Chevron has submitted expression of interest
Greece plans to launch tender soon
Research area to be increased by 25, Athens says
Some already licensed areas in Ionian Sea will be released

ATHENS, Jan 20 Reuters Chevron is interested in energy exploration in Greece, the U.S. oil producer and the country39;s energy ministry said on Monday.

Chevron has submitted a nonbinding expression of interest for one open block to Greece39;s Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company HEREMA, the company confirmed.

The government welcomed Chevron39;s expression of interest. A decision will be issued this week on the exact area of exploration and an international tender will be launched soon, the ministry said in a statement.

It is a very important development, part of our national strategy for energy independence and reducing energy costs, it said.

Chevron operates gas fields in Israel and has interests in Egypt and Cyprus.

Chevron has a large and important position in the Eastern Mediterranean, a region which is very much a part of our future and a priority for us, a company spokesperson said.

The area being looked at ranges from southwest of the Peloponnese peninsula to west of the island of Crete, the Greek ministry said.

With the new tender, the research area for exploration will eventually be increased by 25, or by 11,000 square kilometres 4,250 square miles, government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis said.

The European Union has sought ways to…