‘Goal is to sell first Cyprus gas in 2028’ - CYPRUS MAIL

Tuesday 19 May
Tom Cleaver

Cabinet on Tuesday approved the development and production plan for the Kronos gas field, which is located in Block 6 of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), with President Nikos Christodoulides stressing the importance of the plan’s approval ahead of the day’s cabinet meeting.

“Let me remind you that the first discovery in the Republic of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone was in 2011, and 15 years later, we are taking, I believe, the most important decision regarding the state of natural gas exploitation,” he said.

He added that in addition to the development and production plan, cabinet would also approve “the agreements concerning the basic terms of sale of Cypriot natural gas”.

“This is a very important development for the utilisation of our country’s energy resources. The goal is to sell the first Cypriot natural gas to Europe through Egypt in 2028 and we are approving all the relevant agreements,” he said.

8-9 trillion cubic feet in Cyprus EEZ’s Pegasus, Glaucus blocks - CYPRUS MAIL / CNA

Friday 26 September | 09:38 

By Cyprus News Agency

The Pegasus and Glaucus blocks in Cyprus’ EEZ may contain as much as 8-9 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, ExxonMobil officials told President Nikos Christodoulides in New York overnight.

On the sidelines of the UN general assembly, Christodoulides met a delegation from ExxonMobil headed by Vice President John Ardill, who outlined the latest figures.

He stressed that the Cyprus government attaches great importance to ExxonMobil’s presence in its EEZ, adding that “our cooperation is excellent and always based on honesty. I look forward to the assessment of the results for Pegasus, as well as for Block 10.”

Ardill emphasised that progress had been achieved and highlighted the success of the surveys at Pegasus.

The President of the Republic of Cyprus held a videoconference with the Vice President of ExxonMobil - REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS PRESIDENCY

07/07/25 18:17  |  Press release  |  Energy, Commerce and Industry, Government Spokesperson, President of the Republic / Presidency

During today’s videoconference between the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, and the Vice President of ExxonMobil, Mr John Ardill, in the presence of the Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr George Papanastasiou, and the Country Manager of ExxonMobil Cyprus, Mr Varnavas Theodossiou, President Christodoulides was briefed on the new natural gas discovery made at “Pegasus-1” well, in Block 10 of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Cyprus.

The discovery follows the successful completion of drilling operations conducted by the consortium of ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Cyprus (Offshore) Limited (Operator) and QatarEnergy International E&P LLC.

Latest gas drilling ‘very optimistic’ - CYPRUS MAIL

Monday 07 July | 19:40

By Elias Hazou

Drilling at the Pegasus-1 well has detected a 350-metre column of natural gas, the government announced on Monday, giving no more clues about the significance of the find – but separately sources told the Cyprus Mail that the “news from Pegasus is good”.

In a written statement after an afternoon conference call between President Nikos Christodoulides and Vice President of Global Exploration at ExxonMobil John Ardill, the government said another discovery of natural gas has been made at the Pegasus-1 site in Block 10 of Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“The Pegasus-1 well… indicated approximately 350 metres of gas-bearing reservoir,” government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said.

Drilling had been carried out by the Valaris DS-9 rig at a distance of 190km southwest of the island, and at a depth of 1,921m.

“Further assessment will be required in the coming months to evaluate the results.”

"Electra" and "Pegasus" Shape Cyprus’s Energy Future - FAST FORWARD

08 Jan 2025

ExxonMobil has completed all necessary preparations to begin exploratory drilling at the "Electra" target within Block 5 of Cyprus’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Drilling is expected to commence within the next two weeks, marking one of the most significant initiatives by ExxonMobil and Qatar Energy in the region. The company also plans to explore the "Pegasus" target, leveraging seismic data to identify potential reserves and contribute to Europe's energy solutions amid challenges stemming from the war in Ukraine.

Mediterranean Energy in Focus

As Brief reports, ExxonMobil’s plans align with the broader shift in global energy strategies, as the European Union seeks to secure its energy future. Investors are closely monitoring developments in the Mediterranean, a region that promises energy security alongside economic benefits.

