Cyprus, Greece, Israel to set up multi-party military force for energy security - XINHUA

2018-12-22 04:16:18

NICOSIA, Cyprus, Greece and Israel have decided to set up a multi-party military force to provide security for natural gas infrastructure, Cyprus' state television reported on Friday.

It said that the multi-party force decision was among unreported issues discussed at a summit of the three countries in Israel on Thursday.

Quoting unnamed diplomatic sources at the Beer Sheba summit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his Greek counterpart Alexis Tsipras and Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, Cyprus's state television said parties involved in natural gas exploration in the eastern Mediterranean will be invited to participate with military units in the force.

Among countries expected to be invited to join the force is the United States as two U.S.-based companies, ExxonMobil and Noble Energy, are involved in natural gas exploration.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman participated for the first time in the tripartite summit of Israel, Cyprus and Greece, expressing his country's support both for the regional cooperation groupings and the EastMed project.

ExxonMobil VP 'very excited' about potential of drilling off Crete - KATHIMERINI

21.12.2018 : 15:18

US energy giant ExxonMobil is set to start looking for natural gas reserves off the coast of western Crete and is optimistic of “future discoveries,” the company's vice president of Exploration for Europe, Russia and the Caspian has said.

“Discoveries in the Eastern Mediterranean like Zohr, Leviathan [an Israeli natural gas field] and Aphrodite, are certainly very encouraging for this region, and they certainly suggest to us that there is the potential for future discoveries to be made, and that’s why we’re here exploring,” Tristan Aspray said in an interview with the South EU Summit website on Thursday.

“With respect to Greece, ourselves and Hellenic Petroleum and Total have been awarded – subject to final government approval – two very large licenses offshore southwest and western Crete. We're very excited about the potential of this area. It's a huge area that's never seen a single exploration well and I think there's great potential there,” Aspray said.

Wess Mitchell sends clear message to Turkey over Cyprus - KATHIMERINI

21.12.2018 : 16:00

VASSILIS NEDOS

US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Wess Mitchell sent a clear message to Ankara not to obstruct drilling for hydrocarbons that is under way in Cyprus’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), while hailing Greece as a “fantastic ally” to the United States in the region, in an exclusive interview with Kathimerini’s Sunday edition.

Mitchell said Turkey's view on Cyprus's EEZ is “a minority of one versus the rest of the world,” as international law stipulates that the island nation can use its resources in an equitable way.

Speaking to Kathimerini a day after the inaugural session of the US-Greece Strategic Dialogue in Washington, he said the US regards Greece, Cyprus and Israel as natural allies in the Eastern Mediterranean and described Greece as a “one of the most military capable allies.”

As for the contentious Prespes name deal between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Mitchell said Washington supports the accord, noting that its enforcement could increase Greece’s economically dominant role in the Balkans.

A step closer to an east Med ‘alliance’ - CYPRUS MAIL

DECEMBER 21, 2018

Elias Hazou

THE leaders of Cyprus, Greece and Israel said on Thursday they were ready to proceed with an inter-state agreement concerning the EastMed pipeline, following a trilateral summit in Beersheba, Israel.

The agreement will be signed pending approval from the European Commission, as the pipeline project has been designated an EU Project of Common Interest (PCI).

Speaking after the tripartite summit, the fifth in a series, president Nicos Anastasiades said the decision to go ahead with the pipeline was among the most important and substantial decisions taken during the proceedings.

“We have reached an agreement,” he said, noting that the text will be signed once it receives the approval of the European Commission.

The agreement also contains references to the security of energy infrastructure.

Anastasiades added that together with the pime ministers of Greece and Israel, Alexis Tsipras and Benjamin Netanyahu, they reaffirmed their political determination to promote the subsea electricity cable known as the EuroAsia Interconnector.

The transfer of the 66% of DESFA’ shares to SENFLUGA Energy Infrastructure Holdings S.A. is completed - HRADF

Athens, 20/12/2018

PRESS RELEASE

The successful completion of another important milestone of the Hellenic Republic's program for the development of assets by HRADF marks the transfer of 66% stake (31% owned by HRADF and 35% owned by HELPE) to SENFLUGA Energy Infrastructure Holdings S.A. for a total amount of €535 million.

