Israel approves Energean’s phase 1 of Katlan Field Development Plan

London, 18 January 2024 – Energean plc (LSE: ENOG TASE: אנאג) has provided an update on recent operations and the Group’s trading performance in the 12-months to 31 December 2023 together with guidance for 2024. This information is unaudited and subject to further review. Energean will release its 2023 full year results on 21 March 2024.

Mathios Rigas, Chief Executive Officer of Energean, commented:

“2023 was the year we became the major independent gas producer in the Mediterranean. Despite the challenging regional geopolitical developments, we stabilised the production of the Energean Power FPSO, which operated at 99%[1] uptime during Q4 2023, and we produced at a maximum rate of 150 kboed from our 1 billion+ boe pan-Mediterranean portfolio, with full year production in line with our latest guidance. 

“Energean has always focused on stable, long-term value creation and delivery for all our stakeholders. We are making good progress on the path to our near-term targets of 200 kboed, $1.75 billion adjusted EBITDAX and leverage of c.1.5x. Our strong operational and financial performance underpins our stated dividend policy. 

“2024 shows significant potential; we are well advanced with our core strategic projects across Israel, Egypt, Italy and Greece, and have extended our footprint with a new gas development in Morocco. As we continue to optimise our portfolio, we look forward to enhancing our position as the leading independent gas-focused exploration, development and production company in the region.” 

“I want to thank all our staff for their dedication and commitment to Energean; it is their excellence, during a uniquely challenging time, that has driven our success.”

Operational Highlights

  • FY 2023 production of 123 kboed (83% gas) in line with latest full year guidance of 120-130 kboed.
    • Day-to-day production in Israel continues to be unimpacted by the ongoing geopolitical developments.
    • FPSO uptime (excluding planned shutdowns) was 99%1 in Q4 2023.
  • NEA/NI (Egypt) project completed on time and on budget, with the PY#1 and NI#1 wells brought online at the end of December 2023; production in line with expectations.
  • New areas of development underway to expand and diversify the current business base:
    • Phase 1 of the Katlan (Israel) Field Development Plan approved by the Israeli Government[2]; Final Investment Decision (“FID”) expected upon finalisation of the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (“EPC”) terms, which are currently under negotiation.
    • New potential areas of growth in Italy following the conclusion of the PITESAI review, which has opened up previously frozen concessions in the Upper Adriatic and Sicilian Channel.
    • Discussions initiated to merge the Abu Qir, NEA and NI (Egypt) concessions to streamline the fiscal terms and extend the economic life of the fields.
    • Morocco farm-in expected to complete in the coming months; appraisal well planned for 2024.
  • Prinos Carbon Storage project progressing well and now included within the European Commission’s Projects of Common Interest.

Corporate and Financial Highlights

  • Strong financial performance for the 12 months to 31 December 2023, following the first full year of production contribution from Karish (Israel).
    • Revenues of $1,419.4 million, a 93% increase (FY 2022: $737.1 million).
    • Cost of Production per barrel (excluding royalties) of $6.5 , a 59% decrease (FY 2022: $15.9/boe).
    • Adjusted EBITDAX of $925 million, a 119% increase (FY 2022: $421.6 million).
  • Strong balance sheet maintained; ongoing deleveraging:
    • 50% reduction in Group leverage to 3x (FY 2022: 6x).
    • Group cash as of 31 December 2023 was $372 million, including restricted amounts of $26 million Total liquidity was $607 million.
    • No immediate debt maturities following Energean Israel’s bond refinancing in July 2023.
  • Q3 2023 dividend of 30 US$cents/share paid on 29 December 2023; total of 120 US$cents/share ($214million) returned to shareholders in 2023.
  • Scope 1 and 2 emissions intensity of approximately 9.4 kgCO2e/boe, a 41% reduction versus the 12 months ended 31 December 2022.
    FY 2023 FY 2022 Increase / (Decrease) %
Average working interest production kboed 123 42 200%
Sales and other revenues $ million 1,419 737 93%
Cash Cost of Production $ million 478 (of which 185 is royalties) 284 (of which 46 is royalties) 68%
Cash Cost of Production ($/boe) 10.6 (of which 4.1 is royalties) 18.9 (of which 3.0 is royalties) (44%)
Adjusted EBITDAX[3] $ million 925 422 119%
Development and production expenditure $ million 566 729 (22%)
Exploration expenditure $ million 57 140 (59%)
Decommissioning expenditure $ million 19 9 110%
31 December 2023 31 December

2022

Increase / (Decrease) %
Net Debt (including restricted cash) $ million 2,849 2,518 13%
Leverage (Net Debt / Adjusted EBITDAX) 3x 6x (50%)

Ολοκλ

Outlook

  • 2024 working interest production is expected to be between 155 – 175 kboed (weighted towards the second half of 2024), a significant step up towards Energean’s near-term targets.
    • This range is primarily driven by Energean’s gas demand outlook for 2024 in Israel, which has been influenced by the coal phase-out delays and warmer than average winter temperatures so far.
  • Remaining growth projects expected to be brought online in 2024:
    • Karish North first gas in Q1 2024; the second oil train will be installed as soon as the security situation allows.
    • Cassiopea first gas expected in the summer of 2024.
  • 2024 development and production capital expenditure expected to be $400-500 million
  • Results of the Orion-1x exploration well (Egypt).
  • Quarterly dividend payments intended to be declared in line with previously communicated dividend policy. 

Energean Operational Review

Production

In the 12 months to 31 December 2023, average working production was 123 kboed (83% gas), within the latest guidance range of 120-130 kboed. Q4 2023 production averaged 135 kboed (83% gas).

In Israel, production averaged 485 mmscfd (5 bcm/yr equivalent) in the fourth quarter, primarily as a result of the planned six-day shutdown in early December to enable the hook-up of the Karish North well and second gas export riser. The FPSO uptime during the quarter was 99%1. Day-to-day production remains unimpacted as a result of the ongoing geopolitical developments.

