Cyprus energy minister says gas could reach Europe by March 2028

TotalEnergies and Eni decide to develop Cronos gas field

Cyprus Energy Minister Michael Damianos said TotalEnergies of France and Italy’s Eni made a final decision last month to proceed with developing the Cronos natural gas field off the island’s southern coast.

Damianos said European consumers could expect natural gas from the undersea deposit to help meet their energy needs as early as March 2028.

He said the project would be the first time gas from East Mediterranean deposits is supplied to European markets.

Damianos said the East Mediterranean is fast becoming an alternative energy source for European nations as Russia’s war in Ukraine and upheaval in the Middle East compel the continent to seek out new sources.

“It’s important for Europe at this time because of the war in Ukraine, because of this situation in the Middle East, that Cyprus is going to be an alternative source of gas,” Damianos told The Associated Press in an exclusive interview Friday.