Cyprus government has welcomed Noble Energy’s declaration of commerciality of the “Aphrodite” natural gas offshore field.
Noble Energy operates a license for the exploration of hydrocarbons in Block 12 of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Other partners are Delek Drilling Limited Partnership and Avner Oil Exploration Limited Partnership.
The declaration of commerciality confirms the existence of substantial recoverable natural gas reserves in exploration Block 12 of Cyprus’ EEZ.
According to the government, the declaration constitutes a significant milestone to Cyprus’ transition from the hydrocarbons exploration phase to that of exploitation.
The submission to the Cypriot Government of a Development and Production Plan for the “Aphrodite” field will follow.
The Development and Production Plan is expected to include the Licensees’ proposal with regard to the method and the timeline for development and production, as well as the planning for the sales and marketing of the hydrocarbons produced. The Plan is subject to final approval by the Government of Cyprus.
If and when an agreement is reached and the Plan is approved, the Council of Ministers will be called upon to grant the Licensees the relevant Exploitation License.
The terms governing the exploitation of hydrocarbons in exploration Block 12, will be determined by the Government of Cyprus, in accordance with the applicable national law and any relevant intergovernmental agreements.