AT Zitsa of Ioannina Prefecture namely, in the community of Giorganitsa and at a depth of approximately 3.5 km, the first drilling in Epirus in 22 years and the 17th in the history of the region will be carried out. OUR Energeanhaving already spent 46 million euros on seismic surveys in 2018-2019 in six municipalities of Epirus, launches the first exploration drilling, with an estimated budget of 35 million euros, which, based on the program announced by Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company (EDEFYEP), should be implemented during 2023. In this context, the field contractor identified by British Gas in 1999, an Environmental and Social Impact Study (ESIA) was submitted for public comment. According to his forecasts, about 150 workers of various specialties will be involved in the preparation and conduct of exploration drilling, such as engineers, geologists, geophysicists, surveyors, researchers, machine operators, technicians, drivers, loaders, security personnel, workers, etc., who , in addition to fully qualified personnel, will be in demand among local personnel. In addition, the market of the area will benefit significantly from the purchase of building materials, as well as from the supply of goods (for example, food, fuel, personal equipment, etc.) and the provision of services (planning, earthworks, rent) for housing, maintenance , repair, etc.).

The EIA relates exclusively to the execution of exploratory drilling, which will be the 17th in the history of Epirus and the first in 22 years, following a failed drilling rig “Dimitra” in Kalpaki. This is the 21st drilling or drilling operation carried out by Energean in Greece as a whole without any environmental or other problems related to the rest of the economic activity and daily life of the region, where tourism and fishing are especially flourishing. Previous drillings were carried out at a depth of approximately 750 to 4300 meters, while Epirus-1 will reach a depth of approximately 3.5 km in the Giorganista community of the municipality of Zitsa and at a distance of almost 2 km from the nearest settlement.

This will take place in the village of Giorganitsa at a depth of about 3.5 km.

The project site, according to Energean, is more than 8 km from any Natura site, more than 17 km from any national park, more than 11 km from any wildlife sanctuary, more than 16 km from any aesthetic forest, with this is very far from wetlands protected by the Ramsar Convention.

Preparing the site for the start of drilling will require interventions in road construction within 84 days. The total duration of the project is about 12 months.

If a exploitable deposit is discovered and subsequently confirmed and evaluated, Energean will declare it exploitable and proceed with the development and environmental plan, which will be submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Energy for approval. For all work subsequently required, independent environmental and social impact studies will be compiled and submitted for consultation. If not found, the area will be completely restored to its current form.