Filenews 15 November 2024
The interest of energy giants from the Gulf countries to participate in blocks of the Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) was revealed by the President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides, speaking at the 12th Energy Symposium.
He described this interest as a vote of confidence in the prospects of Cyprus' EEZ, while noting that there are many other political and diplomatic dimensions.
The President also said that the processes for the exploitation of the "Aphrodite" deposit are progressing intensively and developments are expected in January, while he said that a plan for the development of the "Saturn" deposit is expected and for this purpose he had a telephone conversation yesterday with the head of ENI, Claudio Descalzi.
Regarding the electricity interconnection between Cyprus and Crete, he said that by the end of the year the Republic of Cyprus will make announcements for the participation in the share capital of the project, while for the project they are in consultations with both Greece and France as well as with the United Arab Emirates. These consultations, he said, aim to create a joint company to participate in the project.
He also said that they are in contact with the US and discussed with the US President, in their recent meeting, the expression of interest from US investment funds to participate in this project.
Regarding the works for the gas import terminal in Vasilikos, he said that the process of purchasing project operator services from ETYFA is being completed for the resumption of construction works as soon as possible, while they expect the arrival of the floating unit "Prometheus" by the end of December.
The goal, he said, is to finish the Vasilikos issue by the end of 2025.
