The emphasis on RES, the support of new technologies, such as hydrogen, the contribution to the decarbonization and the transformation of the country into a gas hub are the main axes on which DESFA aspires to move forward in the coming years, according to the speeches of the company’s executives Nicola Battilana, CEO, and Michalis Thomadakis, Head of Strategy & Development, that were held during the 5th HAEE Energy Transition Symposium.
“Our vision is to establish DESFA as the predominant regional power in the natural gas management industry and help Greece emerge as a reliable gas transport and trading hub”, stated Nicola Battilana, CEO of DESFA at the beginning of his speech. According to Mr. Battilana, this vision is based on three main pillars: Evolution & Reposition of DESFA, its Internal Transformation and its Development. He also pointed out that DESFA is moving into these pillars, in order to become a key regional gas operator, by managing the risks related to the market, streamlining opportunities and leveraging on the know-how of its shareholders.
More specifically, according to Mr. Battilana, as DESFA expands its operations and enters new sectors, there is a demand for new competencies that will help DESFA to grow. Know-how of its shareholders from the European markets that are already in the stock exchange, meaning a higher level of accountability and risk mitigation both on an operational and a financial level. Mr. Battilana also referred to the internalization process of third-party employees as an important part of the Internal Transformation plan that increases the security of the jobs and the competitiveness of the company.
Finally, regarding Business Development, Mr. Battilana emphasized the interconnections with neighboring countries and the development of Small-Scale LNG technologies, while he pointed out that participation in strategic investments is also high on the company’s agenda.
From his side Mr. Thomadakis, Head of Strategy & Development of DESFA, referred to the goal of transforming DESFA to a market-based bridge to the new energy transition era.
Mr. Thomadakis presented the most important points of the new 10-year development program (2021-2030) of DESFA, which includes 51 projects of more than 500 million euros for the expansion of the network to new markets and, which was recently submitted to RAE, highlighting that eyes to the future and aims not only to strengthen the gas market in Greece and the wider region but, above all, to prepare the next phase of the energy market: Green Energy. “The objectives of the program also include the strengthening of security of supply and the provision of flexibility in the system, elements which are necessary for the strengthening of RES.” He even pointed out that national and regional targets for RES will not be achieved without the presence of natural gas.
Regarding the use of new technologies, he stated that DESFA, together with its shareholders, is actively participating in the Pan-European debate on hydrogen and the development of networks and pipelines that will support the hydrogen market. In addition, among the future plans of the company are the strengthening of the strategy regarding the decarbonization and the development of a gas hub, i.e. a real platform of anonymous gas transactions on a daily basis, which will be strengthened through DESFA’s participation in the Hellenic Energy Exchange. Finally, Mr. Thomadakis referred to the upgrade of Revithoussa, which now provides the opportunity to meet demand beyond the Greek market, but also to accept the largest LNG carriers in the world.