Athens, 10 December 2025 – The Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company (HEREMA) announces that, following approval by its Board of Directors, it has formally established the Monitoring Committee for the strategic CO2 storage project in the Prinos area. The Committee comprises scientists with expertise in relevant scientific fields, HEREMA executives, and representatives of local authorities.
The initiative to establish the Committee was presented by HEREMA CEO, Aristofanis Stefatos, during the company’s regular institutional meetings with representatives of local authorities in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, in the context of the significant storage project in Prinos.
Following a targeted selection of scientists based on their expertise and experience related to the project, as well as the appointment of representatives from local authorities, the Committee is composed as follows:
– Dr. Nikolaos Kokkinos, Professor, Department of Chemistry, Democritus University of Thrace; Director, Laboratory of Petroleum and Natural Gas Chemistry
– Dr. Anastasia Kiratzi, Emeritus Professor of Seismology, Department of Geology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
– Dr. Dimitrios Sakellariou, Research Director, HCMR (Hellenic Centre for Marine Research); Secretary General, Union of Greek Researchers
– Dr. Georgios Sylaios, Professor, Department of Environmental Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace; Director, Laboratory of Ecological Engineering and Technology
– Dr. Efthimios Tartaras, Head of the Geoscience and Management Consultant, HEREMA; serving as the Committee’s Organisational Secretary
Representatives of local authorities:
– Maria Chamitidou, Rural and Surveying Engineer; Deputy Head of the Directorate of Environment and Spatial Planning, Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace
– Sotirios Lazaridis, Electrical Engineer; President of the Administrative Committee, Technical Chamber of Greece – Eastern Macedonia Branch
Commenting on the establishment of the Committee, HEREMA CEO, Aristofanis Stefatos, stated: “The establishment of the Monitoring Committee is a HEREMA initiative, aimed at strengthening transparency and providing reliable information for local communities, through the contribution of distinguished scientists, institutional representatives of local authorities, and representatives of national scientific bodies whose expertise is relevant to the project. The project is part of Greece’s national energy strategy and contributes to the objectives of energy transition, ensuring safety, sustainability, and full compliance with the applicable regulatory framework. The Committee’s mission is to monitor project implementation with regard to technical, scientific and environmental parameters, assess the available data and issue independent, non-binding opinions, in accordance with national and European legislation”.
The Monitoring Committee has a strictly advisory and supervisory role, without executive or permitting authority, and does not replace competent state bodies. Its mandate is to monitor and assess the project’s progress in line with approved environmental terms and safety measures, and to provide independent, non-binding opinions following the review of available scientific and technical data. These opinions will be submitted in regular reports to HEREMA and the Ministry of Environment and Energy, ensuring enhanced transparency and comprehensive institutional information.
The underground storage of CO2 in the depleted Prinos field, off the coast of Kavala, constitutes an energy project and public-interest infrastructure of exceptional importance. Once operational, it will significantly contribute to achieving Greece’s national targets for green transition and climate neutrality, with absolute respect for people and the environment. At the same time, it supports the competitiveness of hard-to-abate Greek industry that has no alternative way of decarbonizing its operation and production – including the cement, refining, fertilizer and steel sectors. The project also represents a strategic investment for the region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace creating a new value chain, strengthening the local economy during both construction and operational phases, and fostering specialised expertise and skills that will be crucial in the years ahead, as CO2 storage technology continues developing at European and international level.