As Europe’s energy systems enter a new phase of complexity, utilities are being asked to do more than decarbonise. They must modernise grids, integrate growing volumes of renewables, respond to new sources of demand and maintain reliability in increasingly volatile markets.
It is within this context that PPC Group joins Free Electrons as a new utility partner for the 2026 edition.
PPC Group is the leading Powertech Group in Southeastern Europe. At the forefront of the new wave of electrification, the Group plays a pivotal role in Greece’s and the wider region’s digital transition, through strategic investments in energy and technology infrastructure.
With more than 12 GW of installed capacity, a customer base of over 8 million customers, and a rapidly expanding renewables portfolio, PPC Group is actively reshaping its energy mix. The group is on track to become lignite-free by 2026, marking a significant shift towards cleaner and more predictable power generation.
As renewables scale, system demands evolve. Variable generation increases the need for flexibility and places additional pressure on power grids. PPC Group is responding by investing across the system, with a focus on expanding battery storage, pumped hydro and flexible gas assets to support grid stability, reduce curtailment and improve the dispatchability of renewable energy.
At the same time, significant investments are being made in the modernisation of distribution networks, including grid reinforcement, automation and the rollout of smart meters, to support electrification and rising demand. Underpinning this transformation, PPC Group has invested in cutting-edge technologies ranging from nationwide fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks to international telecommunication cables, data centers and AI.
From managing volatility to deploying new technologies reliably and efficiently, PPC Group recognises that these challenges cannot be addressed alone. Collaboration with leading utilities and forward-thinking startups is essential to test new approaches and accelerate innovation where it matters most. This shared mindset is what brings PPC Group to Free Electrons, contributing a strong regional perspective and deep system experience to the program.
As Ioannis Markoulidakis, Research & Innovation Director, Innovation Hub at PPC Group, explains:
“As energy systems become increasingly digital and interconnected, collaboration with innovators is essential for building resilient, future-proof energy systems. At PPC Group, where energy and data converge, digitalisation is a core strategic pillar enabling smarter energy management, faster renewable deployment and scalable decarbonisation. Through initiatives like Free Electrons, we work alongside startups and global partners to shape sustainable, future-oriented energy systems for Southeastern Europe.”
