Evaluation of the regional impact of high PV penetration in Greece via modelling the pan-European power system

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the pan-European power system, focusing on the increasing role of renewable energy sources (RES) in Greece for the year 2030. The present study aims to evaluate the photovoltaic (PV) hosting capacity of the Greek power system under high-RES penetration levels while accounting for the capacity of cross-border interconnectors and storage. The paper also assesses how extreme renewable concentration in Greece impacts the operation of neighbouring regions and determines up to what extent new PV installations in Greece are economically beneficial form a system-level perspective. The analysis simulates eight distinct scenarios of amplified PV capacities from 13 to 27 GW using a unit commitment and economic dispatch model (UC-ED) of the 2030 Pan-European power system. The results demonstrate remarkably high-RES penetration levels in Greece, followed by a subsequent rise in RES curtailments and reduction in market prices during midday dispatch periods. The cost-benefit analysis reveals that a total PV capacity up to 25 GW in the Greek territory generates economic benefit from a system-level perspective.