Life on Land

Agriculture and RES can work in harmony, creating value for production, the environment and local communities

The relationship between agriculture and renewable energy is emerging as one of the most interesting areas of the energy transition. Agricultural production and green energy projects have often been treated as two different land uses. However, according to a joint report published in 2021 by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, renewable energy sources can play a decisive role in transforming agri-food chains, while enhancing their sustainability and productivity.

In particular, their use in applications such as solar irrigation can significantly improve farmers’ access to water, allow for more crop cycles and increase resilience to changing climate conditions. At the same time, dependence on fossil fuels and energy costs are reduced, contributing to higher incomes for farmers.

When clean energy supports agricultural production 

Renewables can provide substantial benefits to the agricultural sector. Clean energy production can meet energy needs associated with irrigation, cooling, storage and processing of agricultural products, reducing energy costs and dependence on conventional sources. At the same time, in agrivoltaic systems, panels can be installed in a way that allows the cultivation to continue under or between the panels. Such an initiative was implemented in Vamvakies A Social Green Project, in which a group of women cultivated aromatic plants such as lemon thyme and paliouri, creating, for the first time in Europe, a range of products from the land of a solar park.

In some cases, the shading created can limit water evaporation and protect crops from extreme temperatures, helping to improve the microclimate. This coexistence is particularly important at a time when climate change is increasingly affecting agricultural production, increasing the pressures of drought, heatwaves and unpredictable weather events.

At the same time, RES projects can function as areas for enhancing biodiversity. Preserving natural habitats around projects creates the conditions for sheep grazing within the plants and natural management of vegetation. At our Pezouliotika Solar Park, we allow the entrance of animals that feed on grass and other plants, whose uncontrolled growth could prevent the sun's rays from reaching the panels. By keeping the vegetation under control, we save the fuel that would be necessary for lawn mowers and avoid the use of chemical herbicides, which can contaminate soil and water resources.

Supporting beekeeping at Kafireas

The coexistence of RES and local production is not limited to photovoltaics, but also concerns broader initiatives that connect clean energy projects with the local economy, nature and cultural identity of a region. One such example is the Kafireas Wind Cluster, in the area of Karystos, where the Greek flower honey "Kissouri" is a special local product, closely linked to the vegetation, microclimate and beekeeping tradition of South Evia. Through the support of beekeeping in Kafireas, we contributed to the protection and strengthening of the local bee population, recognizing their importance for biodiversity and agricultural production in the area. At the same time, with our decisive contribution and after 5 years of procedures, the European Commission registered "Kissouri Honey" as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). The aim of this initiative was to protect the natural heritage and support activities that have real value for the place.

Through respect for the land, proper planning and open dialogue with communities, the energy transition can create not only clean energy, but also new opportunities for the countryside, local production and biodiversity.

After the five-year reforestation and supervision program in Kastanologgos in South Evia, we are giving new life to the forest

On the occasion of World Environment Day (5 June), we announce the completion of the reforestation project in the area of Kastanologgos, in South Evia, near the "Kafireas" Wind Farm Cluster.

This ambitious initiative, which was implemented under the guidance of the Forestry Department and the Local Authorities, is not only a milestone in the conservation and regeneration of the ancient wild chestnut forests of the region, but also a model example of forest regeneration, as such action has never been implemented before in the country.

A visionary project for South Evia

Kastanologgos stretches on the slopes of Mount Ochi and is living proof of the island's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. With most of its trees reaching the age of 450, Kastanologgos is a "natural monument" for South Evia. However, decades of disease and exploitation have threatened the survival of this precious ecosystem.

In response to this urgent need, we launched a holistic reforestation effort in 2018, committing over €1.5 million to revitalize 660 acres of forest land. The project included several critical stages, such as the creation of forest roads and fire zones to improve accessibility and safety, as well as the installation  of 13,000 metres of fencing, in order to protect new trees from external factors.

During the project, we collected seeds, grew them in a special nursery in Athens and created 30,000 healthy new trees, which were transplanted to the areas under reforestation. To ensure their survival, we installed over 126,000 meters of water network and corresponding reservoirs, and we are committed to their maintenance in the coming years.

A unique initiative

Our initiative in Kastanologgos is distinguished for:

• Focus on a rare ecosystem: It concerns the restoration of an ancient wild chestnut forest, with trees up to 450 years old, which is part of the Natura 2000 network.
• Scientific approach: It is accompanied by scientific research and monitoring, in collaboration with the Forestry Department and other bodies, for the study of natural regeneration and the protection of biodiversity.
• Holistic management: It includes measures such as the installation of fences to protect against overgrazing, the collection and cultivation of local seeds, and the creation of irrigation infrastructure to support new seedlings.

