In the present study, a review of the lignite-based electricity generation in Greece is presented. By using real, long-term data concerning the national electricity generation and an appropriate mathematical model developed from first principles, it is expected that the lignite's depletion time shall vary from 25 to 50 years. Acknowledging its finite character, an investigation is carried out in order to assess the future prospects of lignite in the national electricity status. For this purpose, emphasis is also given on the impacts entailed by the former exploitation for electricity purposes on both the local environment and the national economy. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.