Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavros and Deputy Minister Nikos Tsafos met with a Chevron delegation in Houston on Monday and decided to accelerate hydrocarbon exploration in Greece, with the aim of conducting seismic surveys south of Crete by the end of 2026.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the CERAWeek conference and is part of the effort to accelerate hydrocarbon exploration and attract large energy groups, at a time when Europe is seeking alternative energy sources due to increased geopolitical uncertainty.
“I had a substantive meeting with Chevron; with vice presidents Kevin McLachlan and Gavin Lewis. After the ratification of the energy agreements, we are proceeding immediately with their implementation. We have set a clear timetable and initiated the necessary actions so that we can have seismic surveys south of Crete before the end of 2026,” Papastavrou noted in a statement to public broadcaster ERT.
The minister linked energy developments to the international situation, noting that “the crisis in the Middle East confirms Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ choice for the immediate development of the hydrocarbon sector”, while adding that “Greece is steadily moving towards its energy self-sufficiency, relying on its strengths and national wealth.”
“With self-confidence, we are upgrading our geopolitical role and building an energy-secure future for our country,” Papastavrou concluded in his statement after the meeting.
