An Examination of the Economic Prospects of Greek Lignite Plants November 2019 This work has been carried out in the scope of Contract DG-1909-59626 with the European Climate Foundation whose financial support is gratefully acknowledged. Dimitri Lalas and Nikos Gakis, technical personnel of FACET3S, S.A., contributed to the work described in this report. Athens, November 2019 FACE3TS S.A. Ag. Isidorou 1 11471 Athens, Greece tel: +30-210-3613135
[email protected] Economics of Greek lignite plants - 2 - Summary In this note, an analysis of the economics of the current operation of the lignite plants in Greece has been attempted. This analysis has been based on publicly available information for the financial parameters of the operation of the plants themselves and the mines that provide their fuel. The results of this analysis (see Table S1) clearly show that the continuation of the operation of the lignite plants in Greece under the current economic parameters and energy market operation (EUA allowance prices of ca €25/tCO2 would result in substantial losses for PPC, S.A., their owner. The results also demonstrate that NG plants will be at a competitive advantage in a free market as the currently operating lignite plants accrue cumulative O&M losses of over €194Mil annually plus an approximately equal amount to cover capital costs obligations. This advantage of the NG plants remains even with considerable increases (of over 25%) of the NG price. In addition, as most of the operating lignite units do not meet the new BREF emission limit values, additional investment of over €300Mil in anti-pollution facilities would be required to bring them in compliance which would further worsen their already negative financial position.