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Description
The Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Company of Drama (DEYAD) is the first and largest municipal enterprise in its sector. It operates advanced facilities and infrastructure, which are regularly maintained and upgraded to ensure the consistent provision of high-quality services. Equipped with organized analytical laboratories and conducting daily water quality checks, DEYAD guarantees clean, healthy, and excellent-quality drinking water for the community.
In alignment with its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable resource management—key components for enhancing the quality of life for residents—DEYAD aims to be a pioneering organization in the implementation of environmental policy.
As part of the GR-Energy Program, the company implemented the following strategic actions:
Development of a renewable energy microgrid at the Municipality’s Biological Treatment Plant
Acquisition of electric vehicles for operational needs
Installation of advanced monitoring and measuring equipment
The primary objective of the project was to achieve energy autonomy through renewable energy production, thereby significantly reducing or eliminating electricity consumption from the national grid. This reduction in energy usage contributes to lower operational costs, unlocking added value and creating new prospects for the local community, while simultaneously promoting awareness of sustainable development practices.
In addition, the transition to EV resulted in a notable reduction in fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, bringing DEYAD closer to its vision of becoming a central pillar of green development in the region.
The project substantially reduced DEYAD’s energy footprint and addressed long-standing energy management challenges. It serves as a model for other Water and Sewerage Companies, as well as for isolated rural areas and urban centers, demonstrating how local authorities can lead the transition toward sustainability.
Summary of project results
The project was completed successfully with no significant implementation challenges, except for a notable increase in the cost of materials and equipment compared to the initial budget estimates. This cost escalation was attributed to the broader energy crisis, which had a widespread impact on construction and energy retrofit pricing across Europe.
As a result, additional financial resources were required in the middle of implementation to fulfill the originally defined targets and commitments of the Project Promoter, as specified in the Inclusion Decision. The issue was formally acknowledged, and a request for additional funding was submitted to secure the achievement of the project''s predefined objectives and performance indicators.
In the end, 100% of the Project’s physical object was completed, following all legal procedures and within the framework of the EEA Grants 2014–2021 programme.
The Project of the Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Company of Drama, under the GR-ENERGY Programme, included the following sub-projects:
Sub-Project 1 “Supply and installation of Renewable & Alternative Energy Technologies in social infrastructure of the Water Supply- Sewerage Company of Drama” which included:
- Creation of a RES microgrid and alternative technologies in the Biological Treatment Plant of Drama and in particular:
- Energy Saving System in the Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Stand Alone Photovoltaic Station with a power of 100 kW
- Perimeter LED lighting in the Biological Treatment Plant and LED lighting in the pumping stations
- Supply and installation of uninterrupted hydrogen supply system.
- Supply of (2) electric vehicles and (7) electric bicycles with accompanying charging stations.
Sub-Project 2 “Supply of measuring equipment” which included the installation of energy meters.
Sub-Project 3 “Provision of specialized consulting services for the scientific support of the project implementation”
Sub-Project 4 “Provision of specialized services for the dissemination of the project results”
Sub-Project 5 “Supply and installation of auxiliary equipment for Renewable & Alternative Energy Technologies in social infrastructure of the Water Supply- Sewerage Company of Drama" which included:
- Supply and installation of a green H2 production unit, which consists of an electrolytic cell as well as all auxiliary subsystems (Water Deionization Unit, complete automation panel, etc.)
- Supply and installation of twelve (12) autonomous luminaires for the lighting needs of DEYAD.
- Supply and installation of a multifunctional column for monitoring and facilitating the activities of DEYAD.
In addition, in the context of strengthening the bilateral relations of the Municipal Water Supply-Sewerage Company of Drama with partners from the Donor Countries, a visit to the premises of the Icelandic National Energy Authority in Reykjavik (Orkustofnun) was carried out in September 2024 to transfer know-how and good practices in the field of green energy transition. Bilateral cooperation actions were carried out and a report was drawn up assessing the know-how transferred and describing specific results and ways of exploitation by the Municipal Water Supply- Sewerage Company of Drama.
The project has been successful in achieving the following key outcomes:
- Reduction of Electricity Costs: The implemented energy efficiency measures have led to a measurable decrease in electricity expenses, delivering direct financial benefits to the broader community of Drama.
- Significant Reduction in CO₂ Emissions: The interventions have effectively reduced the carbon footprint of the targeted infrastructure, contributing to the Municipality’s broader environmental and climate goals.
- Promotion of Innovation and Local Economic Development: The project introduced integrated technological solutions and energy interventions that support sustainable entrepreneurship. At the same time, it contributed to local workforce development through the creation of new employment opportunities and the promotion of technical specialization in the energy sector.
The Project implemented by the Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Company of Drama under the GR-ENERGY Programme at the Biological Treatment Plant has successfully contributed to reducing the facility''s energy consumption. This was achieved through the installation of an autonomous photovoltaic system with battery energy storage, as well as a backup power supply system utilizing Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and hydrogen via an electrolytic cell. These interventions significantly lower the operational costs of the facility and contribute to a reduction in CO₂ emissions.
In addition, the introduction of electric vehicles reduces fuel consumption, while the installation of an autonomous electric vehicle charging station—powered entirely by the photovoltaic system—serves as a model for sustainable mobility, raising public awareness of environmentally friendly practices.
Overall, the Project supports the improvement of local living standards by promoting resource efficiency and advancing the adoption of modern green energy transition technologies within public infrastructure.