Eni puts major new East Med gas project on fast track - UPSTREAM

12 April 2023 10:28 GMT
Iain Esau in London

Eni is set to sanction a major new project offshore Cyprus in 2024 and is studying onshore and offshore liquefied natural gas solutions, according to the company’s head of natural resources.

The Italian major is also exploring the possibility of working with US giant ExxonMobil on a joint development of their Cypriot gas resources, although this appears the least likely option at present.

Eni has found at least 4.5 trillion cubic feet of gas-in-place in Block 6 offshore southern Cyprus in recent years, resources held in the deep-water Calypso, Cronos and Zeus discoveries that were drilled between 2018 and late 2022.

Zeus-1 was completed late last year, hitting 105 metres of net pay in a carbonate reservoir that hosts between 2 Tcf and 3 Tcf of gas in place. This find came after the Cronos-1 probe found 2.5 Tcf of in-place resources last August, while the play-opening discovery was made by the Calypso-1 wildcat in 2018. Speaking to Upstream last week, Guido Brusco, chief operating officer of Eni’s natural resources business, explained the company’s thinking on how best to tap this gas. He said there are “clearly” two options, “either floating LNG or a tie-in to Egypt”, where Eni operates the Damietta LNG plant.

Cyprus to export natural gas by 2026, energy minister says - KATHIMERINI

04.05.2022 • 11:52

Cyprus is hoping to begin exporting its natural gas from the Aphrodite gas field by 2026, Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Natasa Pilides, has said.

Speaking after a hearing of the parliamentary committee of Commerce, Pilides said there are many options concerning natural gas infrastructures, one of which is a pipeline connecting the Cypriot gas fields with Egypt, either a joint pipeline with Israeli gas fields or separately.

Pilides also said that there were already discussions with companies that own pipelines from various gas fields to the Egyptian natural gas infrastructure and its contractor companies, as they also should be engaged in the talks with a view to developing the infrastructure within the timeframe, that is three to four years.

ExxonMobil Strikes Gas Off Cyprus - JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY

May 1, 2022

The Cyprus energy ministry confirmed a reservoir of high-quality gas was encountered by the ExxonMobil-led Glaucus-2 appraisal well. The drilling of the well was conducted in the area known as Block 10 in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) that has been challenged by Turkey. The ministry said that operations in the EEZ included production testing.

“The consortium will proceed with a detailed analysis and evaluation of the data collected to more accurately determine the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the reservoir, as well as potential development and commercialization of the discoveries,” the ministry said in a statement.

Cyprus previously estimated gas resources in the reservoir of between 5 and 8 Tcf when the discovery from the Glaucus-1 well was announced in 2019. ExxonMobil and Block 10 partner Qatar Petroleum began drilling the Glaucus-2 well using drillship Stena Forth in December 2021.

ExxonMobil is the operator and holds a 60% interest in Block 10. Qatar Petroleum International Upstream OPC holds the remaining 40% stake.

Evaluation drilling completed at Glafcos 2, high quality natural gas found - CYPRUS MAIL

March 21, 20224
Constantinos Tsindas

Evaluation drilling in the Glafcos 2 offshore plot 10 has been completed successfully and safely, the energy ministry said on Monday.

The drilling activity, which also included production testing, was carried out by the ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Cyprus (Offshore) Limited / Qatar Petroleum International Upstream LLC joint venture, which holds the hydrocarbon licence for the plot.

The drilling work led to the discovery of a natural gas concentration with high quality characteristics, the ministry said.

The companies involved will proceed with a detailed analysis and evaluation of all collected data for a more precise specification of quality and quantity as well as feasible options in developing and commercialising the find.

Turkey complains to UN over Cyprus gas moves - KATHIMERINI

31.12.2021 • 11:59
Vassilis Nedos

Turkey has sent a letter of complaint to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres taking issue with Cyprus’ recent decision to grant natural gas exploration rights to the ExxonMobil/Qatar Petroleum consortium in Block 5 of its exclusive economic zone and to move ahead with exploratory drilling in Block 10.

Note: Turkey must be told to address the rights of its 20+ million Kurdish community before preaching and threatening Cypriots about their 15% minority community.

