Anastasios Manos
Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (HEDNO), the Hellenic distribution system operator (DSO), supports the energy transformation of ports, aiming at the faster decarbonization of the maritime sector, through the “Proteus Plan,†an initiative of an interdisciplinary group of engineers (the “Proteus teamâ€), which is well aligned with the mission and vision of HEDNO. The mission of HEDNO is the development and operation of the electricity distribution network and the electricity systems of the noninterconnected islands as well as the assurance of equal access to them by all consumers, producers, and suppliers with transparency and objectivity.
Our goal is to substantially contribute to the development of our country as well as the welfare and improvement of the citizens’ quality of life in every corner of Greece with reliable and economically efficient electric power. Finally, our vision is to become a modern DSO, providing excellent services to the citizens, and to operate and develop the network in accordance with the standards of the most advanced countries. Having these in mind, we make sure to maintain a reliable and safe network in which all users have equal access, in harmonization with the regulatory framework, society, and the environment.
Regarding our policy toward ports, HEDNO has 1) realized the importance of the transformation of ports into energy hubs and 2) identified the challenges raised and actively contributed toward their new operating framework. Since 2019, we have adopted a number of initiatives toward developing a framework of cooperation among all energy or electric grid-related authorities in Greece [the Ministry of Energy and Environment; the Regulating Authority of Energy (RAE); and the Independent Power Transmission System Operator (IPTO)] and in Europe (Directorate-General for Energy, etc.). In 2020, HEDNO participated very actively in Eurelectric’s project on the energy transformation of ports (see Figure 1) and the associated role of the European DSOs. In particular, HEDNO participated in both parts of this Eurelectric project, namely:
Figure 1. Ten steps of port energy transformation toward decarbonization according to Eurelectric-DNV. IMO: International Maritime Organization.
Since then, HEDNO has been endeavoring a series of related activities in view of the implementation of the measures of the “Green Deal†as they are decoded by the Fit for 55% directives. In brief, I will point out the following six points:
Figure 2. The road map toward the energy transformation of ports toward complete decarbonization; the role of a DSO like HEDNO is highlighted in the middle. EU: European Union.
In conclusion, HEDNO has recognized the necessity to take initiatives to substantially support decarbonization in the maritime sector via electrification, promoting the transformation of ports into energy hubs and enabling Greece to exemplify its alignment with the “Green Deal†mandates.
Anastasios Manos (infodeddie@deddie.gr) is the CEO of the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (HEDNO), 11743 Athens, Greece.
Digital Object Identifier 10.1109/MELE.2022.3232922
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