Evaluating the ability of Greek power stations to comply with the obligations posed by the second national allocation plan concerning carbon dioxide emissions

Abstract

Electricity generation sector of Greece, comprising the main contributor of national greenhouse gas emissions, is since 2005 subject to the dictates of National Allocation Plans (NAPs) under the European Union Emission Trading Scheme. Based on an analytical recording of the NAP 1st stage (2005-7) results, review of the numerous participating installations' performance is first carried out, while following, evaluation of installations' ability to satisfy the targets of the NAP 2nd stage (2008-12) is also undertaken on the basis of verified emissions not taken into account during determination of 2nd stage allowances. According to the results obtained, unless a bundle of measures is implemented by the local State, serious violation of NAP allowances is expected for the 2nd stage already in force, while as it accrues, of critical importance for satisfaction of both NAP allowances and additional national energy targets is the large scale penetration of renewable energy sources. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.