The participation of the National Natural Gas System Operator (DESFA SA) in the shareholding structure of Gastrade SA - the company that develops the Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Alexandroupolis - with the acquisition of 20% of its share capital by the Operator, was officially ratified. The shares’ transfer agreement was signed by the CEO of DESFA, Ms. Maria Rita Galli and the Founding Shareholder and Chairman of the Board of Gastrade, Ms. Elmina Copelouzou, earlier today, at the Gastrade premises in Athens.

The signing of the agreement came after the recent approval by the European Commission - based on the EU Merger Regulation - for the acquisition of joint control of Gastrade by DESFA, Ms. Elmina Kopelouzou, DEPA Commerce A.E., GasLog Cyprus Investments Ltd. and the Bulgarian Bulgartransgaz EAD ("BTG").

The benefits

The construction of the Alexandroupolis Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Terminal will actively contribute to the country's energy security, liquidity and efficiency and will strengthen Greece's strategic role in SE Europe, offering opportunities for new natural gas exports to the region. This is a crucial European project of Common Interest (PCI - Project of Common Interest - EU Regulation 347/2013), which is a priority for the European Union, as it strengthens security and diversifies the sources and routes of energy supply.

In addition, the project promotes competition among gas suppliers and supports the creation of a transaction hub in the wider region of Southeastern Europe, leading to lower prices that will benefit all final consumers.

The FSRU will be connected to the National Natural Gas Transmission System of Greece with a 28 km long pipeline, through which the LNG will be promoted to the markets of Greece, Bulgaria and the wider region, from Romania, Serbia and Ν. Macedonia, as far as Moldova and Ukraine. The terminal is expected to be operational by 2023.

The Founding Shareholder and Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Gastrade, Ms. Elmina Kopelouzou, stated: "Today, another important step for the emergence of Greece and especially of Alexandroupolis as an energy hub for the Balkans and Europe is made. We welcome DESFA to Gastrade, being convinced that with our full shareholder structure, the project of the Terminal in Alexandroupolis will play a leading role in the green transition of European networks, while strengthening the security of energy supply, for the benefit of both national economies, as well as the citizens".

The CEO of DESFA, Mrs. Maria Rita Galli, stated in this regard: "With the signing of today's agreement, DESFA becomes officially part of Gastrade and of a project that will contribute significantly to energy security and to the upgrading of Greece's role in regional energy developments. DESFA's long experience in the management of the LNG terminal of Revithoussa makes it a valuable partner with top know-how and is a proof of its constant commitment to the development of natural gas infrastructure. We continue to invest in new technologies, in new uses of natural gas, in domestic and international energy projects, always moving in the strategic direction of the energy transition".

About DESFA

The Hellenic Gas Transmission System Operator (DESFA) S.A. is responsible for the operation, management, utilization and development of the National Natural Gas System and its interconnections, in a technically sound and economically efficient way, in order to best serve its Users with safety, reliability and adequacy.

About Gastrade

Gastrade is a utility company which develops, exploits, operates and manages natural gas systems in a safe, reliable and financially sound manner.

Gastrade studies, designs, develops, operates and exploits infrastructures which are necessary for the reception, transmission and distribution of natural gas as well as for its storage, liquefaction and re-gasification.

Gastrade is the first enterprise operating in Greece that has received a license for an Independent Natural Gas System from the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change on 19-8-2011 (ΑΔΑ: 4ΑΜΦ0-2ΣΠ) in line with the positive opinion of the Greek National Regulatory Authority (NRA) for Energy (decision 29/2011 of 25-7-2011).