Greece secures funding to complete residential energy efficiency program

The Greek government moved to secure 425.8 million euros from the European Regional Development Fund to complete the "Exoikonomo 2025" program.

Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis and Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou coordinated the decision to integrate the initiative into the "Environment and Climate Change" program of the ESPA 2021-2027 framework. The program provides incentives for homeowners to perform energy-saving renovations on residential buildings. It targets primary residences where owners meet specific income criteria.

The government offers different subsidy levels based on income and provides special support for families with members with disabilities, families with three dependent children, and those affected by natural disasters in Thessaly, Sterea Ellada, and Central Macedonia. Participants can also access loans with subsidized interest rates. To qualify, renovations must improve a home's energy rating by at least three categories, aiming for a primary energy saving of over 30 percent.

For major renovations, buildings must reach at least category B of the Building Energy Performance Regulation. Energy inspectors must conduct audits before and after the work. While the program covers most regions, residents in Western Macedonia, North Aegean, South Aegean, and Crete will be covered by the "Just Transition" program instead. The Technical Chamber of Greece and the Hellenic Development Bank act as partners for the initiative.

Ministers Papastavrou and Papathanasis stated that the move ensures that households that have already started renovations can finish them with guaranteed funding. They aim to reduce household energy costs and lower the environmental footprint of homes across Greece.