Portfolio-wide production in 2024 is expected to be 155-175 kboed. This range is primarily driven by Energean’s gas demand outlook for 2024 in Israel, which has been influenced by the coal phase-out delays and warmer than average winter temperatures so far.

Energean is actively seeking additional gas contracts, to continue supporting the domestic demand, expanding to export in the medium-term.

  FY 2023

Kboed

FY 2024 guidance

Kboed

Israel 87

(including 4.4 bcm of sales gas)

115-130

(including 5.7-6.4 bcm of sales gas)

Egypt 25 (86% gas) 29-31
Rest of portfolio 11 (34% gas) 11-14
Total production 123 (83% gas) 155-175

 Development

Israel – Karish Growth Projects

Karish North is expected online in Q1 2024 and will utilise the second gas export riser, which has been fully installed, once onstream.

The second oil train will be will be installed as soon as the security situation allows.

Israel – Katlan

Energean intends to develop the Katlan/Tanin area in a phased development. Phase 1 includes the Athena, Zeus, Hera and Apollo accumulations, for which the field development plan was approved by the Israeli Government in December 2023. Energean expects to take FID expected upon finalisation of EPC terms, which are currently under negotiation.

Egypt

The NEA/NI development was completed in December 2023, with the remaining two wells PY#1 and NI#1 brought online on 30 December 2023. Overall production from the fields is currently 72 mmscfd (13 kboed), in line with expectations.

An infill well (NAQPII#2) on the Abu Qir field began drilling in December 2023 and was brought online in January 2024. Energean is evaluating other infill and step-out exploration opportunities around its Abu Qir hub.

Energean is working in partnership with the Egyptian authorities to merge its three production concessions (Abu Qir, NEA and NI) into a single concession. The resultant single concession is expected to streamline the fiscal conditions and extend the economic life of the fields.

At 31 December 2023, net receivables (after provision for bad and doubtful debts) in Egypt were $149 million (30 September 2023: $162 million), of which $101 million (30 September 2023: $119 million) was classified as overdue.

Italy

At Cassiopea (W.I. 40% non-operator), drilling operations began in November 2023. First gas remains on track for the summer of 2024. Also in 2024 on the Cassiopea licence, Energean expects to participate in two near-field drilling targets (Gemini and Centauro) with its partner ENI (operator; 60%).

In December 2023, the Italian government introduced a new framework to unlock previously frozen concessions as part of its PITESAI review. Energean is subsequently focused on progressing certain non-operated concessions in the Upper Adriatic and Sicilian Channel, with the expectation to unlock additional reserves.

Greece

Energean’s Prinos Carbon Storage (“CS”) project in Greece has been included by the European Commission as a Project of Common Interest. Non-binding memorandum of understandings have been signed for c.5 million tonnes per annum of storage and EUR 150 million of grants have been committed. Energean is advancing the conversion of its exploration licence into a storage permit.

Exploration

Egypt

Drilling operations are ongoing on the Orion-1X exploration well (W.I. 19% subject to final government approvals expected shortly; non-operator) located on the North East Hap’y Concession, offshore Egypt.

 Energean Corporate Review 

Morocco country entry

As announced on 7 December 2023, Energean agreed to farm-in to Chariot Limited (“Chariot”, AIM:CHAR) acreage offshore Morocco, which includes the 18 bcm (gross)[4] Anchois gas development and significant exploration prospectivity. Approval by the Moroccan Authorities is expected in the near-term, with closing of the transaction expected shortly thereafter.

Energean (Operator) and Chariot plan to drill an appraisal well on the Anchois field in 2024.

Kerogen convertible

As announced on 13 December 2023, Energean received a conversion notice in respect of $50 million worth of convertible loan notes from Kerogen Investments No. 38 Limited, resulting in the issuance of 4,422,013 new ordinary shares (“New Ordinary Shares”) at a conversion price of GBP 8.3843 per New Ordinary Share. The New Ordinary Shares were admitted for trading on the London and Tel Aviv Stock Exchanges on 20 December 2023.

Dividend

In 2023, Energean returned a total of US$1.20/share to shareholders (approximately $214 million), representing four quarters of dividend payments.

In 2024, Energean intends to continue to pay quarterly dividends to its shareholders in line with its previously communicated dividend policy.

Net Zero progress

Energean’s scope 1 and 2 emissions intensity in the 12 months to 31 December 2023 was estimated to be approximately 9.4 kgCO2e/boe, a 41% reduction versus 31 December 2022 (16.0 kgCO2e/boe), in line with guidance. FY 2024 emissions intensity are expected between 8.5-9.0 kgCO2e/boe. 

2024 guidance 

FY 2024
Production  
Israel (kboed) 115-130
Egypt (kboed) 29-31
Rest of portfolio (kboed) 11-14
Total Production (kboed) 155-175
   
Consolidated net debt ($ million) 2,800-2,900
Cash Cost of Production (operating costs plus royalties)
Israel ($ million) 350-380
Egypt ($ million) 30-40
Rest of portfolio ($ million) 190-210
Total Cash Cost of Production ($ million) 570-630
   
Development and production capital expenditure
Israel ($ million) 150-200
Egypt ($ million) 30-50
Rest of portfolio ($ million) 220-250[5]
Total development & production capital expenditure ($ million) 400-500
Exploration and appraisal expenditure ($ million) 130-170[6]
Decommissioning expenditure ($ million) 40-50

Forward looking statements

This announcement contains statements that are, or are deemed to be, forward-looking statements. In some instances, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terms such as “projects”, “forecasts”, “on track”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “believes”, “intends”, “may”, “will”, or “should” or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and events to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: general economic and business conditions; demand for the Company’s products and services; competitive factors in the industries in which the Company operates; exchange rate fluctuations; legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments; political risks; terrorism, acts of war and pandemics; changes in law and legal interpretations; and the impact of technological change. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of such statements and, except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The information contained in this announcement is subject to change without notice.

[1] Uptime is defined as the number of hours that the Energean Power FPSO was operating; the Q4 2023 figure excludes the scheduled 6-day shutdown that occurred in December.

