Pillar #1: Energy/ Action Area: Green Energy & Clean Carbon Technologies
Applications of Renewable Energy and Hydrogen technologies are becoming core field of research, scheduled for pilot scale realization in CERTH premises in Western Macedonia. It has to be mentioned that in collaboration with the local University, the Hydrogen-hub-an emblematic action in the decarbonisation period – is developed and supported by Regional Authorities and the Greek Just Transition Mechanism. Special attention is given on alternative fuels, especially the market uptake of solid, liquid and gaseous biofuels with advanced supply chains for the sustainable utilization of biomass potential and related market development, the feasibility of biorefineries and the enhancement of renewables share in the power and industrial sectors. Other activities include optimization of district heating and cooling systems supporting the local systems, energy efficient buildings, “greening” the agricultural sector, contributing to local staff re-skilling and to new jobs creation. In the Clean Carbon Technologies field, research is related to flexible operation of thermal power plants with the aim of better smoothing the load curve due to the high penetration of RES in the system, reduction of gaseous emissions from power plants, development of non-electric uses of Greek lignite (such as production of coke, organic fertilizers, soil conditioners, production of liquid fuels, etc.) and promotion of the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) with multiple applications in energy and transport sectors.

Pillar #2: Environment/Action Area: Environmental Technologies, Circular Economy and Transition to the post-lignite era
One of the most important actions of GrEnEA is the development and implementation of strategic technologies for the reduction and / or elimination of greenhouse gas emissions from energy-intensive industries such as CO₂ capture, as well as the technologies of utilization and reuse of the captured carbon dioxide for the production of high value synthetic fuels and materials. The group is active in the design and development of integrated waste management projects within the circular economy framework, focusing on technologies in the fields of recycling/upcycling and energy conversion. In addition, the group supports industrial entities in order to develop their sustainability reports based on a life cycle analysis approach. It is actively involved in the development of innovative techniques for the restoration of ecosystems, especially concerning affected areas, such as lignite mines to be reclaimed, through an environment friendly way. GrEnEA plays key role in the decarbonization period, participating in a wide range of strategic and technical activities towards a just and smooth development of a new energy and economic model in the Region of Western Macedonia.