“We are putting into practice the development of the hydrocarbon sector in our homeland, we are confidently implementing our strategy for exploiting our natural wealth for the benefit of all Greek women, all Greeks”.

This is what Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou said to ERT today, after the signing of the 4 Ministerial Decisions by which the Chevron and HELLENiQ Energy consortia are selected as preferred investors for hydrocarbon research and exploitation in the 4 marine areas south of Crete and the Peloponnese.

“We are moving forward, he added, in finalizing the contract, according to the extremely fast pace of the schedule we have committed to. Our country is steadily and decisively strengthening its energy role in the Eastern Mediterranean”.

These are the areas with a total area of ​​47 thousand square kilometers south of the Peloponnese (regions “A2” and “South of the Peloponnese”) and in the maritime areas south of Crete (“South of Crete 1” and “South of Crete 2” regions) which, after the signing of the relevant contracts, their approval by the Audit Court and their sanction by the Parliament granted for hydrocarbon explorations in the joint ventures of the Chevron – Helleniq Energy groups.

The tender for the areas in question began after the two companies expressed interest. It is noted that Chevron is the second largest oil company in the world and already has a presence in the Eastern Mediterranean, with exploration activities in Egypt, Israel and Cyprus.