ΕΝΤΟΣ ΤΩΝ ΕΠΟΜΕΝΩΝ ΜΗΝΩΝ Η ΕΡΕΥΝΗΤΙΚΗ ΓΕΩΤΡΗΣΗ ΣΤΑ ΙΩΑΝΝΙΝΑ
- 30 Apr 2023
- timeliness
By the end of 2023, it is expected that there will be an image from the interpretation of the data obtained from the seismic surveys in the Ionian Sea and the sea area West-Southwest of Crete, based on which the decision will be made to carry out or not research drilling.
At the same time, in Ioannina where the procedures are at a more advanced stage, the first exploratory drilling by Energean is expected within the next months.
These were reported by hydrocarbon industry sources, on the sidelines of the event of the Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company for the presentation of the "white paper" on carbon dioxide storage.
A related reference, it is recalled, was made by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the contract signing event for the Heraklion - Neapolis section of the Northern Road Axis of Crete (BOAK). "Our own government launched for the first time serious, substantial seismic surveys in the south-west of Crete, which have already been completed and at the moment the data collected is being examined by the company involved in this process, so that we now know with certainty if there are hydrocarbons, natural gas southwest of Crete. And, if they exist, to quickly start the process so that possibly in 2026 we can have the first extractions of natural gas within Greek and national sovereignty, a zone of Greek sovereignty, so that we can in this way strengthen the position of our homeland as energy hub for the whole of Europe", the prime minister specifically emphasized.
EDEYEP monitors the procedures for the interpretation of the seismic survey data with the aim, among other things, of meeting the timetables that have been set per region in terms of the progress of the research activity.
As far as Ioannina is concerned, the exploratory drilling in the Giorganista community of the Municipality of Zitsa is officially planned for this year. In practice, however, since the consultation on the environmental and social impact study was completed at the end of March and the environmental licensing of the drilling by the Ministry of Environment and Energy is pending, its implementation in 2024 is considered a more realistic goal.
As stated by competent sources, if the results of the exploratory drilling are positive, others will have to follow, to confirm the deposit, which also require consultation and environmental licensing procedures. Attracting investors is also not ruled out – it is recalled that Energean currently owns 100% of the exploration and exploitation rights in the area – a process common in the oil industry.
