EnEarth welcomes the positive opinion issued by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG Clima), under Article 10 of Directive 2009/31/EC, regarding the application for a permit for the permanent storage of carbon dioxide (CO₂) at the Prinos field.

The European Commission’s assessment recognizes the quality and completeness of the technical studies prepared by EnEarth Greece, including the geological evaluation of the storage site, the assessment of the reservoir’s dynamic behavior, and the project’s systematic monitoring process. These studies demonstrate a high level of understanding of the proposed site and the storage complex as a whole. The Commission’s opinion confirms both the suitability of the Prinos geological formation for the permanent and safe storage of CO₂ and the advanced technical maturity of the project.

The opinion forms part of the statutory dialogue between the European Commission and the competent national authority, the Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company (HHRM), in accordance with the EU Directive on the Geological Storage of CO₂. While non-binding, it represents an important step in the process toward the issuance of a Storage Licence, the final decision of which remains under the authority of the National Regulatory Energy Commission (NREC).

As a reminder, the Storage Permit application submitted in July 2024 to the NREC included:

– A report demonstrating the technical capacity and expertise of the Energean Group in relation to CO₂ storage activities, highlighting the Group’s knowledge in the energy sector and its environmental management system.

– Fifty detailed technical reports establishing the suitability of the proposed storage site and complex, and assessing the safety of CO₂ storage.

– Comprehensive descriptions of the works and construction activities required as part of the storage operations.

– An outline of the project’s activities and planned operational procedures.

The Prinos CO₂ Storage Project is designed to provide a safe and permanent geological solution for the storage of industrial carbon emissions, contributing to the climate goals of Greece and Europe, while supporting hard-to-decarbonize sectors of industry. The first phase of the project targets the storage of 1 million tonnes of CO₂ per year, with a second phase planned to reach full operational capacity of approximately 2.8 million tonnes per year.

EnEarth applies the highest standards of environmental protection, operational safety, and regulatory compliance. The project incorporates comprehensive monitoring, control, and corrective action measures, as well as long-term management planning, in full alignment with European legislation and international best practices.

The CO₂ storage project at Prinos represents strategically important infrastructure for Greece and the wider region, positioning the country at the forefront of efforts to address the consequences of the climate crisis alongside the most advanced European nations.