ATHENS, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- US-based energy company Chevron has expressed interest in hydrocarbon explorations in Greece, the Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy announced on Monday.
The ministry welcomed Chevron's interest, describing the development of a new exploration area as part of Greece's national strategy to enhance energy independence and reduce energy costs. A relevant international tender will be launched soon.
"Chevron's interest, combined with the fact that ExxonMobil is already active in our country, marks the simultaneous presence of two energy giants," the ministry noted in its statement.
ExxonMobil has been conducting hydrocarbon explorations in an offshore area southwest of Peloponnese and west of Crete since it secured rights via an international tender in 2014. The new marine area for Chevron's interest is adjacent to these plots.
Following the energy crisis sparked by the war in Ukraine, the Greek government has set the goal to accelerate the exploration of domestic hydrocarbon reserves to achieve energy security.
According to studies by the Hellenic Hydrocarbon Resources Management and the Institute of Energy for Southeast Europe, Greece's hydrocarbon reserves are estimated to be worth 250 billion euros (about 258 billion U.S. dollars). (1 euro = 1.03 U.S. dollars) ■