The first of six deepwater wells planned offshore Cyprus by end-2018 has failed to discover commercially viable quantities of gas, Cypriot Energy Minister Giorgos Lakkotrypis told a press conference on 12 September. Though operator Total has yet to say anything on the results of the drilling, the minister, presumably based on info given to him by the French firm, says the well indicated reserves of around 0.5 tcf.
Total, which plugged the Block 11 well on 8 September, had initially committed to drill two wells in the block, but that was dependent on the outcome of the first. Now Total (50%), along with 50% partner Eni, say they will make a decision on the second well within the next 30 days. It is possible the two companies may ask the Cyprus government if the well can be drilled on Block 6 instead where the two firms are also partners (see table). (CONTINUED - 1486 WORDS)