[2] Energean intends to develop the Katlan/Tanin area in a phased development. Phase 1 includes the Athena, Zeus, Hera and Apollo accumulations, for which the FDP has received government approval.

[3] Adjusted EBITDAX is calculated as profit or loss for the period, adjusted for discontinued operations, taxation, depreciation and amortisation, share-based payment charge, impairment of property, plant and equipment, other income and expenses, net finance costs and exploration and evaluation expenses.

[4] As per Chariot’s latest competent persons report covering the Anchois Field that has certified gross 2C contingent resources of 18 bcm in the discovered gas sands

[5] Includes $20-25 million of expenditure on the Prinos Carbon Storage project in Greece, which is expected to be covered by EU grants

[6] Includes the Anchois appraisal well in Morocco

Shell gas prospects in Albania promising for Ioannina license

Albania’s prospects of significant oil and gas discoveries that could boost the country’s future and also play a big role in Europe’s energy future, as announced by Prime Minister Edi Rama, could spell good news for a nearby Greek license in the country’s northwestern Epirus region.

Dutch energy giant Shell, a company that likes to keep its cards close to its chest, is preparing for drilling activities at Albania’s Shpirag 5 license, following successful exploration at Shpirag 4, which has delivered production totaling many thousands of barrels per day.

Shell Upstream Albania, Shell’s Albanian subsidiary, has been active in the neighboring country since 2018, pledging to invest more than 40 million euros over a seven-year period.

As for the Epirus license, in Greece’s wider Ioannina area, a consortium comprising Repsol and Energean has invested over 40 million euros, primarily for a seismic survey conducted in 2018 and 2019, a procedure through which an area to be further explored has been identified.

 

Energean license for South Kavala gas deposit set for further extension

The government has submitted a draft bill to parliament for a further extension to an agreement, from 1999, between the Greek State and Energean Oil & Gas for exploitation of the “South Kavala” natural gas field in the Aegean Sea’s north.

According to the draft bill, the license, expiring on November 23, 2022, can be further extended either through a ministerial decision following an agreement with the license holder, or, once again, through a ministerial decision, up to and including the starting date of a license granting investors the right to use, develop and exploit the “South Kavala” natural gas field, almost depleted, as a prospective underground natural gas storage facility (UGS).

A tender staged by Greece’s privatization fund TAIPED for this latter license has reached the final round. Energean and a partnership bringing together gas grid operator DESFA and construction company GEK Terna are the final-round qualifiers.

 

 

Energean plc announces Athena gas discovery, offshore Israel

London, 9 May 2022 – Energean plc (LSE: ENOG, TASE: אנאג) has announced a commercial gas discovery by the Athena exploration well, offshore Israel.

Highlights

  • Commercial discovery made by the Athena exploration well, Block 12, in the A, B and C sands. Preliminary analysis indicates that the Athena discovery contains recoverable gas volumes of 8 bcm (283 bcf / (51 mmboe) on a standalone basis.
  • This discovery is particularly significant as it de-risks an additional 50 bcm (1.8 tcf / (321 mmboe) of mean unrisked prospective resources across Energean’s Olympus Area (total 58 bcm / 372 mmboe including Athena).
    • The Olympus Area is Energean’s newly defined area which includes Athena, plus the undrilled prospects on Block 12 and the adjacent Tanin Lease.
  • Athena can be commercialised in the near-term via tie-back to the Energean Power FPSO, enhancing the profitability of the Karish-Tanin development. Alternatively, it could form part of a new Olympus Area development.
  • Energean is therefore actively pursuing development options for the commercialisation of the wider Olympus Area, (potentially including Athena), such as:
    • Further domestic Israeli gas sales:
      • New Gas Sales and Purchase Agreements (“GSPA”) underpinned by the continued growth of the Israeli power market
      • Spot sales
    • Export options:
      • Developing the Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) signed with The Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (“EGAS”) for the supply of up to 3 Bcm/yr into a binding agreement
      • Exports to other regional and European markets via pipeline and LNG via Cyprus and/or Egypt
  • The economics of gas produced and sold from Block 12 are not subject to royalties payable to the original sellers of the Karish and Tanin leases, leading to an approximate 8% increase in revenue for the same volumes sold, when compared with the Karish and Tanin discoveries

Mathios Rigas, Chief Executive of Energean, commented: 

“We are delighted to announce this new gas discovery at Athena and the potential of the wider Olympus Area. We are considering a range of strategic commercialisation options both for a standalone and wider Olympus Area development, including domestic and multiple export routes.

“This discovery and the broader de-risking of a number of prospects in the Olympus Area reaffirms the role of the East Mediterranean as a global gas exploration hotspot. It strengthens our commitment to provide competition and security of supply to the region, enables the optimisation of our Israel portfolio and fulfils one of our key milestones for 2022.”

Athena Gas Discovery

Athena Well Results

The Athena exploration well was drilled on Block 12 (Energean Israel, 100%), located 20 kilometres from Karish and 20 kilometres from Tanin A, in a water depth of 1,769 metres. It was drilled in 51 days and came in below the budget of $35 million. The Athena exploration well is the fifth well in a row that has been drilled successfully by Energean in Israel.

A gross hydrocarbon column of 156 metres was encountered in the primary target (the A, B and C sands). Preliminary analysis indicates that the Athena discovery contains recoverable gas volumes of 8 bcm (283 bcf / (51 mmboe) on a standalone basis. Additional analysis will now be undertaken to further refine the full resource potential (including volumes contained within thinner sands between the main reservoir units) and to confirm the liquids content of the discovery.

The Athena well has been suspended as a future production well.

Commercial hydrocarbons were not discovered in the deeper secondary target (22% Probability of Success, D sands).

Multiple Commercialisation Options Under Consideration

Athena can be commercialised in the near-term via tie-back to the Energean Power FPSO, enhancing the profitability of the Karish-Tanin development. Alternatively, it could form part of a new development called the Olympus Area.

