In the midst of Europe's energy crisis, Greece is trying to come to the fore with a leading role in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Seismographic vessels' engines prepare to work at full capacity and the bar of expectations for results from natural gas exploration is rising.

 

As it was officially announced by the government and the companies involved, during the current seismic season, seismic exploration projects will be carried out simultaneously in five areas: In three blocks of the Ionian Sea (Block Ionian, block -10 Cyparissiakos Gulf and Block 2) and in two blocks West and Southwest of Crete. ExxonMobil, Helleniq Energy and Energean participate in them.

 

The last two blocks constitute the "tip of the spear" of the entire research program. They present difficulties due to big depth but also due to their location. But at the same time, they are also the ones that give rise to the greatest hopes.

 

According to studies, the estimated reserves of the area covering the two blocks of Crete are in the order of 70-90 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. The amount can cover a part of Europe's annual natural gas needs.

 

Greece will also restart exploratory drilling for natural gas and oil at Ioannina and Prinos.

 

The exploitation of natural gas fields in Greece's open water is an issue that for years had been sidelined for reasons of climate policy, but also because of the availability of cheap Russian natural gas. Now the conflict in Ukraine and the energy crisis demand a reconsideration.

 

Greece itself has set 2023 as its benchmark for exploring more natural gas sources of its shores. The EU Commission is highly interested, it seems, as they have been looking for alternatives to Russian energy.

 

Under this circumstances Greece aims, on the one hand, to become a key player for the energy transition, acquiring a role as a clean exporter of green energy to Europe, through infrastructures that will transport energy and hydrogen from North Africa and the Middle East to European soil. At the same time it tries to strengthen it's own energy autonomy for the future.