Ameresco & SUNEL Advance 83 MW Solar Project in Kozani, Greece
Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE: AMRC), a leading provider of energy infrastructure solutions, in partnership with Sunel Group, has officially launched a major solar energy project in Kozani. The 83-megawatt (MW) installation marks a significant milestone in Greece’s renewable energy expansion and reflects growing momentum across Europe to accelerate decarbonization efforts through large-scale solar deployment.
The project, being executed through the joint venture Ameresco SUNEL Energy SA, is designed to strengthen regional energy resilience while contributing meaningfully to Greece’s national climate targets. With construction already underway, the initiative underscores the increasing importance of utility-scale solar infrastructure in enabling a cleaner, more sustainable energy mix.
At the core of this development is an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract awarded by Luxcara, a prominent Germany-based energy infrastructure asset manager that holds the majority stake in the project. Luxcara’s involvement highlights the continued inflow of international capital into Greece’s renewable sector, driven by favorable solar conditions, supportive policy frameworks, and long-term investment stability.
The Kozani solar project is engineered to deliver high-efficiency power generation using advanced photovoltaic (PV) technologies. Approximately 130,000 PV modules will be installed across the site, each mounted on a one-axis tracking system. This technology enables the panels to follow the sun’s movement throughout the day, optimizing solar irradiation capture and significantly increasing overall energy yield compared to fixed-tilt systems.
Such tracking systems have become increasingly standard in large-scale solar installations due to their ability to maximize output without requiring a proportional increase in land use. By dynamically adjusting the angle of the panels, the Kozani installation will ensure consistent and efficient electricity production, even as sunlight conditions change throughout the day and across seasons.
In addition to the solar generation infrastructure, the EPC scope includes critical grid integration components. The project will feature a Medium Voltage (MV) grid connection, ensuring seamless transmission of generated electricity to the local distribution network. Furthermore, it involves the extension of an existing 400/33 kV High Voltage (HV) substation, which will play a pivotal role in enhancing grid stability and accommodating increased renewable energy flows.
This grid reinforcement is particularly important as Greece continues to integrate higher shares of renewable energy into its electricity system. Strengthening transmission and distribution infrastructure ensures that clean energy generated in regions like Kozani can be efficiently delivered to demand centers, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and improving overall system reliability.
The choice of Kozani as the project site is strategically significant. Located in the Western Macedonia region, Kozani has historically been a hub for lignite-based power generation. As Greece moves away from coal and other carbon-intensive energy sources, regions like Kozani are undergoing a profound energy transition. Projects such as this 83 MW solar installation are instrumental in repurposing energy landscapes, creating new economic opportunities, and supporting local communities during the transition.
Executives from Ameresco and its partners emphasized the broader implications of the project, both for Greece and for Europe’s clean energy ambitions. Pete Christakis, Chief Operating Officer at Ameresco, highlighted the country’s exceptional solar potential and the role of advanced technologies in unlocking that potential.
According to Christakis, Greece’s geographic advantage as one of the sunniest countries in Europe makes it an ideal location for solar energy investments. By deploying cutting-edge tracking systems in a high-irradiance region, the Kozani project is expected to play a critical role in strengthening the country’s renewable energy infrastructure while contributing to the European Union’s wider decarbonization objectives.
From the perspective of Ameresco’s joint venture operations, the project also represents a broader shift in the Greek renewable energy market. Konstantinos Zygouras, Vice President of Ameresco SUNEL Energy SA, noted that the sector is evolving rapidly, with increasing emphasis on scale, project structure, and long-term financial stability.
As international investors continue to enter the market, there is growing demand for projects that meet rigorous technical and financial standards. The Kozani solar installation reflects this trend, combining robust engineering with a bankable investment framework that aligns with the expectations of global stakeholders.
Luxcara’s role as the majority stakeholder further underscores the project’s investment-grade quality. Lorenz Hahn, Investment Manager at Luxcara, emphasized the importance of strategic solar investments in driving both economic development and energy transformation.
He pointed out that projects like the Kozani installation demonstrate how targeted renewable energy investments can simultaneously strengthen national infrastructure and deliver tangible local benefits. By harnessing the region’s abundant solar resources, the project contributes to building a more resilient and domestically powered energy system.
Beyond its immediate technical and economic impacts, the Kozani solar project also aligns with Greece’s broader policy objectives. The country has set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the share of renewables in its energy mix. Solar power is expected to play a central role in achieving these goals, given its scalability, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with existing infrastructure.
The European Union’s Green Deal and related climate policies further reinforce the importance of such projects. By investing in large-scale renewable energy infrastructure, member states like Greece are advancing collective efforts to achieve climate neutrality while enhancing energy security in an increasingly uncertain global energy landscape.
Construction of the Kozani solar installation is progressing, with multiple stakeholders collaborating to ensure timely and efficient execution. Once completed, the project will not only generate clean electricity but also serve as a model for future developments in the region and beyond.
It exemplifies how partnerships between experienced developers, engineering firms, and institutional investors can deliver high-impact renewable energy solutions. By combining technical expertise, financial strength, and strategic vision, the Ameresco-SUNEL-Luxcara collaboration demonstrates the potential of coordinated efforts in accelerating the global energy transition.
In the coming years, projects like this are expected to become even more critical as countries seek to balance growing energy demand with sustainability imperatives. The Kozani solar installation stands as a testament to the progress already being made and the opportunities that lie ahead in the transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
As Greece continues to redefine its energy landscape, initiatives such as this will play a central role in shaping a low-carbon economy. Through innovation, investment, and international collaboration, the Kozani project highlights the transformative power of renewable energy in driving both environmental and economic progress.
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