Energean’s Olympus Area consists of Block 12 and the prospects on the Tanin lease. The discoveries and prospects in this area lie along the same geological trend and Athena was drilled on the same direct hydrocarbon indicator (shown in the seismic analysis) as Tanin. As such, Energean is confident that the Athena discovery has de-risked the A, B and C sands in the remaining prospects of the Olympus Area, estimated to be 50 bcm (1.8 tcf / (321 mmboe) of mean unrisked prospective resources (total 58 bcm / 372 mmboe including Athena). This estimate excludes the liquids component as well as any gas upside in the thinner sands between the main reservoir units.

Energean has identified multiple commercialisation options for the Athena discovery and potential future Olympus Area development, including both domestic customers and export routes. These options include:

  • Further domestic Israeli gas sales:
    • New GSPAs underpinned by the continued growth of the Israeli power market
    • Spot sales (spot contract signed with the Israel Electric Corporation (“IEC”) in March 2022)
  • Export options:
    • Developing the MoU signed with EGAS into a binding agreement. The MoU was signed in December 2021 for the sale and purchase of up to 3 bcm/yr of natural gas on average for a period of 10 years, commencing with initial volumes of up to 1 bcm/yr.
    • Exports to other regional and European markets via pipeline and LNG via Cyprus and/or Egypt

Block 12 (including Athena) benefits from an absence of any seller royalties on production or constraint on export from the lease, improving the economics versus the Karish and Tanin leases.

Remaining Drilling Campaign

The Stena IceMAX has now moved to the Karish Main-04 appraisal well, of which the top hole has already been drilled. The rig will then complete the Karish North development well. A decision on whether to drill the previously communicated optional wells (Hermes and/or Hercules) is expected to be made by the end of Q2 2022.

 

Prinos support package, worth €100m, submitted to Parliament

A financial support plan for upstream company Energean’s Prinos field, south of Kavala, comprised of a state-guaranteed commercial loan of 90.5 million euros for the group’s domestic subsidiary, plus a supplementary loan of 9.5 million euros from the Greek State, has been submitted to Greek Parliament for approval following its endorsement by the European Commission.

The financial support to be offered for Energean’s Prinos field, based on a temporary EU support framework established to offer economic support in response to pandemic-related effects, will be provided by December 31, 2021, used to cover Energean’s investment and working capital needs over 12 months, and will have a maximum duration of 8 years.

The European Commission offered its approval of the support package as it deemed that Energean generates the greatest proportion of its domestic revenues through the sale of crude, acknowledging this activity has been hit hard by plummeting oil prices amid the pandemic, making it difficult for the company to gain access to capital markets.

According to the company’s results for 2020, announced at the end of April, Energean’s Greek subsidiary incurred operating losses of 83.4 million euros in 2020, forcing its parent company to provide it with 62.4 million euros during the year.

According to sources, Energean’s Prinos activity lost 120 million euros over the two-year period covering 2019 and 2020.

Despite improved oil price levels, more recently, the subsidiary’s inability to invest as a result of a lack of financing has led to a further reduction of production, which is expected to lead to losses of approximately 40 million euros this year.

Desfa-Gek Terna, Energean to S. Kavala UGS tender 2nd rnd

DESFA-GEK TERNA and Energean Oil & Gas have advanced to the second-round, binding-offers stage of a tender offering use, development and operation of an underground natural gas storage facility (UGS) in the almost depleted natural gas field of “South Kavala”, while China’s CMEC-MAISON GROUP failed to qualify, privatization fund TAIPED has announced in a statement.

Following the signing of confidentiality agreements, the two qualifiers will be granted access to the tender’s virtual data room, where financial and technical data will be uploaded for due diligence procedures.

However, much work lies ahead before this project matures to enable the submission of binding offers. A number of regulatory issues remain pending, officials monitoring developments have informed, describing the project as complex and highly technical.

Pending issues include determining the percentage of the UGS’s capacity to be regulated for pre-determined earnings, and the percentage of capacity whose earnings will be shaped by market forces. The regulatory period and WACC level also need to be decided and set.

Given these tasks, as well as obstacles raised by the pandemic, binding offers are not expected to be submitted any sooner than late-2021. The final stage of this tender appears most likely to take place early in 2022.

Energean Prinos field support to include State participation

A financial support plan for upstream company Energean’s Prinos field, south of Kavala, just announced by the European Commission, will be comprised of a state-guaranteed commercial loan of 90.5 million euros for the group’s domestic subsidiary, plus a supplementary loan of 9.5 million euros from the Greek State. Greek Parliament still needs to approve the plan.

As part of the plan, the Greek State will appoint a representative to the Board of Directors of the company to monitor the utilization of this financing.

Also, the financial support terms for Energean’s Prinos field, under pressure in recent years as a result of deteriorated market conditions, include a series of key guarantees for the Greek State.

Besides Energean’s bank loan, to be repaid, with interest, to the participating bank, the company’s domestic subsidiary will also need to pay related fees to the Greek State for the latter’s provision of the loan guarantee enabling the company to borrow.

The financial support will be provided until December 31, 2021, will be used to cover Energean’s investment and working capital needs over the next 12 months, and will have a maximum duration of 8 years, according to the terms.

According to Energean sources, activities at the Prinos field in 2019 and 2020 resulted in losses totaling 120 million euros. Despite an improvement in oil prices, a lack of finances for investment has led to a further reduction in output at Prinos, which is expected to lead to a further loss this year, estimated at 40 million euros.

The financing support plan will ensure the completion of development at the Epsilon deposit, which Energean considers essential to ensure ongoing operations of Prinos, along with the implementation of administrative and organizational restructuring planned by the company with the aim of reducing operating costs and moving ahead with a series of new projects.

Energean upbeat on support prospects for Prinos, 4-year extension granted

Upstream company Energean has received promising feedback from the finance and energy ministries in its effort to secure an EU support package to protect the sustainability of its offshore Prinos field, the country’s only producing unit, in the North Aegean.

The government has relayed that it is cautiously optimistic of a favorable outcome in its support-package application submitted to the European Commission.

Brussels appears to be concluding its exchange with Greek government officials handling the issue and could soon offer its approval, sources informed.