The business substance of DESFA’s new shareholder, comprising of the European energy companies Snam S.p.A., Enagás Internacional S.L.U. και Fluxys S.A., certifies the attractiveness of the Greek market, highlights the investment prospects of Greece and makes the country as a natural gas hub in Europe.

With respect to the above, the Executive Chairman of HRADF, Mr. Aris Xenofos, stated: “An extremely successful tender process, which attracted considerable investment interest, was completed today. The new era that starts for DESFA strengths also the role and the position of our country as an energy hub for the EU but and the wider geographical region. We have confidence in DESFA's new shareholders and the development plans they will deliver, transferring their international experience and know-how to the company. We are here support them as the case may be”.

US ambassador to Israel pledges support for Mediterranean pipeline - KATHIMERINI

Anastasiades CY, Netanyahu IL, Tsipras GR

THURSDAY DECEMBER 20, 2018, 19:15

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said that Israel, Greece and Cyprus will sign an agreement early next year to build a pipeline to carry natural gas from the eastern Mediterranean to Europe, while the United States pledged its support for the ambitious project.

The $7 billion project, expected to take six or seven years to complete, promises to reshape the region as an energy provider and dent Russia’s dominance over the European energy market. It also could curtail Iranian ambitions to use Syria as a gateway to the eastern Mediterranean.

Speaking at a summit with the Greek and Cypriot leaders in southern Israel, Netanyahu said the three nations reaffirmed their commitment to the pipeline and discussed "important aspects" of the project. Italy is also a partner in the pipelines planning. Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades said the project is waiting for a green light from the European Union to move forward.

"We’re going to sign formally, officially, this agreement in a few months," he said.

In another boost for the project, US Ambassador David Friedman hailed the pipeline as integral to the "stability and prosperity of the Middle East and Europe," and urged all countries in the region to ensure its success.

Edison has not abandoned Egypt concessions - ENTERPRISE

Thursday, 20 December 2018

Italy’s Edison says it has not given up oil and gas exploration rights in Egypt: Edison, the Italian oil company that is part of France’s EDF, has denied reports in the domestic press (which we noted yesterday) that it has forfeited its right to explore for natural gas in the northeastern Hapi and Theqa concessions. “Edison is committed to pursue and to fulfill its exploration campaign in its East Mediterranean concessions in 2019,” the company said in an emailed statement. The company “is currently preparing important drilling campaigns for, as initially planned, two exploration wells in East Med, respectively in North Thekka and North East Hapy concessions,” it said. In addition to drilling in 2019 at a third concession, the company says it will launch a USD 200 mn development program at two offshore concessions in the Nile Delta, expecting first gas in 1Q2021.

Letter of intent for the award of new E&C offshore word order for the ramp up to plateau phase of the Zohr field development project, worth more than 1.2 billion USD - SAIPEM

20 December 2018

San Donato Milanese (Milan), December 20, 2018 - Saipem and Petrobel have negotiated an offshore contract addendum worth more than 1.2 billion USD for Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation (EPCI) activities in relation to the “Ramp Up to Plateau” phase of the “supergiant” Zohr Field Development Project situated in the Mediterranean Sea off the Egyptian coast.

Petrobel is a 50-50 joint venture between EGPC (Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation) and IEOC (an Eni subsidiary in Egypt) and is in charge of the development of Zohr on behalf of PetroShorouk, a joint venture between EGAS (Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company) and IEOC, Rosneft, BP and Mubadala Petroleum.

The current addendum to the work includes the installation of a second 30-inch diameter gas export pipeline, infield clad lines, umbilicals and electrical/fiber optic cable, as well as EPCI work for the field development in deep water (up to 1700 metres) of 10 wells.

The Ramp Up to Plateau phase is scheduled to commence in January 2019, in direct continuity with the Optimised Ramp Up phase which has been completed in an outstanding 17-month project execution period from its contract award.

