"HLEKTRA": Energy Upgrade of Public Buildings

The "HLEKTRA" program is a major initiative of the Greek government, aimed at drastically improving the energy efficiency of public buildings. It is an ambitious plan that aligns with the country’s broader efforts to tackle climate change and achieve climate neutrality goals.

Program Objectives

The "HLEKTRA" program focuses on the energy upgrade of public buildings by reducing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. Interventions will help buildings achieve at least energy efficiency class B, aiming for a 30% reduction in annual energy consumption and a similar reduction in CO₂ emissions. The interventions include improving thermal insulation, replacing window frames, upgrading heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting systems, and installing renewable energy systems.

Program Modifications

Recently, a modified Joint Ministerial Decision (JMD) for the "HLEKTRA" program was published in the Government Gazette, featuring some changes, mainly affecting wording and the addition of references to legislation. One of the most significant changes is the reduction of the program's total budget from €670 million to €620 million. This reduction primarily affects the funding for buildings used as offices, with the corresponding budget reduced from €280 million to €230 million.

Program Beneficiaries

The beneficiaries of the "HLEKTRA" program are:

• Entities using government-owned buildings of the Central Public Administration.
• General Government entities, according to the General Government Register, as well as public legal entities and their partnerships.

Funding and Duration

The program's funding comes from a combination of investment loans and grants through the Deposits and Loans Fund, the European Investment Bank, and the Recovery and Resilience Facility. The costs cover energy upgrade interventions, with the program's duration extending until December 31, 2025, with the possibility of extension.

Benefits for Society and the Environment

The implementation of the "HLEKTRA" program offers multiple benefits:

• Energy Savings: Reduced energy consumption, leading to lower operating costs for the public sector.
• Environmental Protection: Significant reduction in CO₂ emissions, contributing to the goal of reducing the country’s environmental footprint.
• Improved Quality of Life: Creating better living and working conditions in public buildings, with improved thermal insulation, air quality, and lighting.

Conclusion

The "HLEKTRA" program is a substantial effort to improve the energy efficiency of public buildings, providing both economic and environmental benefits. For businesses in the electromechanical applications sector, like ours, this program presents new opportunities for collaboration, with the potential to implement energy upgrades on a large scale.

For more information about the program and participation opportunities, you can visit the official website of the Ministry of Environment and Energy.