The effort has lasted nearly nine months from the time Greek government officials submitted a support request accompanied by Energean’s Prinos business plan, worth nearly 75 million euros.

The time taken in Brussels has been attributed to this essentially being the EU’s sole case concerning a support request in the hydrocarbon exploration sector.

Meanwhile, EDEY, the Greek Hydrocarbon Management Company, has granted Energean Oil & Gas, a member of the Energean Group, a four-year extension, until March 19, 2025, for exploration activities aiming to identify new fields in the Prinos and South Kavala areas, following a request submitted by the company.

Spain’s Repsol also exiting Ioannina license, to be fully held by Energean

Spain’s Repsol is continuing to disinvest its hydrocarbon interests in the Greek market in the wake of a return to the Greek State of its licensing rights for a block in Etoloakarnania, northwestern Greece, the company’s latest move being a plan to withdraw from a license concerning a block in Ioannina, also in the northwest.

Repsol, which formed a partnership with Energean Oil & Gas for the Ioannina block, holds a 60 percent stake in this project, now at a pre-drilling stage, as an exploratory step.

Repsol has informed EDEY, the Greek Hydrocarbon Management Company, of its decision to withdraw from the Ioannina block, according to sources. The Spanish petroleum firm’s 60 percent stake will be transferred to Greek partner Energean, currently holder of the license’s other 40 percent, the sources added.

The Spanish company’s decisions on Greece are part of a wider disinvestment strategy aiming to reduce the firm’s international exposure to hydrocarbon exploration and production activities, sources explained.

Energean will seek a deadline extension, from EDEY, for drilling at the Ioannina license as it intends to find a new partner, sources informed. The Greek company remains interested in exploring the area’s hydrocarbon potential, the sources added.

Repsol’s intentions concerning an offshore block in the Ionian Sea, for which it has formed a 50-50 joint venture with Hellenic Petroleum, remain unclear.

New deadline extensions granted for work at hydrocarbon blocks

The higher risk entailed in hydrocarbon exploration as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and a mass turn, including by petroleum companies, to green-energy activities are factors forcing investors with licenses to Greek blocks to delay their development plans.

Energean Oil & Gas and Hellenic Petroleum (ELPE) have both requested and been granted deadline extensions for preliminary exploration work at two blocks to which they hold licenses that were approved by Greek authorities in 2017 and 2018, respectively.

These extensions concern offshore Block 2 in the Ionian Sea – for which Energean is the operator with a 75 percent stake following Total’s withdrawal in February, 2020, and ELPE the minority partner with a 25 percent stake – and an onshore block in the northwest Peloponnese for which ELPE is the sole participant.

Energean requested and was granted a 24-month extension, until March 15, 2023, by EDEY, the Greek Hydrocarbon Management Company, for preliminary work at Block 2 in the Ionian Sea.

EDEY also granted ELPE an extension, though shorter – 6 months, to September 15, 2021 – for the completion of preliminary work at its northwest Peloponnese license. ELPE originally sought a 20-month extension until March 15, 2022.

These extensions follow a decision, early this year, by Repsol and Energean to return to the Greek State their license to an onshore block at Etoloakarnania, northwestern Greece.

Also earlier this year, EDEY granted a third extension to ELPE and Edison E&P (now Energean, following its acquisition of the Italian company’s local hydrocarbon portfolio) for initial drilling at a Gulf of Patras block in the country’s west, which has been extended to January, 2023.

South Kavala UGS qualifiers in March, plenty of work needed

Privatization fund TAIPED is expected to have completed its appraisal of first-round bids in a tender offering development and operation of an underground gas storage facility (UGS) in the almost depleted natural gas field of “South Kavala” in northern Greece next month, possibly within the first half of March, energypress sources have informed.

The fund, at that point, will be ready to announce its list of second-round qualifiers.

TAIPED and the government are taking cautious steps for this project, regarded as complex, especially on matters concerning the tender’s binding-offers stage, sources informed.

Three bidding teams have submitted non-binding expressions of interest for the first round. These are: China Machinery Engineering Co. Ltd. (CMEC) – Maison Group; DESFA – GEK Terna; and Energean Oil & Gas (in alphabetical order).

Much work appears to still lie ahead for this privatization, whose completion is not expected any sooner than next autumn, sources noted.

Pending matters include the delivery of a finalized operating framework for the South Kavala UGS by RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy.

This framework will determine the pricing system for the UGS, or the proportion of the facility’s earnings to be regulated and the proportion to be shaped through competitive procedures.

Besides RAE’s operating framework, bidders will also need to conduct due diligence before submitting second-round offers.

 

 

Repsol-Energean abandon rights for Etoloakarnania block

A consortium comprised of Spanish petroleum group Repsol and Energean Oil & Gas has surrendered its hydrocarbon exploitation and production rights for on onshore license in the Etoloakarnania area, northwestern Greece, the partners informed EDEY, the Greek Hydrocarbon Management Company, last Friday, sources have revealed.

The partners attributed this decision to the sharp drop in oil prices that has made upstream investments unfeasible, as well as their environmental footprint efforts.

Repsol is also preparing to withdraw its interests from an offshore block in the Ionian Sea through a license it shares with Hellenic Petroleum (ELPE).

In addition, the Spanish group is reconsidering its interests in a license for an onshore block in Ioaninna, also in Greece’s northwest, sources informed. Repsol holds a 60 percent stake in this license, the other 40 percent belonging to Energean Oil & Gas. The partners face an April deadline for an investment decision concerning initial drilling.

Three months earlier, Repsol, through a strategic business plan covering 2021 to 2025, announced exploration and production investment cuts worth 700 million dollars, annually. The company plans to focus its activities in 14 countries, not including Greece.

Prinos field threatened by poor results, decline projection

Operations at the Prinos field, Greece’s only producing oil field, in the country’s offshore north, are in great danger of being disrupted following poor production figures in 2020 and a further decline predicted for 2021, a wider company update just delivered by Energean Oil & Gas, the field’s license holder, has suggested.

