Statistics

Even though it accounts for only about 10 % of direct employment, energy production has structured Western Macedonia’s economy because it dominates the industrial sector which represents half of the Gross Value Added (GVA)1 of the region (against 13 % nationally) (WorldBank, 2020). In Kozani’s regional unit the GVA produced by the energy sector goes up to 60 % (WorldBank, 2020). In other words, this sector produces the majority of the wealth that circulates in the region. Its centrality and its ability to shape the local society shows in the way it affects the educational system.

The demography of Western Macedonia is historically linked to the energy production industry. The population of the mining towns of Ptolemaida and Kozani grew steadily until production peaked in 2001. Since then, the privatisation of PPC, the transition to other energy sources and the subsequent job losses have led to the departure of many workers. This demographic decline is one of the main concerns expressed by local residents.