EastMed is not a one-way street for Cyprus's contribution to the EU's independence from Russian gas, said Minister of Energy, Trade and Industry Natasa Pileidou, answering questions during a panel discussion at the OEB conference "Energy transition - we are ready to meet the challenges ", which took place on the sidelines of the exhibition" SAVENERGY 2022 ".
Asked whether she considers the goal of the EU's independence from Russian gas feasible and what Cyprus intends to do to promote the EastMed pipeline to help in this direction, Ms. Peleidou said that EastMed is definitely not the only way for Cyprus to contribute to detoxification. On the contrary, he said, the use of Cyprus's energy resources can be done in many ways and EastMed is not a one-way street.
"I believe that the goal is to make the best use of the deposits in the most economically feasible and efficient way," he said.
Asked about the publications that emphasize EastMed, Ms. Pileidou noted that what is presented in the press and if EastMed has an honorable place in the publications, does not mean that it is the same importance that is given either at EU level or internationally.
"For us as Cyprus, the utilization of our deposits is definitely a priority due to the opportunities that are presented, we certainly highlight this in the discussions that take place," he said.
Asked about the possibility of creating a gas liquefaction plant in Cyprus, Ms. Pileidou said that with the confirmed quantities of Cyprus at the moment it is not a viable option, as it entails huge costs while it is not possible to finance from European banks and the EU. very serious environmental studies and studies had to be done regarding the risks that such a station would entail.
He noted that at the moment there are similar stations in neighboring countries, such as Egypt, which have the ability to host quantities from other neighboring countries and on favorable terms that are already being discussed with these companies.
Regarding the dispute with Israel over the development of "Aphrodite", Ms. Peleidou said he considers it completely out of the question for Israeli companies to ask for its co-exploitation. This, as she said, is evident from the letter signed by herself and her former Israeli counterpart, Yuval Steinitch, and is a position with which the current Minister of Energy of Israel agrees and has publicly expressed. He added that in a recent letter from the Israeli Minister to the licensees, he called on them to proceed with what was decided and to appoint independent experts to provide a solution to the issue. She also said that she will meet with her counterpart on April 11 in Israel, where she will discuss with her and with the licensees the situation and possible options, without deviating from the convergences that have been achieved.
KYPE source