Cyprus could begin gas exports as early as 2028

Cyprus expects to begin natural gas production for export by 2028, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou (Michael Damianos) told Reuters in an interview.

The focus is primarily on the development of the offshore Cronos field, discovered by Eni and TotalEnergies. It is estimated to hold over 3 trillion cubic feet of gas, which could power the island for decades or be supplied to regional markets.

The plan is to process and liquefy the gas using Egypt's existing infrastructure before exporting it, mainly to Europe.

According to the minister, the crisis in the Middle East and risks to supplies through the Strait of Hormuz reinforce the need to develop alternative energy sources. The Eastern Mediterranean, in his view, could become a vital element of EU energy security.

Furthermore, Cyprus continues to promote the Greece–Cyprus–Israel subsea electricity cable project, which aims to strengthen the island's energy system and reduce its isolation from European power grids.