Πηγή: Cyprus Mail
By Jacqueline Agathocleous
Jan 12 2012
THE POSSIBILITY of connecting Cyprus and Greece with a pipeline to transport natural gas was among a number of issues discussed between Commerce Minister Praxoulla Antoniadou and the Greek Energy Minister yesterday.
“We had a very useful exchange of experiences on the procedures and on the ways that we could cooperate on these matters, and of course we touched on the matter of pipelines,” said the Greek Minister for the Environment, Energy and Climate Change, Giorgos Papaconstantinou, after the meeting. “There are many ideas on the table to connect our two countries.”
He added: “These prospects need technical and financial examination, so they can be usable by the countries and any private companies that enter this process”
Papaconstantinou said Greece was speeding up procedures to explore for natural gas reserves, adding that he hoped explorations would be underway by the end of the year.
“Greece is observing Cyprus’ experience with great interest,” he said. “We too, after many years of inaction in this matter, are now moving ahead with fast steps, carrying out seismic surveys and so on.”
Antoniadou underlined the importance of strengthening cooperation between the two countries when it comes to the energy sector.
“We discussed thoughts on our next steps, especially in the energy sector and the environment, in regards to utilising the opportunities that arise in our region, especially with the recent discovery of natural gas in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus, as well as the steps that are currently being taken by the Greek state in connection with the hydrocarbon sector,” said the minister.
“It is evident that the energy sector is becoming especially important in the Mediterranean region and it is a sector that can offer economic development, prosperity and reinforce the EU’s security energy-wise, and contribute to collaborations between states in the area, and even establish peace,” Antoniadou added. “And in this framework we have examined the possibility of strengthening the cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector.”
On Tuesday, Interior Minister Neoclis Sylikiotis announced that the model production-sharing contract governing the commercial exploitation of hydrocarbons would be finalised by the end of the month.
The contract, specifying the respective shares of the Republic and any future partners, is being worked over by the advisory committee on hydrocarbons, a team of energy experts and academics who answer directly to the President.
No comments:
Post a Comment