Interest from Gulf States in Cyprus’ Natural Gas
Energy companies from Gulf nations are keen to explore natural gas resources off the southern coast of Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides announced this development at an energy conference in Nicosia, revealing that Cypriot officials are in preliminary discussions with several unidentified firms regarding exploration licenses in some of Cyprus’ 13 designated areas within its exclusive economic zone.
Potential Collaborations with Industry Leaders
The ongoing talks could lead to potential collaborations with major players in the energy sector, including Italy’s Eni, France’s Total, ExxonMobil, and Chevron, who already possess exploration licenses for ten of the blocks. Notably, ExxonMobil and its partner Qatar Energy have concessions in two blocks, while Chevron teams up with Shell in one. Meanwhile, a consortium of Eni and Total possesses licenses for seven blocks, showcasing an increasing interest in Cyprus’ offshore energy potential.
Discoveries Highlight Cyprus’ Gas Potential
Currently, Cyprus has identified at least five natural gas deposits within its maritime boundaries. The Eni-Total consortium has discovered three of these fields, while ExxonMobil and Chevron have found one each. One significant discovery is projected to hold approximately 4.2 trillion cubic feet of gas. President Christodoulides stated that the development plan for one of the Eni-Total gas fields, estimated to contain about 2.5 trillion cubic feet, is expected to be finalized “soon.”
Undersea Cable Project Enhances Energy Connectivity
In addition to gas exploration, Cyprus is also working on a €1.9 billion undersea electricity cable project that will connect the island to Greece. Christodoulides mentioned that Cypriot authorities are currently engaged in discussions with the United Arab Emirates about possible joint investments in the cable project. Funded partly by the EU, which has contributed €657 million, this 1,000 MW cable aims to reduce electricity costs in Cyprus and help end its energy isolation.
Strategic Objectives Align with EU Goals
President Christodoulides emphasized that EU support for the undersea cable project aligns with the union’s goal of achieving energy price parity among all member states by 2030. By attracting investments and strengthening its energy infrastructure, Cyprus is positioning itself as a vital player in the regional energy landscape, paving the way for economic growth and energy security.
SOURCE: Ref Image from FOX8
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