The geopolitical significance Greece holds in the energy sector for the United States is confirmed by the organization of the 6th P-TEC at Zappeion with the presence of seven top-tier members of the American government. The Vertical Corridor plays a central role, which will transport natural gas from Alexandroupoli to Odessa, bypassing the Bosphorus, through pipelines crossing Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Moldova and Ukraine. This commercially and geopolitically significant project is supported by Washington, as the LNG terminals in Revithoussa and Alexandroupoli enable increased American natural gas exports to Europe.
Moreover, it should not be considered coincidental that two days before the start of the 6th P-TEC, the mega energy deal between DEPA Commercial and AKTOR for LNG transportation from the US to Ukraine and Eastern Europe was announced. Characteristically, the joint announcement of the two companies emphasizes that “through participation in strategic projects such as the Vertical Corridor – which ensures natural gas flow from Greece to Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine, via existing and developing interconnections like the Alexandroupoli FSRU, the company actively contributes to the country’s energy security and extroversion. At the same time, it promotes commercial agreements that enhance cross-border natural gas flow and expand the connection of the Greek market with international LNG markets.”
Within this framework, seven top officials from the Trump administration arrived in Athens, including the so-called energy czar of the Trump government, Interior Secretary and head of the National Energy Dominance Council, Doug Burgum, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright. Today and tomorrow they will participate at Zappeion in the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation (P-TEC), a forum established on the initiative of former US Energy Secretary Rick Perry within the Three Seas Initiative framework. P-TEC’s goal is to strengthen energy interconnectivity, security and cooperation between Central and Eastern European countries and the United States. This American initiative focuses on common energy infrastructures (electricity networks, pipelines, transportation), aiming to create a sustainable, resilient and cooperative energy market that will yield economic, environmental and social benefits.
The seven top US government officials participating in the 6th P-TEC at Zappeion
1. Chris Wright – 17th US Secretary of Energy
Chris Wright serves as the 17th US Secretary of Energy. He describes himself as an “energy nerd” who became an entrepreneur, and according to his biography, Wright is a dedicated humanitarian with a passion for bringing energy benefits to every community in the world. This passion inspired his energy sector career, with experience not only in oil and natural gas, but also in nuclear, solar and geothermal energy. As Energy Secretary, he focuses on strengthening US energy dominance, accelerating innovation and promoting all energy sources that are economically affordable, reliable and safe for the American people. He holds engineering degrees and has a career as entrepreneur and senior executive in the energy sector before entering public service.
2. Doug Burgum – 55th US Secretary of the Interior
Doug Burgum is the 55th US Secretary of the Interior and is considered by many as the “energy czar” in the Trump administration. Former Governor of North Dakota and software industry entrepreneur, Burgum brings private sector experience and energy and environmental portfolios at state level. His focus includes innovation, leveraging public lands and resources, as well as aligning the Interior Department with national energy and economic goals.
3. Michael J. Rigas – Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources
Michael Rigas, a second-generation US immigrant with origins from Aigion and Sparta, serves as Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources. He has over two decades of experience in federal human resources management, organizational reform and public administration, having served in positions at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and General Services Administration (GSA).
4. Jacob Helberg – Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and Environment
Jacob Helberg was appointed and confirmed as Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and Environment. His background combines technology consulting, economic policy and international relations. In his current position, he is tasked with integrating US economic diplomacy, energy diplomacy and environmental policy within the broader foreign policy framework.
5. Aleshia Duncan – Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Nuclear Energy Policy and Cooperation, US Department of Energy (DOE)
Aleshia Duncan serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Nuclear Energy Policy and Cooperation at the US Department of Energy (DOE). In this position, she oversees US cooperation with international partners in peaceful nuclear energy use, energy security and clean energy transitions. With previous service at DOE and the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (OECD/NEA) in Paris, Duncan has extensive experience in international energy diplomacy, nuclear energy governance and global partnerships for peaceful nuclear technology utilization.
6. Tommy Joyce – Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of International Affairs, US Department of Energy (DOE)
Tommy Joyce serves as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of International Affairs at the Department of Energy (DOE). In this position, he leads the Department’s international energy strategy, advancing US cooperation with partners and allies on energy security, clean energy and emerging technologies. Joyce has extensive experience in DOE’s international and policy responsibilities, coordinating strategic dialogues, multilateral initiatives and bilateral partnerships that enhance US leadership in global energy policy.
7. Josh Volz – Deputy Assistant Secretary for Europe, Eurasia, Africa and the Middle East, US Department of Energy (DOE)
Josh Volz previously served as Director of the Office of European and Eurasian Affairs in the Office of International Affairs at the Department of Energy. Before joining the Department, he led the Eastern Mediterranean team at the US State Department’s Bureau of Energy Resources and served in various positions at the US Department of Defense. He has served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Egypt, Jordan, Israel and Syria. Josh Volz holds degrees in Philosophy and Political Science from Kalamazoo College, a master’s degree in National Security Strategy and Resources from National Defense University, and teaches at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.