In 2020, production at the oil field reached just 1,800 barrels per day, while its inferior-quality output was sold at a discount price, between 7 to 8 dollars below Brent levels.

This level of output represents less than 4 percent of Energean’s overall production, which, last year, reached 48,000 barrels – mostly natural gas.

Output at the Prinos field is projected to drop below 1,500 bpd in 2021 as, even if a rescue plan for the facility is approved, related investments needed at the facility will take time to complete.

The rescue plan, announced last June by Energean and dubbed Green Prinos, envisions an adjustment for eco-friendly operations through a series of investments worth 75 million euros.

Energean’s administration, in its company update to analysts, expressed hope that a solution can be found in the first quarter of 2021 for its rescue plan, submitted to the Greek government, which then forwarded the plan to the European Commission.

The rescue plan has remained stuck at the European Directorate for Competition, whose approval is required.

Energean is considering the development of a carbon capture and storage project at its Prinos field, which would be the first in Greece, promising new life for the project, along with the support of investments at field E, whose development depends on the outcome of a financing bid, company officials informed.

Overall, the news for the Prinos field is not good. Losses incurred by this unit since September, 2019, when its crisis began before being further aggravated by the pandemic, have exceeded 100 million euros.

This loss, however, has not affected the overall financial results of Energean, generating significant earnings in Egypt, primarily. Israel, too, could become a major source of earnings for the company as of next year.

Energean plc takes Final Investment Decision on Karish North development

Energean plc has taken Final Investment Decision (FID) on the Karish North gas development, offshore Israel, 21-months after the announcement of the discovery, the company has announced in a statement.

In November 2020, DeGolyer and MacNaughton issued an independent Competent Persons Report that, inter alia, certified 2P reserves of 32 Bcm of gas plus 34 million barrels of liquids
(approximately 241 million barrels of oil equivalent in aggregate) in Karish North as at 30 June 2020.

The discovery will be commercialised via a low-cost tie-back to the Energean Power FPSO, which will be just 5.4km away.

Production from the first well at Karish North is expected to be up
to 300 mmscf/d (approximately 3 Bcm/yr) and first production is expected during 2H 2023.

Initial capital expenditure in the project is expected to be approximately $150 million, or $0.6/boe; and Energean estimates that the project will deliver IRRs in excess of 40%.

On 13 January 2020, Energean signed an 18-month, $700 million term loan facility agreement with J.P. Morgan AG and Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., the primary uses of
which will be:

• Accelerating the development of Karish North, enabling the capital expenditure on the project to be undertaken in advance of first gas from Karish Main. Following first gas from Karish North, the overall Karish project well stock will be able to produce well in excess of
the full 8 Bcm/yr capacity of the FPSO, retaining operational redundancy in the well stock therefore further enhancing overall project reliability.

• Funding the $175 million up-front consideration for the acquisition of the minority interest in Energean Israel Limited, as announced on 30 December 2020, which becomes payable on transaction close, expected 1Q 2021. Energean views the acquisition, for between $380 million and $405 million in total, as highly value-accretive, with very attractive transaction metrics.

Additional uses of the loan are:

• Funding approximately $100 million of capital expenditure required to install the second oil train and second riser on the Energean Power FPSO, which will increase the Energean Power FPSO liquids production capacity to approximately 40 kbopd ( from 21 kbopd) and allow maximum gas production of 800 mmscf/d (approximately 8 Bcm/yr, from 6.5 Bcm/yr). Both the oil train and the second riser are expected to become operational during 2022.

• The 2022 offshore Israel exploration and appraisal drilling programme in early 2022, with up to five wells including:

  • Appraisal of the potential oil rim that was identified as part of the Karish development drilling campaign plus exploration of further prospective gas and liquids volumes within the Karish lease.
  • Block 12, which is located between the Karish and Tanin leases, and is estimated to contain gross prospective recoverable resources in excess of 108 Bcm (3.8 Tcf)
    according to the D&M CPR, with the primary targets having geological chances of success ranging between 63% and 79%. The first well is expected to target the 20
    Bcm (0.7 Tcf) Athena prospect, for which the primary target (11 Bcm /0.4 Tcf) has a 70% geological chance of success. Success at Athena would significantly de-risk
    the remaining 88 Bcm (3.1 Tcf) of prospective resources in the block. Any discovery in that block would be prioritised over the development of Tanin due to (i) lower capital expenditure investment (as compared to Tanin) and (ii) the absence of any seller royalties, unlike the Karish and Tanin leases as Block 12 was not part of the original Karish-Tanin acquisition.
  • Additional prospects assessed to contain 102 Bcm (3.6 Tcf) of gross recoverable prospective resources, based on management estimates, in Energean Israel’s remaining exploration blocks.
    • Whilst total pre-production capex guidance for the Karish Main project remains at $1.7 billion plus the $140 million of deferred payments to TechnipFMC, the balance of the Loan will provide further financial flexibility for Energean Israel Limited.
    The Loan will only be drawn to the extent necessitated and drawn amounts will attract a margin of 5.75%, which steps up by 0.25% every three months, with a maximum of 7.00%. The Loan has been sized to cover the cost of associated fees and interest. Energean maintains its target to retain its medium-term net debt / EBITDAX ratio below 2.0x                                                                                                                                                    On 13 January 2021, Energean also agreed with the existing lenders of its $1.45 billion project finance facility to extend the maturity by nine months, from December 2021 to September 2022.
    Combined with the above Loan, the extension to the maturity date of the project finance facility provides Energean the necessary time and flexibility to optimise its long-term capital structure.
    This is expected to take place in 2021, depending on market conditions.                                                                                                                                                                                                    Mathios Rigas, CEO of Energean, commented: “I am delighted that we have taken Final Investment on Karish North, proving the value of the Energean Power FPSO as a quick and low-cost commercialisation route for our assets in Israel.
    We are also increasing the liquid processing capacity of our FPSO to process the additional volumes we discovered for minimal incremental cost.
    The new term loan and the extension of our project finance facility are a further testament of the confidence of the financial markets in Energean and I want to thank all the institutions for their support. We remain committed to optimising our capital structure to ensure that we maximise total shareholder returns whilst implementing our growth ambitions in Israel and the East Med. We remain on track to achieve our goal of delivering meaningful free cash flows that will support the payment of a sustainable dividend whilst also moving towards our stated target to achieve
    net zero emissions.”

