Italgas Invests €1 Billion in Greece to Expand Smart Gas Networks and Accelerate the Energy Transition
ATHENS – The Italgas Group is accelerating its international strategy with a €1 billion investment in Greece through its subsidiary Enaon. The 2026-2032 Strategic Plan aims to expand the gas distribution network, digitalise infrastructure and promote the integration of renewable gases. The objective is to build a more efficient, intelligent network ready for the energy transition, extending the service to new areas and more than one million users.
More than €640 million allocated to network expansion
Enaon (Italgas Group): €1 billion investment by 2032 to accelerate Greece’s energy transition. The Italgas Group’s new 2026–2032 Strategic Plan allocates €1 billion to the development and digitalisation of Greece’s gas distribution network. The Plan continues the work carried out over recent years by Enaon, the company responsible for the country’s gas distribution. The largest share of the Greek plan – more than €640 million – is dedicated to expanding the network, with the aim of bringing the service to areas not yet served and creating the conditions to support the development and integration of renewable gases, such as biomethane. By 2032, more than 2,700 km of new network is expected to be built, increasing the overall infrastructure from around 8,700 km to more than 11,400 km, while the number of customers will rise from approximately 660,000 delivery points to more than 1 million by 2032.
Commitment to the security, competitiveness and sustainability of Greece’s energy system
“With Enaon, we are bringing Greece’s distribution networks into the future: fully digital, monitored and managed in real time through the Athens Command and Control Centre,” said Paolo Gallo, Chief Executive Officer of Italgas. “The integration of the DANA platform and the installation of ‘H2-ready’ smart meters will also enable the rapid use of renewable gases. This path is supported by a significant investment plan, strengthening our commitment to the security, competitiveness and sustainability of the country’s energy system.” “This investment plan reflects our long-term commitment to Greece and represents a decisive milestone in the development of the country’s infrastructure system,” said Gianfranco Amoroso, Chief Executive Officer of Enaon. “Our priority is to extend access to modern gas infrastructure, enabling an increasing number of households and businesses to benefit from natural gas as a safe, reliable and economically sustainable energy solution.
Around €100 million will also be allocated to the advanced digitalisation of assets
At the same time, we are investing in digital technologies and promoting the integration of renewable gases, such as biomethane, into our networks. By leveraging the expertise of the Italgas Group, we are building smarter and more resilient infrastructure to support Greece’s long-term energy transition.” Around €100 million will also be allocated to the advanced digitalisation of assets as part of a comprehensive review of all operational processes. By the end of 2026, 100% of the existing network – already digitalised – will be monitored and managed remotely through the DANA platform, extending to Enaon’s network the artificial intelligence technologies already adopted by the Group in Italy. The Plan also places particular emphasis on the development of renewable gases. To promote biomethane, Enaon expects to be able to connect up to 59 new plants to the network by 2032.
The data-driven approach adopted across the network has been recognised with the “Gold Standard Pathway”
The programme also includes the construction of 19 new LNG (liquefied natural gas) stations, designed to serve remote areas not yet reached by the network or to replace less efficient CNG (compressed natural gas) facilities, delivering benefits particularly to areas with limited access to existing infrastructure. Enaon’s environmental commitment has already gained international recognition: the data-driven approach adopted across the network has been awarded the “Gold Standard Pathway” under the OGMP framework of the UNEP programme for reducing methane emissions. The Group is also ready to place its expertise in energy efficiency at the service of the country, convinced that the best energy is the energy that is not consumed while maintaining the same level of performance. From this perspective, Italy represents a laboratory of solutions that can be replicated in Greece.
The transition to natural gas would also reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx)
The context presents significant challenges: around 55% of Greece’s building stock was constructed before 1980 and has a substantial thermal insulation gap (energy classes F–G), while more than 60% of residential heating sources have a high pollution footprint (47% heating oil, 14% wood and pellets). In this respect, the transition to natural gas would also significantly reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx): by 39% compared with heating oil and by 47% compared with wood and pellets. A key step in the network’s digitalisation journey is represented by the smart meter rollout plan, to which the Plan allocates around €80 million. The investment also includes migration from GPRS technology and the introduction of digital metering systems for industrial customers. Nimbus, the most advanced in-house designed smart meter available internationally, ensures more accurate and reliable gas distribution and is already capable of measuring renewable gases as well.
To date, around 5,000 Nimbus units have been installed in Greece
Among Nimbus’s main advantages are its high performance, thanks to stable and rapid data transmission even under the most challenging conditions, and enhanced safety, made possible by the continuous monitoring of pressure and temperature and accurate real-time network control. Thanks to Nimbus, networks can integrate, distribute and measure not only natural gas but also biomethane and hydrogen blends of up to 23%. The Plan provides for the installation of smart meters on 100% of new connections and the complete replacement of traditional meters by 2030. To date, around 5,000 Nimbus units have been installed in Greece. In terms of regional development, the Plan is also based on major infrastructure projects currently under way across six regions of Greece, representing investments of around €247 million, most of which will be completed during 2026–2027. By extending the modern gas infrastructure to 29 cities, these projects will connect homes, businesses and essential community services, such as schools and hospitals, creating new opportunities for commercial and regional economic development with lasting value for communities across Greece.
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