The alliance between Italy’s Eni and France’s TotalEnergies has announced a final investment decision to develop Cyprus’ Cronos gas field and connect it to Egypt’s gas infrastructure.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources said the decision followed the completion of agreements governing the use of Egyptian infrastructure to process and liquefy the gas.

Production is expected to begin in 2028, supporting the continued operation of Egypt’s gas facilities and strengthening the country’s role as a major hub for receiving, processing, liquefying and exporting natural gas from the Eastern Mediterranean.

Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi said the decision represents a practical step toward consolidating Egypt’s position as a regional gas trading hub and a key gateway for re-exporting Cypriot gas to international markets through Egyptian infrastructure.

He added that the Cronos project demonstrates an advanced model of regional integration. Gas produced from the Cypriot field will be transported to Egypt, processed using the facilities of the Zohr gas field and then liquefied at the Damietta LNG plant before being re-exported to European markets.

The project is expected to create added value for all parties while strengthening regional and international energy security.

Badawi said the selection of Egypt to receive, process and liquefy Cypriot gas reflects the country’s advanced infrastructure and technical and operational capabilities.

He added that Egypt has become the region’s most prepared and efficient partner for developing gas reserves, helping maximise the use of national assets, increase the operating capacity of existing facilities and generate sustainable economic returns for the state.

“The final investment decision for the Cronos project is not merely a step toward developing a gas field, but another international vote of confidence in Egypt’s strategy of investing in infrastructure capable of receiving regional gas resources and transforming them into shared economic value,” Badawi said.

He added that is a practical implementation of the state’s vision to establish Egypt as a major energy hub in the Eastern Mediterranean and a reliable partner in supporting global energy security.