Cyprus to strengthen energy ties with Israel (Update)

In talks in Jerusalem on Thursday, Cyprus and Israel discussed cooperation in the development of regional gas infrastructure, such as the ‘Cyprus Gateway’ initiative aiming to transfer natural gas via the island to Europe, including from Israeli offshore reserves.

During the talks, the two nations’ energy ministers and their respective teams also discussed the electricity interconnection between Israel and Cyprus, meant to connect the electricity grids of the two countries, with the goal of making progress ahead of COP28.

The ministers committed to initiate technical discussion through two expert groups for electricity, natural gas and hydrogen interconnections with the aim to convene in July.

According to a joint press release, the Aphrodite-Ishai matter was also discussed, with the ministers committing to continue negotiations with the goal of reaching an agreement by the end of the year.

It was the outcome of Energy Minister George Papanastasiou’s two-day visit to Israel aimed at strengthening energy cooperation between the two countries.

In remarks, Papanastasiou thanked his Israeli counterpart, Israel Katz, for “the warm welcome in Israel and for the fruitful deliberations we had during the past two days.

“Our discussions reaffirmed the strong commitment of our countries to further strengthening and deepening Cyprus and Israel’s partnership, which is based on common values and shared strategic interests including energy.”

Papanastasiou said the two sides agreed to expedite their discussions on various levels, “in a result-oriented manner in order to create a reliable energy corridor from the Eastern Mediterranean. In this framework, we focus on the electrical interconnection between Cyprus and Israel as well as how Cyprus can serve as a gateway for Israeli gas to Europe.’

For his part, Katz said “the enduring alliance and shared vision between Israel and Cyprus resonate powerfully, and in the present era, the energy sector assumes a pivotal role as a bedrock for fortifying the bonds between our nations.

“It is within this context that my fervent vision of propelling the state of Israel into a vibrant energy bridge connecting the East and West finds its manifestation, steadfastly contributing to regional stability. Undoubtedly, Cyprus stands as an indispensable partner in the realisation of this audacious vision…”

The high-level talks in Israel follow up from the reveal last month of plans to lay a pipeline from Israel to Cyprus to transport natural gas – meaning cheaper energy on the island – along with a facility which will liquefy the gas, helping Israel export more of its product.

Papanastasiou emphasised at a workshop last month that the primary goal is to secure cheaper energy in Cyprus. He said gas could begin arriving from Israel within 18 months – once the agreements are finalised and investment begins.

“The eastern Mediterranean has enough (gas) deposits. Most are inside Israel’s exclusive economic zone, but Cyprus has sufficient quantities as well for this project to materialise,” Papanastasiou explained earlier this month.

So far, five sizeable gas deposits have been discovered off Cyprus’ southern coastline. Israel has 11 such fields.

The minister told the Sunday Mail that the pipeline now being focused on is about 190km and is not to be confused with the originally mooted EastMed pipeline, which was planned to run for 1,900km, travelling via Greece and onto mainland Europe.

President Nikos Christodoulides previously emphasised that the project, as part of the wider energy concerns facing Cyprus, is of the utmost priority for the government.