Greece has officially launched an international tender for hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation in the Ionian Sea, marking a significant step in the country’s energy development strategy.
Minister of Environment and Energy Theodoros Skylakakis announced on Monday that the tender will grant exploration and extraction rights for two offshore areas, “A2” and “South of the Peloponnese,” located in the southern Ionian Sea.
The move follows expressions of interest from energy giants Chevron and HELLENiQ Energy, signaling growing international investment in Greece’s natural resources. Companies interested in participating have a 90-day window to submit their bids from the date of publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
The tender process is already underway, with Minister Skylakakis having signed a decision on January 21 defining the exact boundaries of the designated marine zones.
“This is a major development for Greece’s energy security,” Skylakakis stated. “We are intensifying efforts to explore potential natural gas reserves, which serve as a key transitional fuel in our shift towards a greener energy future. The growing interest from leading global energy firms, including ExxonMobil and now Chevron, underscores Greece’s emergence as an attractive destination for strategic energy investments.”
Greece has been accelerating its search for domestic energy sources amid global efforts to secure stable energy supplies. The new tender could further position the country as a key player in the Mediterranean’s energy landscape.