GREEK REPORTER
Cyprus Plans First Offshore Gas Production, Eyeing 2027 Start
Cyprus plans to begin offshore natural gas production by late 2027, Energy Minister Michalis Damianos said on Tuesday, providing a clearer timeline for a long-awaited milestone in the country’s energy strategy.
Damianos made the remarks ahead of an informal meeting of EU energy ministers in Nicosia, held as part of Cyprus’ presidency of the Council of the European Union. The announcement comes as the government pushes to accelerate offshore development and expand cooperation with regional and European partners.
A newly signed framework agreement with Egypt to develop gas fields within Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone represents a key step in that strategy. The deal, signed in Cairo a day earlier, underscores Cyprus’ commitment to advancing its energy plans while strengthening coordination with Egypt and the European Union.
Cyprus sharpens gas production timeline
According to Damianos, Cyprus is aiming for its first offshore gas production by late 2027 while also focusing on turning discoveries into commercially viable projects through regional infrastructure and cross-border partnerships.
The latest agreement with Egypt is central to that strategy, as it provides a clearer path to develop and monetize offshore reserves. It also reflects a broader strategic partnership between Cyprus and Egypt that extends beyond a single field, covering multiple deposits across the Eastern Mediterranean.
Aphrodite remains the most advanced project
The Aphrodite field, located in Cyprus’ Block 12 about 170 kilometers (105 miles) offshore from Limassol, was the country’s first offshore gas discovery and remains the most mature project in its development portfolio. Estimates put its reserves at roughly 3.6 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
A revised development plan approved in February 2025 includes a floating production unit above the reservoir and a pipeline to transport gas to Egypt. The project is expected to reach peak offshore gas production of around 800 million cubic feet per day, initially through four production wells.
Chevron, Shell, and NewMed Energy are developing Aphrodite through a joint consortium. Under Cyprus’ current strategy, the field will send gas to Egypt, where it will be liquefied and sold on the domestic Egyptian market.
Cronos boosts Cyprus gas output ambitions
The Cronos field, discovered in 2022 in Block 6 offshore Cyprus, has emerged as one of the most significant gas finds in the eastern Mediterranean. Eni operates the field, while TotalEnergies holds the remaining 50 percent stake.
Appraisal work at the Cronos-2 well confirmed that the discovery extends farther across the block and demonstrated strong productivity. Eni said production testing indicated potential offshore gas production of more than 150 million standard cubic feet per day from the well in its production configuration. The company also estimates the field contains around 3 trillion cubic feet of discovered resources, with additional upside possible.
Unlike Aphrodite, which is more commercially advanced, Cronos is moving more directly toward European demand. Current plans envision exports to Europe through Egyptian infrastructure, reinforcing Egypt’s role as a regional processing and transit hub.
Egypt partnership anchors export strategy
Aphrodite and Cronos will play different but complementary roles in Cyprus’ energy plans. Aphrodite is the nearer-term commercial project and will send gas to Egypt for liquefaction and sale on the domestic market. Cronos, meanwhile, is expected to support exports to Europe through existing Egyptian offshore and LNG infrastructure.
This approach places the Cyprus-Egypt partnership at the center of the island’s gas strategy. The latest framework agreement strengthens cooperation across multiple offshore deposits and supports Cyprus’ effort to position itself as a more active energy player in the region.
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