Greece is expecting some €3.5 billion of private sector investment to come into the national energy sector over the coming year, with the introduction of new energy liberalisation legislation.
If passed, the new rules will deregulate the electricity and natural gas market. However, the national trade union movement is expected to raise significant objections to the measures and workers at the state-owned Public Power Corporation are understood to be preparing for strike action.
Nonetheless, with the European Commission already launching legal proceedings against Greece for delaying deregulation, the government evidently finds itself between a rock and a hard place.
According to the Development Ministry, headed up by Dimitris Sioufas, the private sector is also expected to be invited to develop two 450 MW power plants.