Reversal in hydrocarbon exploration in Crete

The consortium “Total Energies – ExxonMobil – Hellenic Petroleum” is said to be freezing the seismic investigations for the location of natural gas deposits in the offshore concessions of Crete.

According to information, the French firm Total Energies, which is also the operator of the scheme – in which the contracts for the concession of exploration and exploitation rights of hydrocarbons in plots “Western” and “Southwestern of Crete” have been ratified by a 2019 law, sent the annual work plan to the Hellenic Hydrocarbon Management Company (EDEY). In this, say sources, it announces that it will not conduct seismic surveys in the two months of January-February to better capture the geological structure of the subsoil of the specific areas. This development makes sense as it emerged a few days after the change of the US attitude towards the EastMed gas pipeline.

It is recalled that last October 2021 the CEO of EDEY Aris Stefatos, when asked about the intentions of the consortium, had noted that the companies according to their contractual obligations have the margin to conduct seismic surveys until October 2022. From there on The companies should request a time extension in the completion of its research program or return the concessions to the Greek state.

What do EDEY and Total Energies answer?

OT addressed the CEO of EDEY asking him to comment on the information that the consortium will not carry out seismic surveys in 2022, but without receiving any response. Total Energies sources in Greece were also invited to comment on the information. Total circles confirmed the submission of the work plan to EDEY, however they referred the newspaper to the EDEY for comment. They gave a similar answer as to whether they intend to conduct seismic surveys in Crete next October.

In addition, according to yesterday’s publication of Euro2day.gr, three ecological companies have appealed since 2019 to the Council of State against the Strategic Environmental Impact Study for the hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation program. The trial of the case was constantly postponed and the next trial is scheduled for February 2, 2022. OT addressed EDEY and sources of the public company expressed the certainty for the rejection of the appeals of the ecological organizations. Sources of Total Energies underlined to OT that this is a court case concerning the Greek state and the ecological organizations. However, the same circles report that the companies of the consortium also have their eyes on the issue.

However, at the same time that the above are taking place in Greece, the American ExxonMobil with Qatar Petroleum are normally carrying out their research program in Cyprus. The same goes for Total Energies, which is participating in a joint venture with the Italian Eni, is planning drilling in the “plot 6” of the Cypriot EEZ.