South Kavala UGS tender qualifiers by early February

Greece’s privatization fund TAIPED will finalize its list of second-round qualifiers in a tender offering development and operation of an underground gas storage facility (UGS) in the almost depleted natural gas field of “South Kavala” in northern Greece by late January or early February, sources have informed.

Three parties submitted first-round expressions of interest: China Machinery Engineering Co. Ltd. (CMEC) – Maison Group; DESFA – GEK Terna; and Energean Oil & Gas (in alphabetical order).

Assessments of their supporting documents and other criteria are expected to be completed within the next twenty days.

RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy, still needs to deliver decisions concerning the operating framework of the UGS.

These pending issues include a RAE decision on the percentage of the UGS project’s capacity to be regulated, thus pre-determining this proportion’s revenue, and the earnings percentage to be determined by market forces.

The authority also needs to decide on the duration of the regulatory period and its WACC level.

Upstream projects awaiting Greek State reassurances

Local and foreign upstream companies holding exploration and production licenses for hydrocarbon reserves on Greek territory, offshore and onshore, are awaiting Greek State reassurances for their ventures following a cabinet reshuffle that has resulted in a change of leadership at the energy ministry, bringing in Kostas Skrekas in place of Costis Hatzidakis.

Oil companies, delaying investment plans as a result of the pandemic and lower oil prices, are waiting for a vote of confidence from the Greek State, market sources insist.

The fall in oil prices, currently at levels of about 50 dollar a barrel, may have halted upstream investments internationally, but, nevertheless, this is a good time for resolving bureaucratic obstacles and preparing local communities for prospective exploration efforts that promise to contribute to job creation and economic recovery.

Four upstream investment plans are currently either at an advanced stage in terms of prospective drilling or at preliminary exploration stages.

Of all four plans, Energean’s license for Katakolo, western Greece, is at the most mature stage. Public consultation on an environmental impact study concerning this project’s drilling requirements was completed in December, 2019. The regional authority for western Greece has offered its approval. Even so, a year later, the energy ministry has yet to deliver its decision on the environmental study.

A license for the Gulf of Patras field, held by Hellenic Petroleum (ELPE) and Edison, is also at a mature stage. The partners requested, and were granted, an extension for the start of drilling at this field. EDEY, the Greek Hydrocarbon Management Company, granted the pair a further 15 months, until January 23, 2023, to facilitate their preparations.

Sources have attributed this additional time to a lack of appropriate regional port facilities, needed to facilitate the installation of equipment required for drilling. ELPE and Edison had previously been given another extension, until October, 2021.

On another front, a partnership comprising Repsol and Energean has until April to start a second stage of exploration activities at its Ioannina block in northwestern Greece. Local community approval is needed. The government needs to take action on the issue.

A fourth upstream project carrying geopolitical weight concerns licenses held by a consortium made up of Total, ExxonMobil and ELPE for offshore fields west and southwest of Crete. Though company representatives recently informed Crete’s regional authorities that seismic surveys are planned to begin towards spring, there have been no further updates or any signs of action.

Energean Israeli exploration to focus on gas deposits estimated at 62 bcm

Energean Oil & Gas will now focus its Israeli exploration activities on the Karish, Tanin and Block 12 fields in an effort to boost its certified natural gas and liquid hydrocarbon reserves.

Following yesterday’s announcements by the Greek company, according to which an independent Competent Persons Report by DeGolyer and MacNaughton certifies 98.2 Bcm (3.5 Tcf) of gas and 99.6 million barrels of liquids (MMbbls) at the Karish, Karish North and Tanin offshore fields of Israel, the exploration program will restart in 2022 for a boost of reserves through the Karish, Tanin and Block 12 licenses. Energean plans to stage its next drilling efforts in two years.

Estimates indicate 62 billion cubic meters of natural gas and 33.4 million barrels of liquid hydrocarbons, representing 431 million barrels of oil equivalent.

Energean will also focus on Block 12 targets – named after the Greek gods Zeus, Hera, Apollo, Athena and Hestia – estimated to carry prospective gas reserves measuring 32.7 billion cubic meters, more than half the overall 62 billion cubic meters.

Discovery of these prospective reserves is expected to further reinforce the Greek company’s standing on the southeast Mediterranean energy map.

Significant 2P reserves increase at Energean’s Israeli Assets

Energean plc has announced the completion of an independent Competent Persons Report by DeGolyer and MacNaughton, which certifies 98.2 Bcm (3.5 Tcf) of gas and 99.6 million barrels of liquids (MMbbls) gross (Energean 70%) 2P reserves in the Karish, Karish North and Tanin fields.

Energean’s gross 2P reserves in Israel now total approximately 729 million barrels of oil equivalent which represents a 44% uplift to previously estimated 2P reserves.

The increase was principally driven by the upgrade of resources following approval of the Karish North Field Development Plan by the Israeli government in August 2020. A Final Investment Decision for Karish North is expected in 4Q 2020.

The CPR also results in a 21.4% (17.5 MMbbls) increase in gross 2P liquid volumes and the field is now expected to average 28 kbpd liquid production over a plateau period of approximately five years. The additional liquids production is expected to have no discernible impact on the scope 1 and scope 2 carbon intensity of the fields, which is expected to remain at approximately 6 kgCO2/boe, (significantly lower than the E&P global average of 18 kgCO2/boe).

