Energean and EnEarth recently participated in two major conferences held in Brussels and Athens, where the teams behind the Prinos CO2 Storage Project had the opportunity to present updates, engage with stakeholders, and reaffirm their commitment to advancing a project that is crucial for the decarbonization of Greece’s industrial sector and the broader region.
At the 5th PCI Energy Days in Brussels, Dr. Katerina Sardi, Energean’s Country Manager and Managing Director, took part in a panel discussion alongside senior officials from EirGrid, Energinet (both promoters of electricity interconnectors), EG.D (electricity distribution), and Fluxys (developer of a hydrogen network). The session was hosted by Tom Howes, Director for Green Transition and Energy System Integration at DG ENER, who highlighted the Prinos CO2 Storage Project as one of the most significant ongoing decarbonization initiatives in the region.
During the discussion, Dr. Sardi provided a detailed update on the project’s progress, emphasizing its innovative aspects from both technical and commercial perspectives. She explained that CO2 will be stored in a saline aquifer, which will also require water production. Additionally, various monitoring techniques will be deployed to ensure safety and efficiency. Dr. Sardi noted that the Prinos project will serve as a testing ground for emerging European technologies across different stages of the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) chain.
From a commercial standpoint, she highlighted the project’s unique approach: it focuses solely on storage infrastructure, which will be made available to third parties, rather than offering a fully integrated CCS solution.
When asked by the host about the project’s climate adaptation measures, Dr. Sardi outlined a comprehensive Environmental Action Plan designed to activate in the event of an emergency. This includes an integrated Flood Risk Management Plan, which will implement five levels of protection and specific measures should the facilities be impacted by flooding, the primary weather-related risk to the project.
Cybersecurity was also a key theme of the panel discussion. Dr. Sardi responded by detailing the extensive Cyber Crisis Readiness and Management Plan in place at Energean and EnEarth. She stressed that strict procedures are followed for accessing the Operational Technology environment. However, she also pointed out that national and European-level cooperation—encompassing support, funding, information sharing, and research—will be critical to ensuring the long-term security of energy infrastructure projects.
Nikolas Rigas at the Athens Investment Forum
At the 7th Athens Investment Forum, Nikolas Rigas, Head of Carbon Storage at EnEarth, participated in a strategic panel discussion focused on Greece's leadership role in the energy market and the green transition. The panel also featured a keynote speech by the Greek Minister of Environment and Energy, T. Skylakakis.
Nikolas emphasized the critical role of the Prinos CO2 Storage Project in supporting the decarbonization of the region’s heavy industries. He explained that, through this regionally unique initiative, industries in Southeast Europe - many of which are difficult to decarbonize - will have the opportunity to continue operating sustainably for at least the next two decades.
He pointed out that the first cement factory in Greece was established in 1902, and while these industries have been integral to the country’s economy for over a century, their future is at risk unless they can effectively capture and store their CO2 emissions. He added, "Europe has set the context: adapt or cease operations."
The Prinos CO2 project, with a target capacity of 3 million tonnes per year, represents a vital first step in tackling this challenge. Over its lifetime, the project is expected to store more than 60 million tonnes of CO2, making a significant contribution to regional decarbonization efforts.
Nikolas stressed that the project is not only about greening industry - it is about ensuring the future survival of key sectors in Southeast Europe. He drew attention to the devastating socio-economic impacts of industrial shutdowns seen in other parts of Europe, such as the “rustbelt” in the United States, and argued that Prinos CO2 Storage offers a solution to avoid such outcomes in Greece.
Furthermore, he emphasized the potential for Kavala to become a green hub for innovation. The project will create new knowledge, generate local employment, and position Greece at the forefront of the green transition, benchmarking it with some of the most advanced countries in Europe.
By supporting industrial decarbonization, the Prinos CO2 Storage Project will contribute to the resilience of national and regional economies, helping to ensure the long-term prosperity of local communities in Greece.