In processing and evaluating the data obtained from the seismic surveys in the Ionian and Kyparissia Gulf regions, which were completed in February, is now being progressed by the Hellenic Petroleum Group. Subsequently, within a 6-12 months horizon, the smaller marine areas will be identified, where higher resolution (3D) seismic surveys will be carried out (which will reveal more accurately the location and size of potential deposits).
These were the words of the CEO of HELPE, Andreas Siamisis, on the sidelines of the event for the opening of the photovoltaic park of the group in Kozani. Mr. Siamisis made it clear that the group is only interested in natural gas and only in marine (not terrestrial) areas and for this reason the drilling in the West Patraikos Gulf did not proceed, where the estimates from the surveys indicated the existence of oil.
The completion of the seismic surveys in the Ionian areas will also allow for the attraction of potential interested investors in Joint Ventures for hydrocarbon exploration and production, as the previous ones have withdrawn.
Asked about the prospects for the areas west and southwest of the Crete which have also been granted for hydrocarbon exploration, Mr. Siamisis said that investments cannot proceed until the pending court case challenging the environmental studies in the Council of State is resolved. «With the elimination of the formal obstacles, we will proceed either with them, with other partners or on our own. What is important in these areas where the sea depths are great is expertise,» he said. He noted, however, that the wider region has great potential due to the important discoveries that preceded it in Egypt and the Eastern Mediterranean.
The group's CEO stressed that, as the gas plants will operate as base units, it is the right policy not to be dependent on specific producers. «Instead of importing gas to generate electricity, we will use domestic deposits,» he said.
