DESFA Inaugurates the Natural Gas Pipeline to Western Macedonia

SEATTLE (Oil Monster):  DESFA inaugurated the High-Pressure Natural Gas Pipeline to Western Macedonia, a landmark project of strategic importance that marks a new era for the development and energy transition of a region with a long-standing energy legacy.

The inauguration ceremony took place in Ptolemaida in the presence of the Secretary General for Energy and Mineral Resources, Despoina Paliarouta, the Governor of Western Macedonia, Giorgos Amanatidis, as well as representatives of local authorities and institutional stakeholders, highlighting the project’s importance for both the national and regional economy. The investment strengthens the country’s energy security while significantly expanding the National Natural Gas Transmission System into new regions.

With a total length of approximately 157 kilometers, the pipeline stretches from Trikala in Imathia to the greater Ptolemaida area, while branch lines connect key regions across Central and Western Macedonia. For the first time, cities such as Edessa, Skydra, Florina, Naousa and Veria gain access to natural gas, expanding energy options for households and businesses, strengthening the region’s growth prospects. Overall, the network expansion is expected to stimulate a broad range of economic activity, enhance competitiveness and create the conditions for new investments and job creation.

Particularly significant is the pipeline’s innovative design, as it is the first in Greece and among the first in Europe to be fully compatible with the transportation of up to 100% hydrogen. This capability makes the project fully aligned with national and European decarbonization goals, while further strengthening the role of Western Macedonia in the energy transition of a fully integrated hydrogen ecosystem.

The project’s total budget amounted to €185.9 million, with significant co-funding provided through the 2021–2027 NSRF program, alongside loan support from the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (NextGenerationEU).

A key component of the project is the Kardia Metering Station, which will ensure the supply of district heating infrastructure for the cities of Kozani, Ptolemaida and Amyntaio, contributing directly both to lower energy costs for consumers and to the reduction of emissions. Overall, the project’s modern supporting infrastructure, including metering and valve stations, ensures the safe, reliable and future-ready operation of the network, enabling it to effectively support additional investments across the region.

The construction was carried out in accordance with high standards of safety and environmental management, with a strong emphasis on environmental restoration and close cooperation with local communities. During the execution of the works, a significant number of archaeological findings were also uncovered and managed in close collaboration with the competent authorities, ensuring the protection and promotion of the region’s cultural heritage while further enhancing the project’s overall social and environmental footprint.

In her statement, DESFA CEO Maria Sferruzza highlighted: “The Natural Gas Pipeline to Western Macedonia is a landmark project for the country’s energy transformation. It significantly expands and strengthens the National Natural Gas System by bringing natural gas to new regions, enhancing security of supply and creating new, sustainable growth prospects for local communities and the economy. It is an infrastructure project with a minimal visual footprint that not only addresses today’s energy needs, but also paves the way for the future of energy through its readiness to transport hydrogen. With Western Macedonia at the center of this transition, DESFA is investing in solutions that generate tangible benefits for citizens, enhance the competitiveness of the economy and support the transition to a sustainable and more resilient energy system.”

Courtesy: www.euro-petrole.com