Edison gives up exploration rights in North East concessions - ENTERPRISE

Wednesday, 19 December 2018

Italy’s Edison has forfeited its natural gas exploration rights in North East concessions Hapi and Theqa (aka Thekah), local news reported. 

A new international tender for the concessions will be launched next year, an Oil Ministry source said, without specifying a time frame. 

Edison signed a USD 86 mn agreement with EGAS in January 2017 for E&P operations. 

Oil Minister Tarek El Molla said in July the Italian company would begin drilling exploratory wells at the concessions in 2H2019.

Turkish airspace violations in Aegean seen as response to Mitchell comments - KATHIMERINI

TUESDAY DECEMBER 18, 2018, 11:56

VASSILIS NEDOS

Turkish fighter jets embarked on a barrage of airspace violations in the Aegean on Monday, in what was seen by Athens as a response to remarks on Friday by US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Wess Mitchell, who hailed Greece as a “fantastic ally” in the region and backed Cyprus’s gas exploration rights.

Specifically, 15 armed Turkish fighter jets conducted 107 violations in the northeast, southeast and central Aegean, as well as two overflights over the islets of Anthropofagos and Makronisi in the eastern Aegean early Monday afternoon.

They also engaged in four mock dogfights with Greek jets, according to the Hellenic National Defense General Staff (GEETHA).

Military officials said the extent of the violations are comparable to those Ankara conducted in January 2017 when Defense Minister Panos Kammenos threw wreaths from a helicopter into the sea near the islet of Imia in the eastern Aegean to commemorate the death of three Greek servicemen who died in a helicopter crash at the height of a crisis between the two countries in 1996.

Turkey at the Eastern Mediterranean Crossroads - THE JERUSALEM INSTITUTE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES (JISS)

Cyprus' declared (Blocks 1-13) & undeclared EEZ

18.12.2018
Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak

Turkey finds itself at a historic junction where it must decide whether to proceed alone by challenging Israel, Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus – or whether to embrace regional cooperation.


Introduction
The eastern Mediterranean, an arena of great power struggles, has undergone dramatic changes over the past decade. The “Arab Spring,” Egyptian military takeover, civil war in Syria, refugee waves, and Turkey’s deteriorating relations with the West and Israel – are the most important aspects of this drama.

However, these remarkable developments alone do not provide a complete picture of the forces transforming the region. Russia is once again establishing a permanent presence, while China seeks anchors for its “Belt and Road Initiative.” Moreover, the newly-discovered natural gas resources have turned the eastern Mediterranean into one of the most significant geostrategic maritime zones, which may reshape the regional balance power and the dynamics of European energy politics.

With its abundant natural gas reserves and opportunities for joint ventures, the eastern Mediterranean is emerging as an important region, shaping the balance of power and paving the way for new alliances. As a key player in the region, Turkey finds itself at a historic junction, where it must decide whether to proceed alone by challenging Israel, Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus – or whether to embrace regional cooperation.

Foreign oil and gas companies in Egypt to increase investments to USD 11 bn - ENTERPRISE

Tuesday, 18 December 2018

Investment in Egypt by global oil majors is on track to rise c. 10% this fiscal year, unnamed industry sources told the local press. Total investment by global exploration and production companies should close the state’s 2018-19 fiscal year at c. USD 11 bn against USD 10 bn a year ago in part thanks to the Oil Ministry clearing some USD 5.1 bn in arrears it owed the companies, the story says. Major projects in the pipeline include second-phase drilling in the supergiant Zohr field, with a USD 300 mn tenth well set to be drilled next month, continued work in the North Alexandria offshore concession and the start of production from the first three wells of West Nile Delta. The Oil Ministry has recently reached an agreement with the companies to expedite their work on the latter projects. The projects are expected to produce a combined 800 mcf/d of natgas during the current fiscal year.

Energean Oil and Israel Natural Gas Lines sign agreement - ANA-MPA

Monday 17 December 2018, 13:47:35

Energean Oil on Monday announced that it has signed an agreement with Israel Natural Gas Lines to supply natural gas from Energean's FPSO (floating production storage and offloading) to the Israeli national gas transmission grid.

