Dynamic was the presence of EDA THESS at the II European Growth Forum, in Infrastructure, evolution in energy sector – Environment session, which was held in Larissa on 25- 26/01/2020, organized by the Prefecture of Thessaly and “Eleftheria” newspaper.
During the conference, the General Manager, Mr. Leonidas Bakouras, made a brief presentation, informing the attendees on the Company’s developing route and its strategy that consists of: The Development of the Distribution Networks, aiming at the increase of the natural gas penetration, and implementing efficient investments. By respecting the legislation, regulatory framework and its Licenses, EDA THESS aims at the same time, at its digital transformation for the provision of high level of services to Consumers and Distribution Users.
According to the General Manager, total investments for the construction of the Distribution Network exceed € 570 million., while the penetration rate up to date reaches 61% of the population in the areas of its License. As he pointed out, “the development of energy infrastructure requires a long – term investment planning that brings returns over time. Equally important factors are the investment of significant funds for the infrastructure development and the know – how”.
Particularly for EDA THESS, distribution network safety is a top priority and therefore invests in technologies and infrastructures that guarantee the uninterrupted and secure supply of the network. Since 2018, the Company applies CNG technology to supply remote areas, excluding them from the energy isolation. At the same time, a comprehensive geographic information system (GIS), which depicts network data and a telemetry, and a remote-control system (SCADA), for the proper and continuous monitoring of the natural gas network, are being used.Mr. Bakouras informed that EDA THESS is implementing an ambitious investment plan, that foresees investments of € 93 million for the period 2019 – 2023, of which € 36 million relates to the development of the distribution network in the Region of Thessaly.
He added that regulatory and fiscal stability is essential for the implementation of investments in the country. He acknowledged the terms and conditions set by the state, and specifically the incentives for new investments through the implementation of the new tax law, by reducing the corporate income tax rate and the dividend tax rate.
Particular interest was shown by the attendees for the Company’s environmental orientation along with the development of its activity. EDA THESS’ environmental objectives converge with the provisions of the National Energy and Climate Plan and contribute to the de – carbonization of the country’s energy systems, promoting natural gas as a dominant energy fuel for the transition to the post lignite era.