In the letter, dated December 20, Turkey’s permanent representative to the UN, Feridun Sinirlioglu, describes Cyprus’ decision for Block 10 as “another example among the many escalatory steps jeopardizing peace and stability.” He also stresses the determination of Turkey and the Turkish-occupied north of Cyprus to protect their legal rights and interests against such “unilateral acts and provocations.”

With regard to Block 5, Sinirlioglu claims the deal violates Turkey’s rights, adding that Turkey “will not allow any unauthorized hydrocarbon activity within its continental shelf.”

ExxonMobil, Qatar Energy sign Cyprus exploration block - FINANCIAL MIRROR

10 December 2021

US giant ExxonMobil and Qatar Energy Friday signed an exploration and production-sharing contract for oil and gas in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) despite Turkey’s opposition to the deal.

The contract was signed by Cypriot Energy Minister Natasa Pilides and Varnavas Theodosiou, CEO of ExxonMobil Cyprus and Ali al Mana, Director of Qatar Energy’s International Upstream and Exploration.

It is the second Cyprus exploration contract the consortium has signed and the tenth licenced block of 13 in the Cypriot EEZ.

ExxonMobil, Qatar awarded Block 5 gas rights - CYPRUS MAIL

December 2, 2021
George Psyllides

The cabinet on Thursday awarded natural gas exploration rights for an offshore block to a consortium made up of ExxonMobil and Qatar Petroleum.

Energy Minister Natasa Pilides said ExxonMobil would be administering the Block 5 concession with a share of 60 per cent.

“In addition, I have been authorised to sign on behalf of the Republic of Cyprus, the exploration and production sharing contract agreed with the consortium after intense negotiations,” the minister said.

ExxonMobil and partner Qatar Petroleum plan on drilling an appraisal well in Block 10, where natural gas was discovered, towards the end of November or early December.

Gas projects back on track - CYPRUS MAIL

November 18, 2021

Elias Hazou

The consortium holding the concession on block 10 in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone are making final preparations for follow-up drilling to narrow down the precise quantities of natural gas in place, with the results expected sometime in spring 2022, Energy Minister Natasa Pilides said Thursday.

She was speaking at a press conference she called taking stock of the energy ministry’s work over the past year.

Pilides said other offshore exploratory projects are likewise getting back on track following the delays caused by the coronavirus situation, stressing that the government is prepared to deal with any Turkish provocations on the high seas.

Next exploration round will determine the speed and way of hydrocarbon exploitation, Minister says - CYPRUS MAIL

November 5, 2021

The next natural gas exploration round as well as the hydrocarbon quantities located will determine the speed and the exploitation of the hydrocarbon reserves in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry Natasa Pilides has said.

Addressing the 9th Energy Symposium in Nicosia, Pilides also expressed the view that natural gas should remain a transitory fuel as the EU progresses to the green transition despite views expressed that this should be banned from the energy mix.

“The next exploration round, which is expected to begin with the drilling by ExxonMobil and Qatar Petroleum in block 10, is something we eagerly await with high expectations, because surely the hydrocarbon quantities in our offshore blocks will determine to a large extent the speed and the way of exploitation of the hydrocarbons in the Cypriot EEZ,” Pilides said.

Cyprus: ExxonMobil to gauge gas field size in 6-8 weeks - MIAMI HERALD, ASSOCIATED PRESS

OCTOBER 14, 2021 3:07 PM

Menelaos Hadjicostis

NICOSIA, CYPRUS Drilling by ExxonMobil set for late next month to confirm how much natural gas is contained in a sizable deposit off Cyprus' southwestern coast will map out how the fuel will reach potential markets in Europe and Asia, the island nation's energy minister said on Wednesday.

Minister Natasa Pilides says the “significant” drilling at the ‘Glaucus-1’ well inside block 10 of Cyprus’ exclusive zone scheduled to start in 6-8 weeks will determine if the deposit is at the higher or lower end of its estimated size of 5-8 trillion cubic feet (142-227 billion cubic meters) of natural gas.

A higher confirmed quantity would naturally mean greater profits and in turn push exploitation of the deposit up the priority list for ExxonMobil and partner Qatar Petroleum among the different projects they’re currently working on.

President talks gas with ExxonMobil - CYPRUS MAIL

September 25, 2021

President Nicos Anastasiades and ExxonMobil discussed the company’s drilling plans in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) block 10, during a meeting in New York, a presidency statement said Saturday.

