The options of further reducing and gradually ending the import of Russian natural gas into the European Union were discussed at the REPowerEU Diversification Workshop held in Athens on Tuesday by the European Commission and the Greek Environment and Energy Ministry.
Over 60 officers of ministries and energy companies from Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Croatia, Austria, Hungary, Czechia, Slovakia, Ukraine and the United States participated.
The main focus of discussion was the optimal use of existing and under-construction infrastructure such as regasification terminals of liquefied natural gas (LNG), pipeline interconnections, and storage spaces, especially in Greece, Bulgaria, and Croatia.
Addressing the meeting were among others Environment and Energy Minister Thodoros Skylakakis, Deputy Minister Alexandra Sdoukou, US Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources Geoffrey Pyatt, Bulgarian Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov, Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Energy Mykola Kolisnyk, EU Deputy Director-General for Energy Matthew Baldwin, and natural gas transmission system operator DESFA CEO Maria Rita Galli.
Pyatt
After addressing the meeting, Assistant Secretary Pyatt noted in a social media post, “The Vertical Corridor will help the EU continue the remarkable transition off unreliable Russian supply. By ensuring low energy tariffs, Vertical Corridor countries can increase access for growing US and non-Russian supply.”
While in Athens, Pyatt also had an opportunity to discuss the promotion of Greek-US energy collaboration with high-level government officials at the Prime Minister’s Office, the Energy Ministry, and the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Pyatt is visiting Athens and Istanbul (Oct. 8-10) to discuss regional energy transitions and energy security priorities with ministers and the private sector.
In social media post, he said, “Great to be back in Greece. Always a pleasure to meet with Minister Skylakakis. Inspiring updates on Greece’s leadership in clean energy deployment & export prospects, regional connectivity progress, US investment discussions where Energy Resources support can help.”
While in Athens, Pyatt also met with Ukrainian Deputy Energy Minister Mykola Kolisnyk. After the meeting, he noted in a social media post, “Excellent seeing Ukrainian DepMin Kolisnyk in Athens. Important to catch up on winter preparation and to build on our engagement with US energy companies to support Ukraine energy reconstruction.”
SOURCE; ANA-MPA
