GREECE Law and Practice Contributed by: Evangelos (Evans) Courakis, Evangelos Mylonas Tsoumas, Sofia Andreanoudi, Vassiliki Xynou and Ioanna Marouso Argyriou, Koutalidis Law Firm
5.2 Regulatory Process for Obtaining Approvals to Construct and Operate Electricity Distribution Facilities HEDNO holds the licence for the management of the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network and the licence for the ownership of the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network covering all fur- ther extensions of the latter. With respect to such extensions, HEDNO must obtain the respective permits, such as environmental permits and building permits, pursuant to the Greek legisla- tion (Laws 4014/2011 and 4495/2017, respec- tively). The environmental licensing process for distribution lines would mostly depend on the length of the lines, the nature of the area where the lines are to be installed and whether a sub - station would be required. It is noted that new substations for specific projects, as well as the distribution lines to be installed for the connec- tion of such projects to the grid, are included in the environmental assessment required for the issuance of the projects’ environmental permit. 5.3 Terms and Conditions Imposed in Approvals to Construct and Operate Electric Distribution Facilities The ETA for the distribution lines project usu- ally requires that the project is executed with the minimal environmental impact possible. This includes measures to protect natural habitats, such as avoiding protected areas and using alternatives to minimise disturbances. Addi- tionally, the project must adhere to regulations on pollution control, noise and waste manage- ment. The terms also emphasise the importance of maintaining biodiversity, with specific actions like mapping and safeguarding bird habitats, restoring vegetation and ensuring that construc- tion activities do not harm local ecosystems. Continuous monitoring and compliance with environmental standards are mandated through- out the project’s lifecycle.
shall automatically govern the concluded trans- action agreement in force, without any action.
5. Distribution 5.1 Constructing and Operating Electricity Distribution Facilities
The entity responsible for the for the operation, maintenance and development of the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network is HEDNO, which was established in accordance with the Ener- gy Law and in compliance with the Electricity Unbundling Directive. However, there are also provisions allowing for the existence of other DSOs, albeit only in closed networks. Exception- ally, HEDNO is also responsible for the manage- ment of the electricity transmission systems for the Non-Interconnected Islands. The terms and conditions of HEDNO’s operation and the construction of distribution facilities is regulated by the Management Code for the Hel- lenic Electricity Distribution Network, which is scrutinised and approved by RAWEW. The framework and, in particular, Law 4951/2022, as amended and in force, provide that all ener- gy generation projects would have to execute a GCA with either IPTO or HEDNO (depending on whether the voltage is high, medium or low). At the request of an interested producer and, only in cases explicitly permitted under the applicable framework, the expansion projects of the medi- um voltage grid may be designed and construct- ed by them. Network development projects to connect power generation stations are planned, designed and implemented by HEDNO.
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