The Aphrodite plan

Cyprus is desperate to export gas. But until more is found, piping it to Egypt is now the main idea, says energy minister Yiorgos Lakkotrypis

"The discovery of Zohr," says Cyprus's energy minister, "has completely changed the complexion of the East Mediterranean gas scene, proving the existence of a new play based on carbonates that extend into Cyprus's exclusive economic zone." Only exploration drilling will decide if Cypriots' optimism that a gas bonanza similar to Zohr has fallen into their laps is justified. In the meantime, as they assess bids submitted in July for the three blocks close to Zohr, Yiorgos Lakkotrypis and his team are focusing on Cyprus's sole discovery to date, the 4.5-trillion-cubic-foot Aphrodite field in Block 12. Five years have elapsed since Noble Energy and partners discovered Aphrodite. There has been a