Energy Diplomacy
International and Regional Energy Networks
ENERGY POLICY - COLLABORATIONS
Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP)
The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) constitutes the final segment of the Southern Corridor and has been characterized as one of the most significant energy projects globally. The pipeline commenced operations in 2020, enhancing Greece's energy security by supplying it with 1 billion cubic meters annually, with the capacity to expand the transported quantities, which can assist in facilitating European energy and climate ambitions. With this project, our country's role in transporting natural gas from the Caspian to European markets is upgraded, creating new opportunities for supplying the developing energy markets of Southeastern Europe through vertical interconnector pipelines.
Vertical Natural Gas Corridor – New South to North Corridor
Key Role of Greece
The "Vertical Natural Gas Corridor" is a network of existing and future natural gas infrastructure projects (natural gas interconnecting pipelines, LNG terminals, natural gas storage facilities) that will significantly enhance energy security conditions in the SE and Central regions of Europe, but also in Europe as a whole. The purpose of the "Vertical Corridor" is the transport / transit of Azeri natural gas from the "Trans-Adriatic Pipeline" (TAP) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from various sources, through Greece (entry point) and Bulgaria (transit country), to the countries of Central, Eastern and SE Europe, for whose markets it is estimated that the demand for natural gas will strengthen significantly in the coming years. A key project for the implementation of the "Vertical Natural Gas Corridor", which also functions as its first section, is the completed and inaugurated in October 2022 Greece-Bulgaria Natural Gas Interconnection (Greece-Bulgaria Gas Interconnection Pipeline - IGB), Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) which is reshaping the "energy map" of the wider region and launching a completely new and secure route for diversified and secure deliveries of natural gas to different countries and customers. The operation of the first Greek Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) named "Alexandroupolis" on October 1st 2024 willfurther strengthen energy security in the wider region.
More specifically, the official start of the operation of the first Alexandroupolis LNG Terminal on October 1st 2024 by Gastrade SA, marks the entry into a new era of upgrading Greece’s role in the energy map of the entire Southeast and Central Europe with significant opportunities to diversify supply sources.
The Alexandroupolis Independent Natural Gas System, consists of a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) permanently moored in the Sea of Thrace, 17.6 km SΕ from the port of Alexandroupolis and a 28 km pipeline connecting the FSRU to the Greek National Natural Gas Transmission System -under the name "Amfitritis" and the exit point in Komotini, from where it is connected to the Greece-Bulgaria Interconnector Pipeline (IGB)-. According to its plannification, it will deliver natural gas not only to Greece but also to Bulgaria, Romania, North Macedonia, Serbia, Moldova and Ukraine in the east and Hungary, Slovakia in the west.
The new South-to-North Vertical Corridor upgrades the role of our country and the EU, but also of the SE wing of the NATO Alliance.
ELECTRIC INTERCONNECTIONS
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN
The Greece-Egypt/GREGY Interconnector project involves the electrical interconnection of the Egyptian and Greek Electricity Systems through submarine cables and high-voltage direct current links, with a capacity of 3,000MW. It aims to transport 100% green energy from Egypt to Attica and consequently to the European market. It has obtained EU Project of Common Interest status and is expected to be completed by 2028.
The Greece-Cyprus-Israel Electric Interconnector/Great Sea Interconnector, formerly known as EuroAsia Interconnector, is a project that will end the energy isolation of Cyprus, while connecting Israel to the EU. It has an implementation timeframe until 2027 for the Crete-Cyprus section and until 2029 for the Cyprus - Israel section, while the project promoter is since the end of 2023 is the Independent Power Transmission Operator of Greece (IPTO).6th Catalogue of Projects of Common Interest/Mutual Interest
The Catalogue of Projects of Common Interest (PCI) includes the following projects of Greek interest:
a. Electric Interconnection Greece-Cyprus-Israel EuroAsia Interconnector (ADMIE)
b. Hydro-pumped Storage - Amfilochia (TERNA ENERGY)
c. Ptolemaida Battery Energy Storage System (EUNICE ENERGY GROUP)
d. Hydrogen Interconnection Greece-Bulgaria (DESFA)
e. Prinos CO2 (ENERGEAN PLC)
f. East Med natural gas pipeline (IGI POSEIDON) - exceptional status under Article 24 of Regulation 869/2022.
The Electric Interconnection Greece-Egypt GREGY Interconnector (ELICA Mediterranean Interconnector) is also included as a Project of Mutual Interest (PMI).
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES (RES)
In the rapidly growing Renewable Energy Sources (RES) field, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs engages with stakeholders and monitors new directions and market trends at the Greek, European, and international levels (e.g., IRENA). Moreover, given Greece's significant technological expertise in the field, the Ministry actively contributes to the outward orientation of the domestic potential in the RES sector (entrepreneurial, scientific/research). This promotes the opening of the Greek RES sector to new international markets through our Embassy Economic and Commercial Offices. National energy goals form a robust developmental entrepreneurial framework within which Greece is called upon to harness its natural potential by developing new technologies, maximizing its participation in the "energy mix," and achieving energy efficiency. In this context, it's noted that Greece is pursuing hydrogen development policies and is integrating itself into planned regional and European hydrogen networks. The significance of this is highlighted by the fact that Greece's new natural gas projects are designed to be compatible with hydrogen technologies ("Hydrogen ready"). Achieving these goals will contribute to energy supply security, optimal utilization of natural resources, and the competitiveness of key sectors of the Greek economy.
At present, Greece ranks 7th globally in terms of the participation of RES in the energy production mix. At the same time, the country has set a notable goal of 80% electricity production and consumption from RES by 2030.
"Astypalaia: Smart and Sustainable Island"
This represents a significant initiative by Economic Diplomacy and Deputy Minister Mr. Fragogiannis, based on four pillars: vehicle electrification, smart mobility, charging and energy, and autonomous driving, and the Greek government implements it with full support from the Volkswagen Group. The project positions Greece among the global pioneers in innovation and environmental awareness development. It was presented as a model at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow in November 2021.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Greece and the US for energy cooperation in the Western Balkans
The MoU between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Ministry of Environment and Energy, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for energy cooperation in the Western Balkans is a significant initiative by the American side concerning the interconnection of the local electricity markets. Signed in Athens on November 13th 2023 by the Secretary-General for International Economic Relations and Openness at the time, Ms. Myrogianni, the Secretary-General for Energy and Raw Materials, Mr. Aivaliotis, and by Ambassador Erin Elizabeth McKee, Assistant Administrator for the USAID Bureau for Europe and Eurasia.
The implementation of the MoU is expected to enhance energy stability and economic development, contributing to reducing energy costs and further highlighting our country's leadership role through the promotion of broader goals of energy security, energy infrastructure connectivity, and the completion of the regional energy market.