Training and future employment of Cypriots in the natural gas industry was discussed between the Chairman of Cyprus’ Hydrocarbon State Company (KRETYK) Charalambos Ellinas and the Director of the Cyprus Productivity Centre (CPC) Dinos Kathijotis in a meeting on Friday, at the offices of KRETYK.
According to a press release, issued here today, during the meeting Ellinas briefed CPC Director on the latest developments and the two had the opportunity to exchange views on these important issues.
KRETYK outlined future needs in qualified personnel which will arise with the start of construction work for the terminal in Vasiliko region in 2016, on behalf of Noble company, and the development of blocks 2, 3, 9 , 10 and 11 by the companies EMI / KOGAS and Total in the next ten years.
French company Total was granted hydrocarbon exploration licenses in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone blocks 10 and 11, after signing two production sharing contracts with the Ministry of Commerce.
On January 24, the Republic of Cyprus signed contracts with the ENI/KOGAS consortium for hydrocarbons exploration in blocks 2, 3 and 9 in the EEZ of Cyprus.
The preparation of a training plan for Cypriot technicians to be ready to offer their services from 2016 was particularly discussed at the meeting. A reference was also made to the schedule in developing aspects of the industry in general associated with natural gas and new needs that will arise for qualified personnel.
"We have only three years to prepare and close cooperation by all stakeholders is essential," KRETYK Chairman said, adding that KRETYK is preparing a study on personnel training needs of staff in collaboration with Noble.
KRETYK will be in a position to discuss the matter with CPC in April with a view to jointly establish a framework for action.
It is noted that in addition to the primary objective of exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) at the end of 2019, the other important additional objective of KRETYK is to contribute to the maximum extent possible to increasing employment of Cypriots in this area.
Both sides agreed that it is necessary to continue their effective communication for the public interest.
In 2008 Cyprus signed its first hydrocarbon exploration contract with US Noble Energy for offshore block 12. Exploratory drilling conducted by Noble in late 2011 revealed a natural gas reservoir with an estimated gross mean of 7 trillion cubic feet.
