By Penelope Galliou
Her dual goal energy autonomy of the country and the parallel support for citizens, businesses and farmers sets the government a priority over the unfavorable situation caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and of “Structural energy weaknesses” which it brings to the Greek, European and world energy market.
During the presentation of the national strategic planning in the field of hydrocarbonsThe Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis from the headquarters of the Hellenic Hydrocarbon Management Company, emphasized the role of Greece in the new energy landscape that is being formed and the choice of our country to become a producer country.
“We are announcing today the acceleration of the exploration for the extraction of natural gas that we know that our country is possible – I emphasize, we are not sure – it is possible to have in significant quantities based on the preliminary studies, both on the mainland and in the sea” he stressed, while declaring that he was moderately optimistic based on the indications that the government has in its hands.
Redefining strategy due to war
“I want to emphasize that until the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the commercial exploitation of new gas fields was often not an economically attractive opportunity for new countries entering this game, such as Greece, due to very low gas prices. . This, however, is a reality that has changed and the course of gas prices internationally, the plans for detachment from Russian gas, but also the importance that we know that gas will play for years to come, for decades to come. “transition fuel, essentially forces us to redefine our strategy”, explained Mr. Mitsotakis.
Research in six areas
Based on the preliminary studies that the Maximos Palace has in its hands, so far there are six areas where the research interest is focused and it is possible that they have significant quantities of natural gas. These are areas both on the mainland and in the sea area in areas of exclusive exploitation. In particular, these areas are located, one in mainland Greece, in the Region of Epirus, and five in sea areas and more specifically: two in the Ionian, one in the Gulf of Kyparissia and two west – south of Crete and are already sections that have been leased to individuals and in some the preliminary investigations have proceeded and in others not.
The schedule of investigations
During his announcements, the Prime Minister outlined the timetable that will be required, at least in the first phase, in order to have a first picture of the perspective of the findings. “We have to know for sure if there are stocks that are economically viable. “We will know the end of 2023”, he noted.
The parallel actions of the government for the relief of the citizens
At the same time, mitigating the effects of the energy crisis on citizens and especially the most vulnerable remains the number one “bet” of the government.
“The government will constantly intervene to mitigate the consequences of the energy crisis for the vulnerable, at the same time boosting the income of the citizens, while at the same time it will wait for the EU intervention for the energy market,” Minister of State George Gerapetritis told SKAI 100.3 . He even reiterated the government’s insistence that EU intervention be included in the energy price ceiling, stressing that this is a very difficult exercise.
In any case, the government is looking to the May Summit, which it sees as the final milestone for taking European measures to support societies. But even in the opposite case, when the Synod is fruitless, the Greek government, as it already does, will continue to support Greek society more actively.
During his meeting with the President of the European Investment Bank, Werner Hoyer, the Prime Minister pointed out that if there are no decisions at European level, we will have to rely on our national resources, which will burden the budgets.
The government, however, according to well-informed SKAI sources, is working on an action plan reducing the price of gas in the domestic market, in order to directly reduce the price of electricity, to the extent that the EU will not proceed with coordinated and drastic measures to deal with the energy crisis. In fact, it seems to be ready to take bold and bold decisions in order to relieve the citizens from the energy burdens that have arisen recently.
The support of society is paramount
The support of the society was also suggested by the government representative, speaking on SKAI TV, assuring that “we are not done here with the support of the society”, referring to the measures of support of the society. He even stressed that the government is exhausting all available margins for the relief of society and described April as “a month of implementation of very important measures and support”.
“Brake” in the scenarios for a ceiling on energy prices
The government spokesman, however, put a “brake” on the scenarios for imposing a ceiling on energy prices, saying that the government is studying “what can be as efficient as possible.” “If it is to put a ceiling on energy prices and this money to be called to take it back from the taxpayers, because somehow we will have to subsidize the difference (…), this is a measure that will not work,” he stressed.
As far as fuel is concerned, however, the government’s intention is to continue the subsidy of 15 cents per liter in May and June, while for gasoline he pointed out that the aid is valid until June.
Farmers and stockbreeders are also in the spotlight
From Crete, the Minister of Rural Development and Food, George Georgantas, announced that for the young farmers – 2,600 applications have been made in Crete – their processing is progressing quickly, while in addition to the initial amounts announced, an additional 100 million will be given, about 28, 5 million euros, as he said, more for Crete. The minister also said that the primary sector in the country is experiencing a difficult period due to rising production costs and that the government is trying to help farmers and ranchers produce, “because it is very important that production remains high, so so that there is sufficiency in the whole population “. As for the breeders, he reiterated that next week a total of 50 million will be paid as aid for the feed market in the country, while expressing his optimism for how things will develop in the near future.
Follow Skai.gr on Google News
and be the first to know all the news
