The hydrocarbon exploration program in Cyprus will resume in the second half of 2021, said Energy Minister Natasa Pilides, noting, however, that the pandemic significantly complicates exploration projects.

With the onset of the pandemic, energy companies with licenses to conduct exploration in blocks in the Cyprus EEZ had to postpone drilling projects scheduled for 2020. This happened largely due to restrictions on international travel.

The licensees postponed their drilling program almost to the second half of 2021. Natasa Pilides added that the plan for the Aphrodite field to produce first gas in 2025 still remains a target date despite all the shifts, and expressed hope that the plans with TOTAL, ENI and Exxon Mobile will also be implemented.