The Ministry of Environment and Energy is promoting a new transparent framework for the utilization of the geothermal potential of Greece , with strict rules for the protection of the environment, so local news last week. The decision signed by the Minister of Environment and Energy, Costas Skrekas, on the terms of the rights of exploration, management and exploitation of geothermal potential, marks a new beginning for the development of this energy source.
The development of geothermal energy is a key priority of the government, as emphasized, in the context of the objectives of the National Plan for Energy and Climate, as it strengthens the country’s energy security by utilizing a domestic energy source, while achieving a reduction in gas emissions. greenhouse and energy savings for consumers.
Greece has several areas with geothermal potential, such as geothermal fields in central and eastern Macedonia, in Thrace, in islands of the Eastern and Northeastern Aegean and in Eastern Central Greece.
The Ministerial Decision concerns the fields with temperatures above 90 degrees C (medium and high enthalpy), where the geothermal potential is utilized mainly for the production of electricity of fixed base.
The Ministry of Environment and Energy, in collaboration with the Hellenic Geological & Mineral Research Authority (EAGME), will proceed in the next period with the demarcation of the areas in which the tender procedures will be initiated. The demarcation will take into account, among other things, the strong investment interest shown in the market.
The utilization of the geothermal fields will be done with the basic criterion of the protection of the environment, the social consensus and the priority of the local communities in the jobs that will be created by the new projects.
The Minister of Environment and Energy, Costas Skrekas, stated: “The purpose of the Government is to create a modern, stable and transparent investment framework for the development of geothermal energy, with the strictest standards of safety and environmental protection. We are determined to make a fresh start, with clear, transparent rules for all, with full respect for the needs of local communities. Geothermal energy is a stable and domestic source of clean energy, with multiple benefits for society, the economy and the environment. It will help reduce energy costs for households and businesses, and can be applied to a wide range of activities, from electricity generation and the agricultural sector to tourism. It will also contribute
The Secretary General of Energy and Mineral Raw Materials of the Ministry of Environment and Energy, Alexandra Sdoukou, said: “Today we are laying the foundations for the development of the rich geothermal potential of the country, which to date has not been used effectively. Geothermal energy, while included in RES – having in fact a very small environmental footprint -, is a base energy, something that distinguishes it from wind and solar energy that are characterized by thoughtfulness. With today’s decision we define the process of leasing the rights of exploration, exploitation and management of geothermal fields of national interest which is the first step for the utilization of these fields for electricity production. The next step will be to clarify the process for areas of local interest and to explore good international practices establishing specific incentives for the development of geothermal energy.
