Cronos Gas Pipeline Set for 2028 Launch in Eastern Mediterranean

Cyprus is poised to become a new natural gas supplier to Europe, with the Cronos field expected to reach European markets by early 2028. The development comes as Europe continues to diversify its energy supplies following disruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine war and instability across the Middle East.

The eastern Mediterranean is emerging as an alternative source of natural gas for European consumers, according to Cyprus Energy Minister Michael Damianos. French energy company TotalEnergies and Italy's Eni have made a final investment decision to develop the Cronos field, located off Cyprus' southern coast.

Construction of a 105-kilometer pipeline connecting Cronos with existing infrastructure near Egypt's Zohr gas field is expected to begin later this year. The estimated cost of sending Cronos gas to Egypt for processing is around $2 billion, approximately half the projected expense of developing alternative processing infrastructure within Cyprus' waters.