Athens, 4 June 2025 – The Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company (HEREMA) was honored with the award for “Energy Leadership”, in the context of the Energy Initiative Awards bestowed by the Hellenic Association for Energy Economics (HAEE).
The relevant HEREMA nomination focused on the Company’s actions across two strategic pillars of its mandate, carrying multiple benefits for people, the environment and the economy; namely, the Draft National Offshore Wind Farms Development Program and the management and licensing of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) projects – both being innovative energy sectors, at the forefront of Greece’s green transition and energy transformation.
More specifically, the successful implementation of the National OWF Development Program will diversify and enhance the country’s energy mix, enriching it with the “greenest” form of renewable energy – offshore wind. In addition, the Program introduces multiple levels of environmental monitoring and regulation, as it gradually scales over three phases. And lastly, according to a study conducted by the Greek Foundation for Economic & Industrial Research (IOBE), the development of OWF in Greece is estimated to annually contribute up to €1.9bn to the GDP and 44,000 new jobs by 2050 – among other growth opportunities.
Regarding CCS projects, they represent a critical sector in the global efforts to mitigate climate change, with the EU having set ambitious targets for the underground geological storage of CO2 – 50 million tonnes by 2030, and 250 million by 2040. Supporting the achievement of these targets, HEREMA represents Greece at the highest institutional level as a member of the CCS Expert Group and other European and global entities, where the latest developments in the implementation of CCS technologies are discussed and relevant policies are drafted.
In this context and given the need to support and ensure the competitiveness of hard-to-abate domestic industries, HEREMA matures the emblematic CO2 Storage project in Prinos, Kavala; the first of its kind in Greece and only second across the entire SE Europe. The Company has submitted for review to the competent EU authorities the relevant draft storage permit, expected to be issued by the end of the year. At the same time, HEREMA supports efforts to develop a local CCS value chain and explores other geological areas suitable for CO2 storage to meet increased industry needs.
Commenting on the accolade, the CEO of HEREMA, Aristofanis Stefatos, stated: “On behalf of HEREMA and myself personally, I’d like to thank the HAEE Board of Directors for this award and distinction, which acknowledges and confirms the holistic energy strategy we have drafted and are implementing. A strategy that benefits the country on multiple levels – financial, social, geopolitical– safeguards its energy security, and leads to the green transition with stable and sustainable steps. It’s an incredible honor for our work to be recognized by the jury panel, inspiring us to continue with the same zeal and dedication, and to further deepen our collaboration with Greece’s energy stakeholders.”
The Energy Initiative Awards were presented for the first time, in the context of the 10th Energy Transition Symposium annually organized by HAEE, with the Association’s BoD evaluating and selecting the initiatives demonstrating innovation and excellent contribution to the energy sector.