"Thessaloniki has a pivotal role in driving Sustainable Development"

HELLENiQ ENERGY is taking a leading role in the era of energy transition, advancing an ambitious investment plan of over 1 billion euros in Northern Greece. This initiative aims to significantly reduce the company’s environmental footprint. In this context, Athanasios Paspaliaris, Director of Industrial Facilities in Thessaloniki, outlines the Group’s strategy in an interview with Macedonia (Sunday edition).

The energy and fuel sector has been a leading international player in recent years. How does HELLENiQ ENERGY perceive its role in the energy transition?

The energy and fuel industry will play a decisive role in shaping the future, influencing the development, security and prosperity of every country. Amidst intense global challenges like climate change and geopolitical tensions, this role becomes even more crucial, gaining heightened strategic importance for both Greece and Europe.

As one of Southeast Europe's leading energy groups, HELLENiQ ENERGY plays a vital role in accelerating the energy transition of Greece and the broader region. To this end, we are implementing a comprehensive strategic transformation program, "Vision 2025," aimed at maximizing the value of our core activities. Simultaneously, we are rapidly expanding a diversified energy portfolio in New Energy, with a focus on significantly reducing our environmental footprint. We have already completed the first phase of the program and are now moving swiftly into the next.

What role do Thessaloniki and Northern Greece play in your strategic planning?

Our long-standing presence in Thessaloniki over the decades has made us feel deeply connected to the city. These ties go beyond emotion - we recognize the immense development potential that Northern Greece holds. Our goal is to contribute to its growth, creating added value for both society and the economy.

This is why we are making significant investments in local facilities, such as  the groundbreaking Green Hub North. This project represents an investment of over 1 billion euros and aims to power the Thessaloniki Industrial Facilities exclusively with clean electricity. Many may not realize that refining is an incredibly energy-intensive process, making this initiative a crucial step toward sustainable operations. The investment includes the development of photovoltaic parks and electricity storage systems in the Central Macedonia region, along with production units for "green" hydrogen and "green" ammonia. Beyond the environmental benefits, achieving energy autonomy for our facilities will significantly ease the load on the grid, bringing substantial advantages to the local community as well.

What are HELLENiQ ENERGY’s initiatives in Thessaloniki to reduce the environmental footprint and promote sustainable fuels?

Thessaloniki is also leading the way in the field of "clean" fuels, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This initiative, part of HELLENiQ ENERGY's decarbonization strategy, marks a significant step toward reducing emissions in the aviation sector. Since the summer of 2022, HELLENiQ ENERGY, through its subsidiary EKO, became the first to supply SAF in Greece, specifically at Thessaloniki's "Macedonia" airport. Aegean Airlines now utilizes SAF for its flights departing from Thessaloniki, showcasing a strong commitment to sustainable aviation. "Macedonia" airport became the first in Greece, and the seventh worldwide, capable of supplying Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), thanks to the collaboration between Aegean Airlines and HELLENiQ ENERGY.

At the Thessaloniki facilities, we continuously design and implement projects that incorporate the latest advanced technologies. Two recently completed projects stand out. The first is a state-of-the-art closed asphalt truck loading system, enhancing safety and reducing emissions. The second is the installation of new floating covers at the Liquid Waste Treatment Unit, further improving environmental performance and efficiency. These two innovative projects, totaling 2 million euros, are prioritized to further reduce our environmental footprint and deliver multiple benefits.

It is noteworthy that our investments aimed at improving the environmental footprint in Thessaloniki have exceeded 65 million euros, while the total investment for Southern Greece has surpassed 325 million euros over the past decade.

What defines modern development, and how does it connect with local communities?

Economic growth without social welfare cannot truly be considered "sustainable," to borrow a term of our times. At HELLENiQ ENERGY, we view our activity through the lens of a stable and responsible partner for local communities. We aspire  to stand as their trusted ally, supporting them in tackling both the small and significant challenges they encounter. In the past decade alone, we have allocated over 15 million euros to education, with the majority of these funds directed toward supporting the younger generations in the regions where we operate.

More specifically, in West Thessaloniki, beyond awarding thousands of scholarships for high school  graduates, we have supported  Social Grocery Stores and meal programs, revitalized green spaces, constructed playgrounds and provided thousands of tons of heating oil to public schools. In total, over the past two years, more than 60,000 residents of the wider region have directly and indirectly benefited from these initiatives.

HELLENiQ ENERGY’s footprint in Thessaloniki (2023)

The company’s impact in Thessaloniki for 2023 has been substantial, creating 3,400 direct, indirect and induced jobs, which account for 0.68% of total employment in the Thessaloniki Regional Unit. Overall, the company has supported a total of 8,670 citizens in the region. At the same time, the HELLENiQ ENERGY’s  contribution to the local GDP reached €418 million, derived from the indirect added value of the Group's supply chain for 2.17% of Thessaloniki’s GDP . Furthermore, its activities have contributed €317 million in taxes and fees to the state, accounting for 0.5% of the total national tax revenue.

Source: The interview was published in the newspaper MACEDONIA (Sunday edition), October 26, 2024