In a significant stride towards Europe’s renewable energy ambitions, solar tracker technology provider Nextracker has been selected to equip the 550MW Oricheio PPC Ptolemaida solar photovoltaic (PV) park in Western Macedonia, Greece, with its NX Horizon solar trackers. This project, one of the largest solar initiatives on the continent and the biggest in Greece, is nearing the final stages of construction and is poised to contribute 1.8% of the nation’s annual electricity production once fully operational.
The Oricheio PPC Ptolemaida solar PV park, owned by Greek PPC Renewables (PPCR) and constructed by Terna, is a testament to Greece’s commitment to repurposing former industrial sites for renewable energy development. The project has transformed a former coal mine into a cutting-edge solar facility, symbolizing a shift away from fossil fuels towards cleaner energy sources.
This development aligns with Greece’s revised National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), which aims to increase the share of renewable energy sources in electricity generation to 82% by 2030, up from the previous target of 66%. The Oricheio project exemplifies the nation’s dedication to this ambitious goal and contributes to Europe’s broader commitment to achieving energy independence and reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Nextracker’s involvement in the project includes the delivery of US-manufactured solar trackers under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in December 2024. This collaboration highlights the growing international cooperation in the renewable energy sector and the role of innovative technologies in driving the energy transition.
The Oricheio PPC Ptolemaida solar PV park is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the region, fostering local job creation and stimulating economic development. As Greece accelerates its renewable energy deployment, projects like this will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the energy sector, both in Greece and across Europe.
This news underscores the increasing momentum behind solar energy projects in Europe and the critical role of advanced solar tracker technology in maximizing the efficiency and output of large-scale solar installations. As the continent strives to meet its climate goals, such initiatives will be instrumental in driving the transition to a sustainable energy future.