The priority of GEK TERNA Group is the development and implementation of a strategy with the aim of continuous improvement and achievement of constantly higher goals. Therefore, alongside its business activity in the areas of clean energy production and storage, circular economy and sustainable infrastructure, the Group is committed towards expanding the level of accountability and transparency of its activities, with the goal of reducing the environmental and climate impact coming from the entire spectrum of projects it undertakes, develops, and manages.
One of the main business activities of the Group that directly contributes to the protection of the environment is clean energy production and storage. It is worth noting that for 2022 alone, the Group's clean energy production amounted to 2,416,333 MWh, preventing the release of 1,119,784 tons of CO2 equivalent into the atmosphere. With absolute respect for the environment, GEK TERNA Group has aimed across every vertical and business activity to minimize its environmental footprint. More specifically, the Group has put in place, as the case may be, in the technical planning of the projects, fauna protection provisions so that each project is integrated in a way that is compatible with the environment. In addition, during both the construction and the operation phase of its projects, the Group prepares in collaboration with specialized scientists, monitoring programs for habitats and their species, aiming at obtaining and utilizing the necessary measures to ensure the protection of local ecosystems. At the same time, for the projects located in areas of high ornithological importance, such as Crete and Evros, Greece, the Group is proceeding with the installation of bird detection and prevention systems utilizing the appropriate technology.
The highway passes through 2 important habitats, the wolf habitat, located in the southern part (Xyniada - Domokos) and the brown bear habitat in the northern part (Kalabaka - Grevena). In this context, a special care was taken in the construction of the road to protect these two very important habitats. Specifically, in the northern part, in collaboration with "Kallisto" Environmental Organization, a monitoring system is being implemented, while all the necessary measures are taken to mitigate the effects of the activity in the area (fencing, upper and lower wildlife crossings, escape exits, appropriate lighting, etc.). In addition, a twin fauna overpass has been constructed in the area of Xyniada.
In the project "Small Hydroelectric Station Dafnozonara - Sanidi", an annual Birdwatching Program is underway, to record the presence and behavior of important bird species in the project area, aiming at assessing any risk of impact and electric shock incidents. In addition, during the monitoring program, an effort is also being made to identify potential nesting sites and passages of important bird species along the High Voltage line.
Monitoring systems detect and record bird movements and crossings via camera, while also emitting warning sounds, at bird-specific frequencies, in order to divert their course and protect them from possible collision with the wind turbines. In case these actions are not sufficient, this particular technology causes the wind turbines to slow down and/or stop immediately. So far, thirty-six such systems have been installed, while other protection actions are being carried out in parallel, such as the implementation of monitoring programs in the areas by specialized scientists.
At the construction site of the new airport in Kasteli, Crete, Greece, a strict environmental management program is being implemented. This includes actions such as the following: