HYDROCARBON EXPLORATION IN NOVEMBER BY ENI

Italian energy giant ENI is expected to start three hydrocarbon exploratory wells in blocks no.3, no.6 and no.8 in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on November 1. The drill site at block 3 has been named ‘Soupia’ (Cuttlefish), the site in block 6 ‘Calypso’ and, the drill site in block 8, ‘Eratosthenis South 1’. The well in block 6 is a joint venture with French energy concern TOTAL. If everything goes according to plan, drilling in the contested block 6 will start just before the Cyprus Presidential Election in February 2018. It is expected to reach about 3,300 metres below sea level in an area where the sea depth reaches 1,930 metres. ENI and Total are currently cooperating in hydrocarbon explorations in block 11 of the Cyprus EEZ. Eni has programmed 10 exploratory wells in total in the event of initial drills successfully detecting gas reserves.