Cyprus Ministry of Energy considers research for energy potential on land

Commenting on reports in the local press about a proposal by a US company for research on natural gas and oil on land, Energy Minister Giorgos Lakkotrypis confirmed that there is a proposal before the Ministry to conduct geological research on land which he has presented to the Cabinet.

"This is something we are interested in, in terms of the island's geology, but it may also help us to better assess the energy potential of the country on land”, said the Minister, adding that this proposal is still in the process of being evaluated by the Ministry.

Lakkotrypis said that it was expected that these surveys will provide better geological data for land and possibly for the coast of Cyprus.

Referring to a proposed meeting of Energy Ministers of Cyprus, Greece and Israel next Monday with the EU Commissioner on Energy Union Maros Sefcovic, the Minister said they would request EU funding for a study on a pipeline between Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus and Greece to transport natural gas to Europe.

"It is study that will show us whether this pipeline is technically feasible and economically viable," said Mr. Lakkotrypis.

Regarding the results of ENI – KOGAS drilling in Cyprus` Exclusive Economic Zone, Lakkotrypis said that drilling continues and any technical difficulties are considered as normal.

He expressed the hope that the results of the drilling would be announced in late December or early January.

Consortium ENI/KOGAS is carrying out an exploratory drilling in block 9 and has also been granted exploration licenses  in blocs 2 and 3. French TOTAL which has licenses over blocks 10 and 11 will begin exploratory drilling in the second half of 2015.