Greece is sitting on a hidden treasure trove right beneath its feet not gold or oil, but something far more sustainable and exciting: geothermal energy.
In mid-December 2025, the Ministry of Environment and Energy (ΥΠΕΝ) took a major step forward by publishing two key ministerial decisions that officially classify geothermal fields across the country.
The first decision (ΥΠΕΝ/ΔΑΠ/142903/684, published in Government Gazette ΦΕΚ 7320/Β/2025) designates 14 geothermal fields of local interest, featuring temperatures ranging from 30°C to 90°C—perfect for direct-use applications like district heating, greenhouse agriculture, spa tourism, aquaculture, and even small-scale electricity generation.
The second decision upgrades the Stypsi field on Lesvos to national interest status (based on updated data from ΔΕΗ Ανανεώσιμες), with temperatures exceeding 90°C and reservoir depths of 250–600 meters. This opens the door to larger-scale, high-enthalpy geothermal power production.
Why does this matter? Greece has vast untapped geothermal potential, especially in volcanic and tectonically active regions. These classifications update outdated classifications from 2005–2015 (under the now-repealed Law 3175/2003) and align with the modern framework of Law 4602/2019. They provide legal clarity, attract investors, and accelerate licensing for exploration and development.
Let's dive into the 14 local-interest fields that just got the green light:
1.Therma Nigritas, Serres Prefecture
Area: 10.2 km² | Reservoir depth: 45–500 m | Temp: up to 64°C | Flow: ≥800 m³/h
Features biphasic flow and high CO₂ content—great for combined heat and power uses.
2. Sidirokastro, Serres Prefecture
Area: 15.2 km² | Shallow reservoir: 20–50 m; deep: 90–480 m | Temp: up to 79°C | Flow: ≥220 m³/h
One of the hotter local fields, ideal for agricultural drying or space heating.
3. Sousaki, Corinth Prefecture.
Area: 3 km² | First reservoir: 50–340 m (up to 78.5°C); second: 550–975 m (up to 62°C) | Flow: ≥620 m³/h
Dual-reservoir system offers flexibility for multiple applications.
4. Stypsi, Lesvos Island (local classification, separate from national upgrade)
Area: 20.5 km² | Depth: 150–220 m | Temp: 30–90°C | Flow: 100 m³/h
Now dual-classified—local for shallower zones, national for deeper high-temp potential.
5. Santorini Island
Area: 25.3 km² | Depth: 30–240 m | Temp: up to 64.7°C | Flow: ≥50 m³/h
Volcanic island magic: perfect for tourism-linked spas and heating.
6. Damasta, Phthiotis Prefecture
Area: 2.7 km² | Depth: 50–350 m | Temp: up to 43.6°C | Flow: ≥105 m³/h
Lower-temp but reliable for direct heat in central Greece.
7. Lichades, Euboea Prefecture
Area: 2.56 km² | Depth: 45–258 m | Temp: 36.6–41.3°C | Flow: ≥105 m³/h
Coastal hot springs tradition meets modern renewable use.
8. Nea Apollonia, Thessaloniki Prefecture
Area: 4.5 km² | Depth: 50–350 m | Temp: up to 55°C | Flow: 550 m³/h
Strong flow rates make it attractive for larger heating networks.
9. Riza Antirriou, Aetolia-Acarnania Prefecture
Area: 1.5 km² | Depth: 110–210 m | Temp: 36°C | Flow: 90 m³/h
Modest but strategic for western Greece's energy mix.
10. Akropotamos, Kavala Prefecture
Area: 6.47 km² | Shallow: 100–185 m; deep: 240–515 m | Temp: 45–90°C | Flow: 415 m³/h
Wide temperature range supports diverse projects.
11. Angistro, Serres Prefecture
Area: 2.1 km² | Depth: 100–300 m | Temp: 40–48°C | Flow: 80 m³/h
Northern Greece's quiet geothermal gem.
12. Lagkadas, Thessaloniki Prefecture
Area: 6.2 km² | Depth: <210 m | Temp: 33–40°C | Flow: 300 m³/h
Shallow and accessible—low-hanging fruit for quick deployment.
13. Lithotopos Irakleia, Serres Prefecture
Area: 45.4 km² (one of the largest) | Depth: 140–700 m | Temp: up to 75°C | Flow: ≥150 m³/h
Huge area with solid potential for regional development.
14. Aetos, Florina Prefecture
Area: 7.6 km² | Depth: 80–250 m | Temp: up to 36°C | Flow: 200 m³/h
Cooler but useful for space heating in colder northern climates.
These fields span mainland Greece and iconic islands, showcasing the country's diverse geology—from volcanic arcs to fault-controlled basins.
The real game-changer is Stypsi on Lesvos. ΔΕΗ Ανανεώσιμες (PPC Renewables) holds the rights here and is moving fast. Plans include a pilot 250 kW geothermal power plant (potentially the first binary-cycle unit of its kind in Greece for electricity from lower- to mid-enthalpy resources), with tenders and construction targeted for 2025–2026. Deeper exploratory wells (2–2.5 km) are in licensing, aiming for a commercial 5 MW plant by around 2031, with ambitions up to 8 MW total output.
This isn't just about electricity—geothermal can slash heating costs for greenhouses (boosting exports of early tomatoes or flowers), heat homes and hotels sustainably, revive spa tourism, and cut reliance on imported fuels.
Greece's geothermal story is heating up. With clearer rules, investor confidence, and projects like Lesvos leading the way, the country could become a Mediterranean geothermal powerhouse—clean, local, and reliable 24/7.
What do you think—will these fields finally unlock Greece's underground renewable goldmine? 🌋⚡
Source: Oryktosopolt
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