ExxonMobil is expected to start new drilling off Cyprus in January as part of its search for natural gas, a top company executive told Reuters on Thursday.
According to the news agency’s report, Exxon, which acquired licenses in Cyprus in 2017, announced in 2019 the discovery of natural gas in the “Glafkos” field. Drilling planned for next year includes two new targets: Pegasus and the promising Electra.
“We’ve spent the last two years collecting very detailed 3D seismic data … We’ve identified several large prospects, and the next stage is to bring in a drill rig and test them,” said John Ardill, Vice President of Global Exploration at ExxonMobil.
“We will start the first drilling in mid-January, and we are very excited about it,” he told a conference in Nicosia.
ExxonMobil’s partnerships
ExxonMobil has a license to explore for hydrocarbons in two offshore blocks in partnership with Qatar Energy. Multinationals such as the American Chevron, the Italian Eni and the French TotalEnergies are also active in the region.
Cyprus is considering a possible new round of offshore exploration licensing as interest in the area remains strong, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou said earlier this month.
Elektra, located in Block 5 of a total of 13 Cyprus EEZ exploration blocks, is a very large prospect and could be developed on its own, although appraisal drilling is required for final conclusions, Ardil said. Pegasus is located near the already discovered Glaukos field in Block 10, as well as Kronos, an Eni/Total discovery to the north in Block 6.
“There is huge potential for natural gas exploration,” Ardil stressed.
Source: ot.gr
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**Considering the environmental concerns surrounding offshore drilling, what specific measures will ExxonMobil implement to mitigate potential damage to Cyprus’s delicate marine ecosystem, and how will these measures be monitored for effectiveness?**
## World Today News Exclusive Interview: ExxonMobil’s New Drilling Venture in Cyprus
**Welcome to World Today News.** Today, we delve into the exciting news of ExxonMobil’s upcoming drilling operations off the coast of Cyprus.
Joining us are two distinguished guests:
* **John Ardill**, Vice President of Global Exploration at ExxonMobil, who will provide insight into the company’s plans and expectations.
* **Dr. Sophia Christodoulou**, an independent energy analyst specializing in the Eastern Mediterranean region, who will offer a broader perspective on the implications of this development.
**Section 1: ExxonMobil’s Exploration Strategy**
* **Mr. Ardill, ExxonMobil has been actively engaged in Cyprus since 2017. What factors led to your decision to expand drilling operations in 2024?**
* **Could you elaborate on the significance of the ”Pegasus” and “Electra” targets? What makes them particularly promising?**
* **What are ExxonMobil’s long-term goals for natural gas extraction in Cyprus?**
**Section 2: The Geopolitical Landscape**
* **Dr. Christodoulou, Cyprus’s EEZ is a contested region. How might geopolitical tensions affect ExxonMobil’s operations?**
* **What are the potential regional implications, both positive and negative, of increased natural gas exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean?**
* **Do you foresee increased competition between energy companies in the region, and how might this impact Cyprus?**
**Section 3: Environmental Considerations**
* **Mr. Ardill, what environmental safeguards are in place to minimize the impact of exploration and potential drilling activities?**
* **Dr. Christodoulou, what are the key environmental challenges associated with offshore drilling, particularly in a sensitive marine environment like the Mediterranean?**
* **How can the benefits of natural gas discovery be balanced with the need for sustainable energy practices?**
**Section 4: Looking Ahead**
* **Mr. Ardill, what are ExxonMobil’s expectations for the outcome of the upcoming drilling campaign?**
* **Dr. Christodoulou, what are your predictions for the future of natural gas exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean?**
* **What role can Cyprus play in the region’s energy landscape in the coming years?**
We thank both Mr. Ardill and Dr. Christodoulou for their valuable insights.
**Stay tuned to World Today News for continued coverage on this developing story.**
