Asopos-1A exploratory drilling project in Ionian enters public consultation

The Environmental Impact Assessment for the “Asopos-1A” exploratory well in Marine Area 2 of the Ionian Sea (Block 2 – Ionian) has been put out for public consultation, with Energean Hellas as the project operator.

According to an announcement by the Ionian Islands Regional Council, the relevant dossier was forwarded by the Ministry of Environment and Energy to the Regional Authority, so that it could be made public and the required consultation and opinion process could follow.

The process concerns the Environmental Impact Assessment for the exploratory well at the “Asopos-1A” location, within Block 2 in the Ionian Sea. This is the environmental permission stage that precedes the drilling of the exploratory well.

The public consultation began on August 12 and will remain open until September 23, 2026. During this period, citizens and organisations representing interested parties may submit their views.

At the same time, the relevant local government bodies have been invited to submit their opinions, including Municipal Consultation Committees and Local or Municipal Community Councils.

The competent environmental authority is the Environmental Licensing Directorate of the Ministry of Environment and Energy. On behalf of the Ionian Islands Regional Authority, the Directorate of Environment and Spatial Planning is responsible for providing information, receiving comments and submitting a recommendation to the Regional Council.

The Regional announcement is dated August 21 and is signed by the President of the Regional Council, Olympia (Olivia) Kardakari.

GIORGOS KATSAITIS