The consortium's announcement Chevron – Hellenic Energy that it is submitting a proposal for four offshore plots south of Crete and the Peloponnese brings the discussion about the country's undersea energy resources back into the spotlight.
On the main newscast of Blue Sky, last night, as guests of Angie Stathatou the journalist Yannis Koronaios and the former president and CEO of BP Greece Spyros Michalakakis, who were mentioned in the geopolitical dimension (strengthening Greece's position vis-à-vis the illegal Turkish-Libyan memorandum) but also in the of great economic importance, if and when the investigations yield positive results and generate substantial revenue for the government—and not just for the companies.
However, both criticized the delays that have occurred in recent years: the concession areas south and west of Crete remain without drillings, while the maritime zones often overlap with marine park areas. «We need a serious approach, clear rules, and speed», Mr. Koronaios emphasized, noting that just two months ago it was announced that water parks in areas of the Ionian Sea and the Peloponnese that border or overlap with the exploration concessions. «Where there is a marine park, research cannot be conducted», he said.
Mr. Michalakakis added that, beyond revenue, Greece must ensure added value: expertise, jobs, participation of universities and companies. «National wealth cannot remain untapped», he pointed out.
The question remains: Will Chevron mark the beginning of a new era, or will it be yet another missed opportunity?; Watch the related video.
