Filenews 8 May 2022 - by Kostas Venizelos
There are intense processes, mainly behind the scenes, for energy in the Eastern Mediterranean. It is obvious that the search by the EU for alternative sources is shaping a new redistribution of roles. In this difficult geopolitical landscape, caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine, a role is being sought by Nicosia, which has already made strides with its energy program.
At the same time, the European Union, in an effort to seek solutions, proceeds to separate contacts with Egypt and Israel, without the Republic of Cyprus, which is its member-state, while Athens also has an open channel with Cairo on energy issues.
In parallel with the political and diplomatic moves, exploration and drilling in the Cyprus EEZ are progressing. In that regard, it should be recalled that the consortium, ExxonMobil-Qatar Petroleum, carried out a confirmatory drilling in block 10 of the Cyprus EEZ and specifically in the 'Glafkos' objective. Based on the data they have collected, the gas is of excellent quality. A complete picture of the quantities will also be available by the end of the year. The same consortium will proceed with investigations in July in block 5. Furthermore, towards the end of this month, the drilling of the ENI-TOTAL consortium is expected to start, in block 6 of the Cyprus EEZ. The new exploratory drilling will be done at the "Saturn" target. In the plans, if the signs are encouraging, it is to "beat" a second goal, close to "Saturn". Otherwise, they will operate in block 8, in the "Eratosthenes" target.
In view of these processes, the reaction of Ankara is also expected, which is attempting to cancel the programme, primarily harassing Cyprus and threatening Greece. The occupying Turkey failed to go as far as it wanted with its efforts to reach out with Israel and Egypt, which influences its plans.
