(transitory drawing rights). The TDR’s contractual
maturity is the end of 2020. The second category
will draw power from units with decommissioning
dates beyond 2020 (Drawing Rights
Agreements). DRAs will be of a structural nature,
they will have a duration of 15 years and they can
be renewed every five years.
DRAs will result from the signing of agreements
between third parties and the PPC, which will, on
aggregate, cover 457 MW of energy output, start-
ing from January 1st 2012. DRAs will be supple-
mented by TDRs covering 443 MW and starting in
2012, while this amount of power will be gradual-
ly increased with the aim of covering 40% of
domestic lignite-fired power production for as long
as it is required for the complete opening of the
wholesale electricity market. The energy swaps
will be offered to producers presenting the (finan-
cial and competitive) guarantees required for
such a transaction.
This proposal will be further elaborated by the
European Commission’s DG for Competition.
Moreover, a new round of talks is being planned
in regard to the formation of the final proposal of
the Greek government to the Commission.
Hydrocarbon fuels – mineral
wealth
Another major target of the Greek government is to
launch, within a period of 18 months, explorations
for oil and natural gas deposits in Greece, as well
as to utilize the country’s mineral resources. The
Ministry’s leadership is keeping a low profile in
regard to hydrocarbon fuels, and has already pre-
pared a draft law for the establishment of a
Hydrocarbon Exploration and Exploitation Agency.
Answering a question of LAOS party MPs, the
deputy Minister, George Maniatis, said: “In terms of
mineral resources, we cannot suddenly become
neither an El Dorado, nor Saudi Arabia, but we are
certainly not a poor relative”, expressing his view
that energy and mineral resources can bring
Greece to the forefront as a major player.
However, as the deputy Minister said, we should
not reach the other extreme and, from the total
immobility of the past 15 years, start believing in
Trade with Greece
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