Blog

Sunday, 22 October, was a day of joy and uplift for the members and friends of Minoan Energy. In a modest yet meaningful ceremony, the second net‑metering project was inaugurated. Since 10 July, this installation has been providing free electricity to more than 250 families and small businesses. The 1 MW project was designed by Minoan Energy’s engineering team and constructed on barren land granted by the Municipality of Minoa Pediada, southeast of Arkalohori.

The inauguration ceremony was honored by the presence of representatives from national and local government, as well as many members and friends of the Community.

In his address, Minoan Energy President Mr. Giannopoulos thanked everyone for attending and spoke about the challenges faced by the Community. He outlined the next projects already underway and reaffirmed the team’s unwavering commitment and determination to continue even more dynamically.

Greetings were also delivered by the representative of the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Mr. Charalambos Fragkiadakis, who emphasized the need to move away from fossil fuels as a prerequisite for strengthening the primary sector; by PASOK MP and Head of the Energy Sector Mr. Fragkiskos Parasyris, who described Minoan Energy as a model for how the energy transition should be carried out; and by the Deputy Regional Governor for the Environment, Mr. Nikos Xylouris, who conveyed the full support of Regional Governor Mr. Arnaoutakis and stressed the need to expand Crete’s energy capacity in favor of broad‑based Energy Communities.

Representatives of local government also addressed the audience. The Mayor of Agios Nikolaos, Mr. Zervos, highlighted the need for more tools to be given to municipalities so they can innovate, and proposed closer cooperation with Minoan Energy in his region. The Deputy Mayor of Minoa Pediada, Mr. Araviakis, emphasized the importance of the energy transition and encouraged the Community to continue its work. The incoming Mayor of Minoa Pediada, Mr. Kegkeroglou, spoke about the need to overcome bureaucratic obstacles that hinder broad‑based Energy Communities like Minoan Energy, stressing the importance of coordinated parliamentary action to prevent the establishment of conditions that would obstruct a fair energy transition. Finally, the Mayor‑elect of Viannos, Mr. Baritakis, praised the remarkable collaboration between local authorities and citizens and expressed hope that the bureaucratic challenges facing the Community will soon be resolved.

At the end of the event, and in the spirit of social and solidarity‑based economy, free‑energy cards from Minoan Energy’s second project were distributed to four large families in the area. These cards will cover their electricity needs for two years, offering vital support to vulnerable households. This action is carried out in cooperation with the Region of Crete, which supports the institution of Energy Communities. It is also Minoan Energy’s established policy to allocate 2% of the energy produced by each of its stations to support vulnerable groups.

The ceremony began with a blessing performed by Father Spyros, representing the Metropolitan of Arkalohori, Kastelli, and Viannos, who conveyed the Metropolitan’s warm wishes.

The Region of Crete was represented by special advisor Ermioni Gialyti, who coordinated the presentation of the inauguration.

Following the opening of the new photovoltaic park, the scheduled General Assembly of the Community’s members took place at the Metropolis’ Cultural Centre.