Cyprus in talks with ENI-Total over energy strategy

The government is in consultation with the ENI-Total consortium concerning an appraisal well in the 'Calypso' field, located in block 6 of Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), Energy Minister Yiorgos Lakkotrypis said on Monday.

He added that talks also involve the next steps in the country’s energy strategy in which Italy's ENI and France's Total have a big part to play.

In February, ENI announced on behalf of the consortium with Total a lean gas discovery in EEZ block 6, offshore Cyprus.

According to the company, 'Calypso' involves a promising gas discovery and confirms the extension of a “Zohr like” play in Cyprus’ EEZ.

In statements on the sidelines of an event for the EuroAsia Interconnector, in Nicosia, the Minister was asked about ENI’s plans and said that the Italian energy company is one of the most important players, both in Cyprus’ EEZ and in neighbouring countries.

There are many blocks licensed to ENI and we are talking with the company about its energy programme, said Lakkotrypis.

Asked about the EastMed pipeline, the Minister said that part of the detailed studies required for the project has been already funded, while the overall funding is estimated at €35 million.

"The EastMed pipeline is the second out of three projects of common interest involving Cyprus and we expect the consortium to proceed with the detailed technical studies, as planned," the Minister said.

The EastMed pipeline project aims to transfer natural gas from Eastern Mediterranean reserves to continental Europe.

The project relates to an offshore/onshore natural gas pipeline, directly connecting East Mediterranean resources to Greece via Cyprus and Crete.