This project is a model for the restoration of rare and sensitive ecosystems, as it combines environmental protection with scientific documentation and close cooperation with the local community and the competent authorities.

Today, thanks to the uninterrupted dedication of our company and our partners, Kastanologgos is experiencing an impressive revival: for the first time in 150 years, new chestnut trees take root and grow in this primeval forest, giving life and continuity to a unique natural monument of South Evia.

We are implementing an innovative initiative in our parks, which helps us in our daily activities while protecting biodiversity

During the daily operation of our solar parks, we encounter various challenges, which we are called upon to address in energy-efficient, environmentally friendly ways. In this context, we sought solutions to a frequent phenomenon: the outages and damage caused to the wiring of our solar installations, by rodent populations.

Our goal was to apply alternative methods, avoiding the use of chemicals or other substances, which would damage the subsoil and the aquifer. Thus, we identified the organization "Tyto", which started from the University of Thessaly and aims to help protect and reproduce the homonymous owl.

Tyto alba is a nocturnal predator that feeds almost exclusively on mice, throughout its geographical range. In order to limit rodents that damage park equipment, and to help the population of owls, we are implementing in collaboration with the organization an innovative program, placing artificial nests in our solar plants that will be inhabited by Tyto.

A pioneering action

To implement the initiative, we initially selected parks in areas and altitudes where the population of Tyto thrives the most. Nests have already been placed in 12 of our parks in Western Macedonia (Florina), Xanthi (Pezouliotika, Polysitos), Thessaly (Mark, Myrini, Gefyri I & II, Larisa) and Peloponnese (Kavasila, Stroussi, Kourtesi, Limnochori).

This is a pioneering action, as we were the first renewable energy company in Greece to proceed with this initiative. We are monitoring the progress of the project and collecting data on its results so far, in order to identify and record potential obstacles, ensure the usage of the nests and enhance the reproduction of Tyto.

Multiple benefits for the environment

The benefits of this action are multifaceted: they lead to savings in maintenance and cable replacement costs, but also to increased energy production, since we avoid cable damage and possible interruptions in inverter operation. At the same time, we protect the ecosystem and biodiversity in park areas, as we do not use harmful chemicals to manage rodents, while actively helping to increase the population of an endangered species.

Besides, this is not our first initiative to protect biodiversity, as for several years, we have set up feeders to protect birds of prey near the parks of Kouloukonas and Agios Kyrillos, in Crete.

We demonstrate every day our commitment to a sustainability model based on initiatives and targeted actions with a significant impact on people's daily lives and especially on the future of young people. Our Creating Shared Value - CSV initiatives are fully aligned with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, with this program being part of SDG 15 - Life on Land and SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals.

Actively supporting the work of the National Fire Service, we provided a series of free informative educational seminars on "Fire Contingency Plan in Renewable Energy Sources Plants", and thus contributed to the preparedness and training of its personnel.

The first cycle of educational seminars was successfully completed in four regions in Greece: Kozani (April 2023), Ptolemaida (December 2023 at the Fire Service Cadet Academy), Grevena (March 2024) and Chalkidiki (May 2024). The seminars were attended by 250 Firefighters from the Fire Service and 300 Cadets from the Fire Service Cadet Academy. Participants were informed about safety issues and ways to deal with a fire in a solar park.

A comprehensive program

Each seminar had a duration of two hours and was carried out by our experienced and trained staff. During the seminar, attendees were informed about the structure of a renewables plant, its operation and the Low & Medium Voltage equipment.

Additionally, electrical hazards, protection measures and finally fire scenarios, along with the relevant contingency plans were presented. The seminar ended with a visit to nearby solar parks, so that participants could see up close the facilities and the proposed measures for safety and firefighting.

Continuous commitment

Our contribution to the Fire Service has been for us a steady commitment. Another example of this, is the joint Evacuation Drill with the 4th Special Disaster Response Unit (E.M.A.K.) in October 2022, conducted at a Wind Turbine in the Rhodopes.

Our company will continue to assist the Fire Service, supporting its difficult work, that is crucial work in civil protection. Our Creating Shared Value - CSV initiatives are fully aligned with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, with these actions falling under SDG 15 - Life on Land and SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals.

June 5th is a day dedicated to our environment, as established by the United Nations. This year's World Environment Day focuses on #GenerationRestoration, inviting societies, organizations and companies to contribute with all their forces in this direction.