The ExxonMobil delegation was headed by Senior Vice President Mike Cousins.

Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides and Energy Minister Natasa Pilidou also took part.

The two sides discussed issues related to the company’s plans in block 10 and developments in the eastern Mediterranean as well as further actions on the part of the government of Cyprus regarding the unhindered implementation of its energy designs in Cyprus’ EEZ.

ExxonMobil plans to start gas drilling by end of year - CYPRUS MAIL

August 16, 2021
George Psyllides

ExxonMobil and Qatar Petroleum plan on drilling for gas in an offshore block towards the end of the year, Energy Minister Natasa Pilidou has said.

In an interview with daily Politis, the minister said the two companies planned on drilling an appraisal well in block 10 where natural gas was discovered towards the end of November or early December.

“The experts who will take part in the appraisal drill at the Glaucus [Glafcos] well are already in our country and we are in constant contact with the company concerning the procedures that will be followed, both as regards measures against the pandemic, and the plan, the budget, timeframes, etc,” Pilidou said.

Coronavirus: Minister confirms long delay in Cyprus’ gas drilling - CYPRUS MAIL

April 13, 2020

Elias Hazou

Exxon Mobil have informed the government they will be delaying a planned drill in their block 10 concession in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), with other oil companies expected to do the same due to the ongoing coronavirus situation as well as the sharp drop in energy prices globally.

Energy Minister Giorgos Lakkotrypis confirmed that in recent days he was informed in writing by ExxonMobil that they have pushed back to September 2021 an appraisal (or follow-up) well at the site dubbed Glafcos in block 10.

The Glafcos reservoir, bearing an estimated 5 to 8 trillion cubic feet of gas, is the largest gas discovery to date in Cyprus’ EEZ. The appraisal drilling would have helped the company with its commercialisation decision.

The appraisal well there was initially scheduled for this summer.

US to participate in East Med energy summit - KATHIMERINI

WEDNESDAY JULY 17, 2019 - 14:56

ANDREAS PARASCHOS

The United States will join Cyprus, Greece, Israel and Egypt at a summit on July 29 to discuss East Med energy cooperation.

At an Economist conference in Greece it was announced that United States Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Francis Fannon will participate in the East Med energy summit in Athens, if diplomatic schedule allows, along with the energy ministers from Cyprus Yiorgos Lakkotrypis, Greece's Costis Hatzidakis and Israel's Yuval Steinitz.

The Greek energy minister underlined the importance placed by the new government on the Eastern Mediterranean energy issues. The first step of discussions will take place on the weekend of July 24-25 at the East Med Gas Forum to be held in Cairo. This forum will include delegates from Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, Italy and the Palestinian authority.

Lakkotrypis said that it is important that “Ankara accepts to start the discussions on demarcation of maritime zones parallel to the process of resolving the Cyprus problem.”

Offshore Deposits Offer New Horizons for Cyprus - SOUTH EU SUMMIT

May 9 2019

B. Lana Guggenheim

Thanks to new discoveries of offshore natural gas, Cyprus has a real opportunity to expand its reach in the energy market. But to do this, the island-nation needs to navigate tricky geopolitical realities - as well as expand its current infrastructure – or the opportunity may slip away.

Earlier this year, international energy players discovered two more sites rich in natural gas, just offshore of Cyprus, in Blocks 6 and 10, respectively led by Eni and Total on the one hand, and ExxonMobil and Qatar Petroleum, on the other. This follows previous discoveries in the area, starting as early as 2009, when prospectors discovered reserves of natural gas in the Tamar field off the coast of Israel. Subsequently came the discovery of the Leviathan field offshore of Israel, and the Aphrodite and Calypso fields in Cypriot waters. Altogether, these deposits contain an estimated 40 trillion cubic feet of natural gas – or more.

Currently, both Cyprus and Israel import their energy, but these gas fields have the potential to change all of that, as well as generate revenue via energy exports. Both Europe and Egypt are target markets for this new energy resource, especially as Europe’s demand for natural gas is likely to increase – in part to reduce its reliance on Russia, but also because gas is a cleaner alternative to coal, as the continent slowly transitions to renewable energy sources.