The agreement covers the onshore section of the Karish and Tanin infrastructure and the near shore section of pipeline extending to approximately 10km offshore. Under the Agreement, INGL will pay Energean approximately 100 million euros. The delivery of these parts of the pipeline to INGL will take place immediately after the start of natural gas delivery from the Karsis deposit in the first quarter of 2021.

Yuval Steinitz, Minister of National Infrastructure, Energy and Water of Israel, said: "This is an important step in the development of medium and smaller gas fields, which is also based on infrastructure created by INGL. The signing of the agreement will encourage exploration for gas fields and their development and will contribute to Israel's energy security in the future."

Crete grid link seen as national project despite EC pressure - ENERGY PRESS

17/12/2018

The energy ministry appears to have decided to develop the Crete-Athens electricity grid interconnection as a national project with EU cohesion policy funding through the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2014 to 2020, despite intensifying European Commission pressure for this project to be headed by Euroasia Interconnector, a consortium of Cypriot interests heading a wider Greek, Cypriot and Israeli PCI-status interconnection project.

Brussels has stepped up its pressure on Greece with a new letter to RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy, from Klaus-Dieter Borchardt, Director at the European Commission’s Directorate B on the Internal Energy Market. It was received by the authority last Thursday.

Athens and Brussels have been at odds over the Crete-Athens link ever since RAE appointed an SPV named Ariadne, a Greek power grid operator IPTO subsidiary, as the project segment’s promoter.

Greek officials are believed to also be considering applying for the Crete-Athens link’s inclusion in a new PCI list to be published by the EU, possibly along with the Crete-Cyprus segment, as part of a new firm, if Nicosia agrees.

US official sends clear message to Turkey over Cyprus drilling - KATHIMERINI

16.12.2018 : 14:21

VASSILIS NEDOS

In an exclusive interview with Kathimerini’s Sunday edition, US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Wess Mitchell has sent a clear message to Ankara not to obstruct drilling for hydrocarbons that is under way in Cyprus’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), while hailing Greece as a “fantastic ally” to the United States in the region.

Speaking in Washington on Friday, a day after the US-Greece Strategic Dialogue, President Donald Trump’s key official on Greek-Turkish affairs and the Eastern Mediterranean said the US regards Greece, as well as Cyprus and Israel, as important allies in the region.

“Greece, Cyprus and Israel are very important countries for the US because they are stable, democratic, western allies in a region where you don’t find a lot of stable, democratic partners,” Mitchell said, adding that it was a “natural step” for the US to deepen its cooperation with all three countries.

He cited energy security and diversification as key goals, as well as keeping a check on “Iranian efforts to open a window for the Mediterranean through Syria.”

He also underlined that Cyprus has the right to develop its resources. “Our line has been consistent. Cyprus is a sovereign country and just like any other sovereign country it has resources and can develop those resources,” Mitchell said.

Dreams versus reality in the push for Cyprus gas - CYPRUS MAIL

DECEMBER 16, 2018
Charles Ellinas

Cyprus on the brink of big decisions on energy was the subject of the Sixth Energy Symposium organised by the Institute of Energy North-East Europe (IENE) and Financial Media Way (FMW) in Nicosia on December 4.

The key message was that hydrocarbons offer serious opportunities that with careful handling can benefit Cyprus geopolitics and economy as well as the wider region.

In their introductory speeches, the organisers of the symposium, IENE executive director, Costis Stambolis, and managing director of FMW, Iosef Iosef, said the symposium stressed the success and significance of the energy profile of Cyprus internationally.

President Nicos Anastasiades, in his opening speech described the three pillars that guide the government’s energy plans:

• Development of hydrocarbons, that belong to all legal citizens of Cyprus
• Overcoming Cyprus’ energy isolation and developing other energy sources, including renewables
• Close energy cooperation with those neighbouring countries that are willing partners.

He talked about the drive to create an East Med Energy Corridor to connect East Med’s hydrocarbon resources to Europe. This includes LNG exports, as well as the East Med pipeline. He considers this to be key in terms of contributing to EU’s energy needs.