional units.
January 2023 - Commencement of Construction of the Hybrid Electricity and Heat Power Plant
In mid-January 2023, construction works began by the contractor, TERNA ENERGY, including the mobilization of personnel, organization of the project machinery, and setup of the construction site facilities. This was followed bythe commencement of works on the district heating network, infrastructure works for the foundations of the wind turbine and photovoltaic panels, as well as other related construction activities.
March 2021 - Signing of Contract between CRES and TERNA ENERGY for the Assignment of the Project “Hybrid System for the Production of Electrical and Thermal Energy from RES on theisland of Agios Efstratios“
Following the announcement of an Open Tender by CRES, the contract for the project “Hybrid System for the Production of Electrical and Thermal Energy from RES on the island of Agios Efstratios” was signed with the company TERNA ENERGY.
October 2020 - TERNA ENERGY Awarded the CRES Tender for the Transformation of Agios Efstratios into a “Green Island”
TERNA ENERGY was awarded the CRES tender titled “Hybrid System for the Production of Electrical and Thermal Energy from Renewable Energy Sources (RES) on the Island of Agios Efstratios,” aiming at the conversion of Agios Efstratios into a “Green Island.”
The project assigned to TERNA ENERGY includes the design, procurement, installation, and commissioning of:
- a Hybrid Power Station (HPS) based on Renewable Energy Sources (RES), that includes a wind turbine, a photovoltaic plant, battery storage units, and an Energy Management and Control System,
- a comprehensive District Heating System (DHS) for the settlement of Agios Efstratios.
The District Heating System (DHS) will comprise central heat production and storage units (hot water storage tanks), as well as a heat distribution network supplying thermal energy to end users. The thermal energy produced will cover the heating and domestic hot water needs of the buildings in the settlement of Agios Efstratios.
The objective of the project is to achieve a RES penetration level of more than 85% in the island’s electrical system, while maximizing the share of heating and domestic hot water demand covered by RES.
TERNA ENERGY, as the project contractor, will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the system for a period of twelve (12) years.
June 2020 - Tender Announcement for the Award of the project “Hybrid System for the Production of Electrical and Thermal Energy from Renewable Energy Sources (RES) on the Island of Agios Efstratios”
On 4 June, CRES launched an Open Tender for the award of a supply contract for the project “Hybrid System for the Production of Electrical and Thermal Energy from Renewable Energy Sources (RES) on the Island of Agios Efstratios,” within the framework of the Action “Support of Policies and Coverage of Future Needs – GREEN ISLAND” (MIS 5003098).