For all of us, at Principia, the word environment is an integral part of our activities as we produce friendly, green energy from renewable sources and at the same time contribute to both the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and the protection of the environment. 

This year, on the occasion of World Environment Day, the restless volunteer team of our employees - in the framework of the award-winning corporate volunteering program "Be The Hero" - decided to put into practice this UN motto, by cleaning Lomvarda beach in South Attica.

By collecting a large volume of waste and materials to be recycled, such as plastic bottles and aluminum packaging, our volunteers contributed to the remodeling of the natural environment of the area. A total of 5,500 liters of waste were collected in a long-suffering area, which especially during the summer months is visited by many people.

Consistent for another year

Following the cleanups in the mountainous area of Parnitha in 2022 and in the wetland of Vravrona in 2023, our volunteers once again proved their sensitivity to environmental issues. The aim this time was to breathe new life into the bay located in South Attica and send a strong message about the importance of protecting the environment and biodiversity. It is worth noting that in the three symbolic cleaning actions, a total of more than 12500 liters of waste and debris have been removed.

An effective alliance

Together, we achieve more. That's why we partnered for the third year with "Save Your Hood", which empowers initiatives and gives citizens the means to act by providing common ground where everyone can express their ideas and concerns and empower each other for healthier and more sustainable neighborhoods. Just in Greece,  more than 52,000 volunteers of the movement have managed, within 3 years, to collect more than 11 million liters of garbage in a total of 289 municipalities.

Our firm commitment is to protect the environment

At Principia, we have a firm long-term commitment to the protection of the environment and this year the reforestation of Kastanologgos on Mount Ochi, in South Evia, in the wind farm array "Kafireas", is completed and delivered to the local community, giving new life to 640 hectares of forest, which corresponds to 90 football fields. In total, since 2017, we have planted 99,194 trees and plants covering a total area of 1,127 acres.

Our Creating Shared Value (CSV) initiatives are fully aligned with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. This activity is part of Goals 15: Life on Land & 17: Partership for the Goals

Volunteering, according to recent research, has a decisive and particularly important impact on well-being in the workplace, while also contributing to society as a whole.

Our "Be the Hero" program highlights the importance of volunteering, as well as its many benefits for our mental health and our lives as a whole.

Volunteering activities of substance

On September 29 2022, as part of both the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste and our new "Be the Hero" program, we organized a special activity. Our volunteer team, in collaboration with the NGO Love Dinner, prepared and distributed 1,000 portions of food to the homeless and needy in the center of Athens.

In November of the same year we organized a voluntary clean-up activity in Parnitha, in collaboration with the "Save Your Hood" movement. On that occasion we collected over 4,000 litres of waste and rubble covering an area of about 3,000 square meters.

And, as part of our commitment to social contribution, during the Christmas holiday season we helped our most vulnerable fellow citizens in the areas where we operate. More specifically, we collected almost a ton of food and delivered it to institutions and organizations in Athens, Alexandroupolis, Kozani, Evia and Patras.

Our activities continued in 2023 because, for all of us, volunteering is a way of life. We visited the "Chatzipaterio" Children's Rehabilitation & Support Centre (K.A.S.P.). There, we joined the children in creating special busy boards, making Easter candles and baking pastries, sharing love and offering support.

Protecting the environment is one of the key pillars of our strategy. True to our commitment to developing sustainable practices, we carried out another clean-up initiative in the area that surrounds the Vravrona wetland, one of the most important in Attica, part of the Natura 2000 network. Our team of volunteers, along with their kids, started cleaning up the area around the wetland, and by collecting a large amount of waste and recyclables, such as plastic bottles and aluminum cans, we significantly contributed to the reshaping of the natural environment.

Our efforts are ongoing and diverse, which is why our latest volunteering activity reinforced the most important value of all: saving lives. We organized a blood donation drive in our offices, which was met with enthusiastic participation by our people.

Employees as Heroes

Through these actions, we strive to become "heroes" in everyday life, enhancing social solidarity through initiatives that contribute to the common good. We show in practice, at every opportunity, our solidarity, support and spirit of giving to those in need. This is also evident in the informal reward system that has been set up internally. Through this, we all have our own personalized board on which we place reward stickers every time we take part in a volunteering activity. Those who collect the most stickers during the year will be the heroes of the city!

We demonstrate every day our commitment to a sustainability model based on initiatives and targeted actions with a significant impact on people's lives. Our Creating Shared Value - CSV initiatives are fully aligned with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, with our voluntary program being part of SDG 2 - Zero Hunger, SDG 4 - Quality Education, SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities, SDG 15 - Life on Land and SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals.