Speaker: Mr. Charles Ellinas
This talk explores Cyprus’s offshore gas sector, focusing on claims in the Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), gas prospects, and potential export strategies. Key discussion points include:
- Claims on Cyprus EEZ
- Prospects for additional gas discoveries offshore Cyprus
- Gas sales prospects, with emphasis on the Aphrodite gas field
- Cyprus LNG export possibilities
- Global gas market trends and opportunities for cheaper, cleaner energy
- Challenges and the need for strategic, measured responses
- Cyprus-Turkey gas pipeline proposals
- Implications for Cyprus, including engineering and geopolitical considerations
Location
B19, University of Nicosia
Date
31 October 2019
Time
4:00 PM
Bio / Abstract
The presentation will first examine Turkey’s claims in the Cypriot EEZ and the outlook for further gas discoveries offshore. In light of the development of the Aphrodite gas field by the Noble Energy–Shell–Delek consortium, the session will analyze the advantages and challenges of selling gas via pipelines or LNG exports, including the feasibility of E&P companies establishing an LNG plant in Cyprus.
The talk also reviews global gas markets, focusing on the demand for cheaper, abundant, and cleaner energy. The second part addresses the geopolitical challenges posed by Turkey’s actions in the Cypriot EEZ, proposing strategies to manage these issues while evaluating the engineering, logistical, and geopolitical implications of building a gas export pipeline from Cyprus to Turkey toward European markets.
Biography
Charles Ellinas is a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Center and CEO of Cyprus-based consultancy e-CNHC. He has over 35 years of experience in the oil and gas sector. Previously, he served as CEO of the Cypriot National Hydrocarbon Company (KRETYK) and spent 25 years at Mott MacDonald, where he was managing director of the firm’s global oil, gas, and petrochemicals business.
Throughout his career, he has led numerous award-winning projects, including:
- 2006 British International Expertise Award – Cawthorne Channel Gas Gathering Project, Shell, Nigeria
- 2011 Oil & Gas Middle East Engineering Achievement Award – Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) project, Qarn Alam, Oman
- 2012 Oil & Gas Middle East Offshore Project of the Year Award – Zakum Water Injection Project
Mr. Ellinas brings unparalleled expertise in hydrocarbon exploration, project management, and international energy strategy, making this session a unique opportunity to understand Cyprus’s gas sector in both technical and geopolitical contexts.