The increase in energy interconnectivity in Southeast Europe will work to the benefit of the wider region and Greece can be the starting point for this energy bridge, as it is in a privileged position for natural gas and electricity interconnections. This was pointed out by John Letvin, financial advisor of the US embassy, ​​speaking today at the 2nd Southeast Connectivity Forum, in Thessaloniki. Mr. Letvin also highlighted the importance of the country’s energy connections with the neighboring Balkan countries.

For his part, Sotirios Bravos, commercial director of DESFA (National Natural Gas System Operator), emphasized that the importance of interconnections is crucial for the European energy market. “Until 2018 Russian natural gas dominated the market, but this changed dramatically from 2019 onwards. Right now, the prices of Russian natural gas traded through Turkstream are very low,” pointed out Mr. Bravos, speaking at the forum, organized by Tsomokos Communications with strategic partner THA SA.

Greece can play a key role in the wider region of Southeast Europe in the energy field, according to Gregor Weinzettel, a natural gas expert from the Energy Community of Austria. “Greece can develop energy storage infrastructure. Greece is in the perfect position and needs a little more harmonization to be the star” he concluded.

The belief that “a real corridor between Thessaloniki and Port Said and the Suez Canal” can be created, said Captain Aly Assem Ibrahim, general manager of the East Port Port Said of the Suez Economic Zone. “It is a big issue to reduce the cost of the supply chain that connects the ports. There are challenges and opportunities”, he underlined and expressed the assessment that the port of Alexandroupolis will become a hub for liquefied natural gas (LNG)._