Cyprus Could Start Sending Gas to Europe as Early as March 2028
Energy Minister Majkl Damianos announced an ambitious plan that could turn the Eastern Mediterranean into a key alternative energy supplier for the continent.
Energy Minister Majkl Damianos announced an ambitious plan that could turn the Eastern Mediterranean into a key alternative energy supplier for the continent.
Natural gas from Cyprus could start reaching European consumers as early as March 2028, according to Cypriot Energy Minister Majkl Damianos. This announcement comes at a time when the European Union is intensively seeking new energy supply sources, aiming to reduce dependence on traditional suppliers due to the war in Ukraine and instability in the Middle East.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Damianos highlighted the importance of this project for the continent's energy security. "Because of the war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, it is important for Europe at this moment that Cyprus becomes an alternative source of gas," the minister said.
The plan hinges on the development of the Kronos gas field, located in the Cypriot section of the Mediterranean Sea. French company TotalEnergies and Italian firm Eni, partners in the project, made a final investment decision last month (July 2026) to proceed with its development. Construction of the subsea pipeline from the Kronos field to the existing infrastructure at the massive Egyptian Zohr gas field, 105 kilometers away, is expected to begin later this year and will take up to 18 months.
Once the gas reaches Egypt, it will be transported to processing facilities on the country's northern coast. There, it will be liquefied (LNG) and then shipped to the European market. The pipeline to the Egyptian Zohr field is scheduled for construction by the end of 2026. This route was chosen as the most economically viable option due to its proximity to existing infrastructure.
The agreement stipulates that the entire volume of gas from the Kronos field will be directed to Europe. However, the contract also includes a provision whereby about one-fifth (20%) of the total volume will be used to meet part of Egypt's domestic energy needs.
In addition to the gas project, Cyprus is simultaneously working on connecting its electricity grid with the European network and Israel. This move would further strengthen the region's energy connectivity with Europe and solidify the Eastern Mediterranean's position as an increasingly significant alternative energy source.
