The high-anticipated commercial operation of a new floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) off the extreme northeast Greece port of Alexandroupolis will come next month, according George Kopanakis, the Gastrade-LNG Terminal (FSRU) Alexandroupolis technical director.

Speaking at the Forum East Macedonia & Thrace Forum ΙΙ, Kopanakis underlined the significance of the major energy project for the wider region. He said natural gas remains a “pillar of stability” and essential for an “energy transition”.

“The project that will be operational in a few weeks, and is expected to commercially operate for 30 years … it can assist the region to develop more RES units, batteries and other renewable projects. Therefore, we can play a critical role in the region,” he said.

Kopanakis also left open the possibility of a second FSRU operating in the Thrace region.