Consumer interests a key factor in energy policy, official notes

The interests of consumers, until now insufficiently covered, will stand as a key factor in the energy sector policy of the government, which is aiming for a fairer system and is committed to adopting EU framework guidelines, Nikos Kaimaikis, an advisor to energy minister Panos Skourletis, has told an Athens conference organized by IENE, the Institute of Energy for South-East Europe.

Kaimakis, who represented the minister at the event, noted priorities will be given to the renewable energy source (RES) sector, whose new operational framework is currently being prepared, as well as the further penetration of natural gas in the Greek market. LNG will play an increasingly important role in this market, the official said.

Commenting on the significance of the East Med pipeline, to offer a direct link for gas deposits in the southeast Mediterranean area with the European gas network via Greece, Kaimakis described the project as a top-priority item.

He also stressed that current tenders offering hydrocarbon block licenses in Greece need to be completed so that deposits may start being utilized.