Greece had an energy import dependency of 72% in
2006, which is above the EU-average of 54%. Crude oil
and petroleum products accounted for 81% of imports,
while natural gas accounted for just 11%. Overall, the
Hellenic energy system relies on fossil fuels for 93% of
its gross energy consumption. The considerable expansion
in use of lignite for power generation starting in the 1970s
was itself a response to growing energy import dependence.
With a Mediterranean climate, a large tourist industry,
and a rather complicated geography, the Hellenic energy
system has evolved along rather different dimensions
compared to other Member states. The lack of electricity
grid connections in islands and some outlying areas has
presented technical challenges in the power sector. Final
energy consumption is dominated by electricity and oil,
which together accounted for 90% of the total in 2006.