DESFA, Greece’s Gas Transmission System Operator and KIPIC’s partner in the operation and management of the Al-Zour LNG import terminal, hosted its first event in Kuwait titled “Unlocking the Future of Energy: A Deep Dive into DESFA” on February 12, 2025. The event focused on showcasing innovative strategies and technological advancements, as well as exploring collaboration opportunities to support the energy transition toward more sustainable and cleaner energy systems.
The event brought together industry leaders, government officials, academia and stakeholders from various sectors to explore the evolving energy landscape in Europe and Kuwait and strengthen synergies among the two countries. The forum was designed to provide an in-depth understanding of DESFA’s pivotal role in the transmission of natural gas and the company’s active participation in the transition toward renewable energy solutions and was implemented thanks to the ongoing support and expertise of our strategic partner in the region Energy Services Middle East – ESME and Mr. Claude Jamal, Managing Director of the company.
The event honored with their presence His Excellencies the Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Bahrain, Mr. Ioannis Plotas, and the Ambassador of Cyprus in the State of Kuwait, Mr. Andreas Panagiotou.
Opening remarks by DESFA CEO Maria Rita Galli, the Greek Ambassador Ioannis Plotas and Konstantinos Maroulis, DESFA’s LNGI O&M Contractor Representative and Plant Manager at KIPIC set the stage for an insightful discussion, underscoring the strong partnership between Greece and Kuwait, as well as DESFA’s expertise in managing world-class gas infrastructure. This was exemplified by the operational excellence recorded at KIPIC’s Al-Zour LNG Terminal and DESFA’s experience with the Revithoussa LNG Terminal, a cornerstone of Southeast European energy security and supply sources diversification.
DESFA CEO, Maria Rita Galli, mentioned during her welcome note: “This day aims to present our company and showcase our extensive experience and presence in Kuwait for the past four years, operating with excellency the KIPIC LNGI Terminal. It is an opportunity for us to share our know-how as a European gas TSO, deploying our efforts to combine our key competencies and expertise to address the energy trilemma: availability, affordability and sustainability.”
The company’s executives had the chance to share the best practices and present the integrated energy solutions offered by DESFA, as well its efforts in sustainability and ESG reporting, analyzing also the company’s net zero master plan and commitments. During the event, DESFA highlighted its significant efforts to modernize Greece’s energy infrastructure, ensuring energy security, and promoting decarbonization. The company also showcased its various initiatives aimed at integrating green energy sources, such as hydrogen, biomethane, and renewable gases, as well as innovative decarbonization solutions, like carbon capture management and storage, positioning DESFA as a central player in achieving a sustainable energy future.
A dynamic panel featured Mr. Abdullah Al-Ajmi (Team Leader Gas Operations from KIPIC), Mr. Ioannis Chomatas (Chief Asset Development Officer from DESFA) and Mr. Konstantinos Maroulis (KIPIC/LNGI O&M Contractor Representative & Plant Manager from DESFA), offering insights into the key role of LNG as a reliable and cleaner energy source, serving as a bridge fuel on the road to energy transition for both Europe and Kuwait and the importance of advancing the carbon capture storage (CCS) value chain.
DESFA’s event in Kuwait reaffirmed the company’s commitment to innovation and operational excellence, as a trusted energy partner in the region, exploring collaborative efforts and synergies to accelerate the global transition to cleaner energy. We would like to extend our most sincere appreciation to all participants for attending our first event in Kuwait and especially the ones from the K companies.