Natural gas is the fastest growing form of primary energy world-wide given - on the one hand - its advantages compared to other forms of energy based on fossil fuels and - on the other hand - its decisive contribution in the defense of the necessary elements for Sustainable Development, i.e. "Environment, Society, Economy".
And this is because
- Natural gas allows greater energy efficiency compared to other fuels on all production segments, primarily for power generation using combined cycle technology
- Natural gas is more environmentally friendly since, per unit of energy produced, it is less damaging to the environment by 38% compared to coal, by 28% compared to crude oil and by 24% compared to diesel oil. Those percentages are in reality increased taken into account the greater efficiency rate of gas against the above fuels under comparison
- Natural gas provides greater flexibility as a fuel and is easy to use and handle in all domestic, commercial or industrial applications.
The combination of all those characteristics establishes natural gas as:
- First class fuel for power generation to the extent of creating a close interrelationship between the electricity and gas markets
- Indispensable back-up fuel -and not only - for the rapid and solid development of renewable energy sources (RES)
- Essential element for the development of important new gas applications, such as another fuel in automotive industry or as element for future innovative commercial applications for the production of new energy forms like hydrogen or liquid fuels
- Basic tool for the promotion of the European target of «20-20-20» and the European energy policies in general
Natural gas is the fuel of choice in the framework of the European energy policy and is considered as the fuel of the 21st century and at the same time the bridge - given the right time horizon - between fossil fuels and renewable energy forms.
The implementation of the big energy project to introduce natural gas in the Greek energy balance was set in motion with the creation of the Public Gas Corporation (DEPA), back in 1988, as the vehicle for putting in place the necessary infrastructure and establishing all the other components pertaining to a fledging natural gas industry.
DEPA implemented a considerable - for Greek standards - project of basic infrastructure, with a book value in excess of 1,5 billion euro, allowing the transport of natural gas from Thrace to Attica and to other consumption centers on the Greek mainland. More than 1200 kms of high pressure transport pipeline network and more than 500 kms of medium pressure in various areas were constructed as well as an extensive low pressure distribution network in at least six urban areas. During the same period the construction of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) re-gasification terminal on the island of Revithoussa was completed, connected via subsea pipelines to the central pipeline system for gas transport. In addition, the Interconnector between Karaҫabey in Turkey and Komotini in Greece - 295 kms in length - was constructed for the transport of gas from Turkey to Greece. Collaboration was initiated with international companies which undertook the extension of the distribution networks within defined geographical areas and the commercialization of gas to customers having an annual consumption up to ten million cubic meters per year. An internal gas market was developed covering all sectors of economic activity presenting now further potential.
The increasing role of natural gas in the international scene combined with the Country's geographical position create perspectives of broader interconnections of the existing infrastructure with the gas networks of neighboring countries. DEPA is promoting this geostrategic advantage by participating actively in the implementation of corresponding projects.
The gas Interconnector between Greece and Turkey is in operation since 2007 transporting Azerbaijani gas via Turkey to Greece. The extension of this pipeline is planned to reach Italy, while at the same time the connection between Greece and Turkey forms the basis for the Greece - Bulgaria Interconnector, as a pipeline branch to the Interconnector Turkey – Greece – Italy (ITGI). This branch, now under development, has a length of 170 kms between the cities of Komotini and Stara-Zagora and already presents prospects for future extension.
DEPA with its wide experience has an strong presence in the broader energy scene. Since 2007 DEPA is active as a group of legally unbundled companies in the full spectrum of the natural gas industry, facing successfully the challenges of the free market, liberalized in line with the provisions of the EU legislation.
The European Union supports and strengthens through co-financing schemes all DEPA projects, especially those whose positive contribution extend beyond the borders of Greek territory, in South Eastern Europe and further into the broader European space. As an example are mentioned the projects for the Greece-Turkey, Greece-Italy, Greece-Bulgaria interconnections, the project for a new LNG Terminal in northern Greece having multiple positive effects in the implementation process of the integrated European policies since - among others - they contribute to the diversification of supply sources, to the establishment of conditions for healthy competition and security of supply and to the development and strengthening of regional emerging markets.
With DEPA as a basic leverage tool the investment horizon is broadened and the business opportunities are multiplied, in and out of the Country, covering the whole network of corresponding activities. Essential challenge for today's European natural gas industry is the creation of those conditions that will allow over time security of supply under competitive terms.
