A strong signal of strengthening Greek-American relations in the energy sector was sent by the presence of US Secretary of Interior and head of the US Energy Security Council, Doug Bergman, at Revithoussa accompanied by Greek Energy Minister, Stavros Papastavrou. Bergman is visiting Greece – his first visit to a European country in this capacity – and had a meeting with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens, following the joint bid by US Chevron and Helleniq Energy for four offshore blocks south of Crete and the Peloponnese.
Statements of significant importance
From the Revithoussa facilities, the two ministers made joint statements. Papastavrou spoke of a “vote of confidence in Greece” from Chevron, emphasizing that it represents “strategic cooperation at the level of defense and energy”. For his part, the American official characterized Greece as a “tremendous partner” and highlighted the importance of its geographical position, noting: “Greece is located at a strategic point. For us, stability means prosperity – and there is stability here. President Trump wants to bring peace globally through energy diplomacy.” In statements to Star and diplomatic correspondent Katerina Tsaouri, Bergman revealed that during private conversations with his Greek counterpart, they examined the possibility of further US LNG exports to Greece, as well as increasing Revithoussa’s capacity: “The vertical energy axis connecting Greece with Ukraine is critical for us. You are making this happen,” he emphasized characteristically.
Chevron and renewables in the spotlight
Referring to Chevron’s interest in Greek hydrocarbon exploration, Bergman noted that it constitutes a top priority for Washington: “It’s an excellent development. We will need more energy in the future. If we don’t ensure low prices, we will fall behind. There is strategic benefit also within the framework of the 3+1 cooperation.” Energy Minister Papastavrou meaningfully added: “Everyone around us is drilling – Albania, Turkey. Our turn has come too.” Commenting on developments in green energy, Bergman emphasized that the US will compete with China in the energy sector, spearheaded by renewables and solar energy. “Artificial intelligence will skyrocket energy demand – Greece is now taking on a key role and the US is here to support.”
The strategic importance of shipping and Elefsina
The American official made special reference to the strategic role of Greek shipping: “One of the reasons I’m here is that 20-25% of ships worldwide fly the Greek flag. We want the US to return dynamically to the shipbuilding sector. I look forward to visiting Elefsina”, he stated. At the same time, he praised Greece’s role in protecting shipping from the Houthi threat, recognizing the country’s critical contribution to regional security.
Significant energy figures
Revithoussa today has the capacity to receive 7 billion cubic meters of LNG annually, while the Alexandroupolis FSRU adds another 4 billion. The goal, according to the Greek Energy Minister, is for Greece to export a total of 8 billion cubic meters by the end of 2025, after completion of the new compressor installation in Komotini – a fourfold increase compared to 2022. It is also noteworthy that within the first eight months of 2025, 35 LNG cargoes arrived at Revithoussa, of which 31 came from the United States.
