The Hellenic Authority for Geological and Mineral Research (H.S.G.M.E.) plays a key role in the national initiative for the development of the country’s geothermal potential. This ongoing effort continues with the recent announcement by the Ministry of Environment and Energy (YPEN) of an international public tender for leasing the rights to explore geothermal resources in four (4) “non-designated areas” of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, which present strong geothermal investment potential.
The areas include: (1) the Western Part of the Nestos River Delta Basin, (2) the Central–Southern Part of the Strymonas River Basin, (3) the Evros River Delta Basin, and (4) the Akropotamos area in Kavala.
Interested parties in the competition will gain access through a controlled Data Room, where information files containing available geological and geothermal data for each area of interest are provided, as collected and compiled by the scientific research staff of the Department of Geothermal Energy and Thermal Mineral Resources (GEOTHE) of EAGME. Two major energy companies have already expressed interest and accessed the Data Room.
The General Director of the Hellenic Authority for Geological and Mineral Research, Mr. Dionysios Goutis, stated:
“The announcement of this international tender, signed by the former Minister of Environment and Energy Mr. Kostas Skrekas, with the decisive contribution of the Secretary General for Energy and Mineral Raw Materials Ms. Alexandra Sdoukou and executives of the General Directorate of Mineral Raw Materials of YPEN, marks a new beginning for the development of geothermal energy as a sustainable energy source.
The specialized working group of EAGME gathered all available scientific data, which are now accessible to potential investors, with the aim of promoting the utilization of geothermal fields in the most mature and suitable areas.
Greece, due to its favorable geological conditions, possesses rich geothermal potential, the utilization of which can contribute significantly to both local and national economic development, the creation of new economic activity hubs, and the achievement of the country’s climate goals.”