TotalEnergies, Eni confirm major gas discovery offshore Cyprus with Cronos-2 well

TotalEnergies, alongside its partner Eni, has successfully completed the drilling and production test of the Cronos-2 appraisal well in Block 6, offshore Cyprus. This venture marks a crucial development in their partnership, underscoring the potential for significant gas resources within the region. The Cronos-2 well serves as a follow-up to the Cronos-1 discovery made in August 2022, and together, these findings underscore the rich gas production potential of Block 6.

Situated approximately 160 km southwest of the Cyprus coast, the Cronos-2 well has unearthed several carbonate reservoir intervals, boasting a net reservoir thickness of 115 meters. This discovery confirms the lateral extension of the Cronos gas field, further substantiated by the excellent gas deliverability confirmed through production testing.

This milestone in gas exploration is not isolated; Block 6 has previously been the site of two additional discoveries—Calypso-1 in 2018 and Zeus-1 in 2022. These findings collectively highlight the block’s significant role in bolstering the gas supply to Europe and surrounding regions. Julien Pouget, Senior Vice President Middle East & North Africa, Exploration & Production at TotalEnergies, emphasized the strategic importance of these discoveries. “The successful appraisal of the Cronos gas discovery confirms the presence of significant resources and production potential in Block 6,” Pouget stated, highlighting the ongoing efforts to fully evaluate the resources for optimal development.

The Cronos-2 well’s promising results are instrumental in progressing towards identifying the best fast-track development options, as noted by Eni. This rapid progression underscores the commitment of both TotalEnergies and Eni to leverage their findings effectively, aiming to contribute significantly to the European gas supply in a timely manner.

The discovery in Block 6 is part of a broader strategy by Eni and TotalEnergies to explore and develop viable energy resources in the Mediterranean. With operations across multiple blocks in Cyprus, both companies are pivotal in the region’s emerging energy landscape. The Cronos-2 discovery, alongside previous findings, positions Cyprus as a key player in the European energy sector, offering a new source of natural gas that could alleviate some of the continent’s energy supply challenges.

The successful drilling and testing of the Cronos-2 well by TotalEnergies and Eni in Block 6 offshore Cyprus represent a significant achievement in the realm of natural gas exploration. This development not only confirms the vast potential of the Mediterranean as a reliable source of natural gas but also highlights the effectiveness of collaborative ventures in unlocking energy resources. The strategic importance of these discoveries cannot be overstated, especially in the context of Europe’s growing energy needs.

As TotalEnergies and Eni move forward with the full evaluation of these resources and the development of viable extraction methods, the Cronos-2 discovery is poised to play a crucial role in enhancing the energy security of Europe and the surrounding regions. This breakthrough exemplifies the potential of modern exploration technologies and strategic partnerships in meeting the global demand for sustainable and reliable energy sources.