Greece will double its coal production to reduce its dependence on Russian gas

"Lignite is polluting and under normal circumstances, natural gas is cheaper," said the spokesman in a press briefing.

But, due to the war in Ukraine and Greece's need to diversify its energy supply, the measure will, according to the spokesman, be "necessary" for the next two years.

Dependent at 40% on Russian natural gas, Greece has been seeking, since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, alternative solutions in order to "ensure the normal energy supply of the country", according to the Greek Ministry of Energy. 'Environment and Energy.

Speaking at the inauguration of a photovoltaic park in northern Greece, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Wednesday that "Greece's energy policy must be flexible, bearing in mind the current situation". .

"Under no circumstances" will these changes affect Greece's announced target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% in 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050, said the head of the government..

But the promise to close lignite power plants by 2023 will not be kept, denounced the left-wing opposition.

"It's an admission of failure," said the Socialist Party (Kinal).