The climate is changing: Resistance to the project is growing CCS near Thassos
By Lambros Sakellariou
Stargate 30/09/2025
What was initially presented as an innovative project for climate protection is increasingly being challenged in the region. This is the general conclusion of the informative discussion on the CO2 storage in Prinos of Thassos that took place yesterday (29/9/2025) at the Regional Council. The planned storage of CO₂ in the depleted oil fields of Prinos, near Thassos, is causing strong reactions not only in the local community but now also at a general political level.
Growing distrust in society
In recent months, citizens’ initiatives, unions, associations and local organisations have openly expressed their opposition to the project. Hundreds of demonstrators have previously protested against Energean’s plans. Fears are mainly focused on the environmental and public health impacts: there is talk of possible spills that could affect the sea, coasts and ecosystems.
At the same time, serious economic concerns are raised. Tourism and fisheries – the two main pillars of the local economy – are considered to be at risk from the negative image of a “carbon sink”. Proof that this is a project of national importance could not be provided. The argument on the part of those responsible was very weak, whereas the community is now very well and widely informed. Many residents feel that they are not sufficiently informed by those in charge and not involved in decisions at all, which adds to the feeling of mistrust. The ‘Chinese wall’ policy of withholding government and Energean information from the community over the last two years is now becoming a boomerang for those in charge.
Cracks in political support
Yesterday’s meeting in Komotini proved that resistance is no longer limited to civil society. Almost all the political groups asked for clarification of the project criteria, safety measures and the possible consequences for the environment and the local economy. At the same time, elected officials in local government are under pressure and are calling for more transparency and participation. At yesterday’s meeting it became clear that the debate has is now shifted to the society side. Hard to win elections by betting on the project.
Thus, the project, long presented by the government and the company as inevitable and necessary, is now becoming a political confrontation. The image of a smooth acceptance has now been overturned.
Turning point
Everything points to a crucial turning point: whereas at first the CCS project was seen by many as a modern response to the climate crisis, today, disbelief prevails. Protests, parliamentary interventions and an increasing number of public announcements show that the neutrality of society supported by Energean has turned into a torrent of denial of the project.
The general political climate contributes to this. Support for the current climate policy is shaking strongly. It is difficult to assess how much longer Ursula von der Leyen will remain on this course. The AFD party in Germany, which has become the strongest political force, is massively fighting this policy, which is gobbling up billions. In the United States we are seeing similar trends against the strengthening of European unilateral action on climate change.
Whether those in charge will succeed in regaining trust – through independent studies, greater consultation with citizens or stronger guarantees of safety and benefits – remains uncertain. What is certain is that the debate on CCS in Thassos has ceased to be technical and has become political and deeply socially charged. The effort of of the Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, Mr. Tsafos, to convince with the paper of compensatory measures fell on deaf ears. This showed a lot, but one thing it did not show: Leadership, Strategy and Vision for the future of our country. Mr. Kyriakides with a clear “NO” emphasized strongly that no compensatory measure will not solve the basic problem that the island will face if such an “investment” is implemented.
