Total wants more involvement in EEZ
The French energy giant Total wants to expand its presence in the Cyprus exclusive economic zone (EEZ), according to Energy Minister Yiorgos Lakkotrypis.
The minister was talking to reporters after a meeting between President Nicos Anastasiades and Total Regional Director, Stephane Michel, at the presidential palace that focused on the schedule regarding the confirmation drilling at the Calypso prospect in bloc 6 of the Cyprus EZ.
Lakkotrypis said that a constructive discussion had taken place, adding that “the next steps regarding the research programme were discussed, and that one of the most important issues discussed was Total interest in participating in bloc 8”.
Lakkotrypis said that bloc 8 was licensed to Italy’s ENI and that the French company’s interest in the plot is a development that strengthens the consortium.
“We also discussed the next steps. We are not yet ready to announce anything. We are discussing various other issues, which will be announced when the time is right,” said Lakkotrypis.
Asked about
the
evaluations
regarding
the Calypso deposit, the Minister said that the consortium is evaluating findings of bloc 6, adding that the government also has its own consultants conducting evaluations as “we want to have an independent estimate of the quantities of Calypso”.
The minister added that “after all we have seen taking place in bloc 3, we see one of the most important partners of the Republic of Cyprus wanting to expand its presence within the EEZ, especially in blocs such as 8, which is still unexplored”.
Stephane Michel said that he discussed the company’s energy programme with the President, confirming that they have applied to participate in bloc 8 which is currently licensed to ENI.
Asked whether the company is to go ahead with the confirmation drilling at Calypso, Michel said that there is still a lot of technical work to be done before that stage. He added that a first drilling had taken place with positive results and noted that a confirmation drilling will soon follow.