The American company Chevron, the world’s second largest private company active in the hydrocarbon sector, has expressed interest in research in the marine area southwest of the Peloponnese and to the west of Crete, bordering the marine plots of the corresponding tender of 2014.
This was announced on Monday by the Ministry of Environment and Energy, which said this was a very important development, which is part of the national strategy for energy independence and reduction of energy costs, with parallel initiatives for increased protection of the marine environment.
The Ministry accepted this expression of interest from the company and will proceed within the week to issue the relevant decision, which will provide for the exact extent and the immediate announcement of an international tender, while in the immediate future the spatial expansion of the fossil fuel exploration will also be evaluated.
At the same time, the Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company is submitting on Monday the relevant Strategic Environmental Impact Study.
“The natural gas we seek to locate and extract is a crucial ‘bridge fuel’ for Europe leading up to 2050, and for the rest of the planet beyond 2050. Therefore, the exploitation of potential domestic deposits is energetically, economically and socially of great importance to an economically viable green transition,” the ministry said, adding : 
“Chevron’s interest, combined with the fact that ExxonMobil is already active in our country, marks the simultaneous presence of two energy giants and reinforces the belief that Greece can play a leading role in the global energy market and confirms that our country is an attractive investment destination.
“Furthermore, it is yet another practical recognition of the strategy of the Greek government, the ministry of environment and energy and the Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company for the exploitation of our country’s potential natural gas reserves, for the benefit of the country’s energy independence and security, but also our national economy.
It is important that the above development takes place with parallel care in terms of its environmental footprint, so that not only energy, but also a major environmental benefit for the country is produced.”
Environment and Energy Minister Theodoros Skylakakis, on his part, said: “The investment interest of another world-renowned company, such as American firm Chevron, underlines the confidence of the international investment community in the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, while once again highlighting the potential of Greece to develop into a regional energy hub and ensure its energy independence.”