Further upside potential is represented by gross risked prospective resources across Energean’s Israeli portfolio of 62.0 Bcm of gas plus 33.4 MMbbls of liquids (approximately 431 MMboe in total). These prospective resource volumes will be targeted by Energean’s next exploration campaign, which is expected to commence in early 2022. All prospects are situated in close proximity to the Energean Power FPSO, representing potential low-cost tie-back options for future developments.                                                                                                                                                                                                      Mathios Rigas, CEO of Energean, commented: “We are delighted that our independent reserves auditor has confirmed 2P gas volumes of 98 Bcm within our Karish, Karish North and Tanin fields, offshore Israel, representing another year of continuous reserves growth in our portfolio. This gas, the majority of which has already been contracted, will be sold under fixed-price gas sales agreements that will protect our revenue stream from commodity price fluctuations, which underpins our strategic goal of paying a sustainable dividend.

The approximately 100 MMboe of 2P liquids reserves and production plateau averaging 28 kbpd over five years, represents a substantial increase on previous estimates, which further supplements our shareholder returns profile with high-margin production that has no incremental impact on our scope 1 and scope 2 CO2 emissions intensity.

We look forward to progressing the 62 Bcm and 33 MMbbls of risked prospective resources across our Karish and Tanin leases and in Block 12, with the intention to recommence our successful exploration programme in early-2022 and, through doing so, will continue to contribute to the diversity and security of natural gas supply into Israel and the wider Eastern Mediterranean.”

 

Three bidders express first-round interest in South Kavala UGS tender

Τhree interested parties have submitted expressions of interest to a tender offering use, development and operation of an underground natural gas storage facility (UGS) in the almost depleted natural gas field of “South Kavala” in northern Greece, The Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF S.A.) has announced in a statement.

Expressions of Interest were submitted by the following parties, in alphabetical order:

  • CHINA MACHINERY ENGINEERING CO. LTD. (CMEC) – MAISON GROUP
  • DESFA – GEK TERNA
  • ENERGEAN OIL & GAS

HRADF’s advisors will evaluate the aforementioned expressions of interest and submit to the fund’s Board of Directors their recommendation regarding the candidates that qualify for the next phase of the tender (binding offers phase).

The almost depleted natural gas field “South Kavala” is located in the southwestern part of the Prinos-Kavala basin, in 52 meters of water depth in the North Aegean Sea, about 6 km off the west coast of Thassos.

The duration of the concession agreement will be up to 50 years following the licensing of the UGS in South Kavala. The conversion of the natural gas field “South Kavala” into a UGS will be carried out by the concessionaire within a binding period to be determined in the concession agreement.

The UGS South Kavala is intended to serve as energy infrastructure that will enhance the security of supply in the Greek market as well as in Southeastern Europe, ensuring gas supply to end users and facilitating security-of-supply obligations of power producers and natural gas suppliers.

Storengy’s Kavala UGS tender exit prompts formation changes

A decision by France’s Storengy (Engie) to not participate in a forthcoming tender offering an underground natural gas storage facility (UGS) license for the almost depleted South Kavala offshore natural gas field in the country’s north has prompted a domino effect of formation changes by groups of investors planning to bid.

GEK TERNA appears to have formed an association with gas grid operator DESFA for the tender after having previously agreed to join forces with Energean Oil & Gas and Storengy.

Energean Oil & Gas, holding a license for the virtually depleted South Kavala field, has not remained an onlooker. The company has also found a partner, believed to be domestic, from the construction sector, according to sources.

To date, Energean Oil & Gas has held talks with three major groups, Mytilineos, AVAX and Aktor, the same sources added.

A Chinese investor is also believed to be interested in the South Kavala UGS tender, staged by privatization fund TAIPED, but will not link up with any partners.

The tender is offering rights for the use, development and exploitation of the virtually depleted offshore natural gas field south of Kavala as a UGS facility for a period of up to 50 years.

Participants must submit first-round, non-binding offers by October 19 following three deadline extensions.

South Kavala UGS bidders talk formations as deadline nears

Prospective bidders of an upcoming tender to offer an underground natural gas storage facility (UGS) license for the almost depleted South Kavala offshore natural gas field in the country’s north are deliberating over possible partnerships as the October 19 deadline for official expressions of interest approaches.

Greek gas grid operator DESFA, Energean Oil & Gas and GEK TERNA will participate in the tender, according to enegypress sources, while some market officials believe a Chinese company, not yet revealed, is also interested.

All three Greek companies have remained tight-lipped on possible partnership formations for the tender. GEK TERNA and Energean Oil & Gas are believed to be discussing the prospect of teaming up, while DESFA and the Chinese company will most likely enter the tender alone, energypress sources informed.

The tender, staged by privatization fund TAIPED, will offer rights for the use, development and exploitation of the virtually depleted offshore natural gas field south of Kavala as a UGS facility for a period of up to 50 years.

Investments needed for the project’s development are estimated between 300 and 400 million euros.

The field is located approximately 6 kilometers from the west coast of the island Thasos, in the North Aegean Sea, at a depth of 52 meters.

Its development into a UGS facility promises to contribute to Greece’s energy security and that of southeast Europe.

Repsol given 6-month extension for Ioannina license preliminary work

A pandemic-related extension request made by Spain’s Repsol for an additional six-month period to complete preliminary research concerning a license in Ioannina, northwestern Greece, has been granted by EDEY, Greek Hydrocarbon Management Company, in a decision reached last week that resets the deadline for April 2, 2021.

Repsol, operator of a consortium formed with Energean Oil & Gas for the Ioannina license, had lodged its extension request late in August.

Repsol’s preliminary research work at the Ioannina license was initially expected to be completed by early October ahead of a decision on whether it would proceed with drilling.

The pandemic has severely impacted the upstream industry worldwide. Multinationals engaged in hydrocarbon research and production activities have severely limited their investment plans as a result of the pandemic’s impact on petroleum markets.

A rebound for the upstream sector appears highly unlikely any time soon given the rising second wave of coronavirus cases.

The EDEY extension will enable Repsol to conduct a more thorough analysis of seismic data collected and enable the company to hold on for the prospect of improved upstream industry conditions.

EDEY justified its extension by noting it will help the investors complete their assessment of technical work conducted during the preliminary stage.

 

 

Storengy exits UGS tender, partners seek new operator

France’s Storengy appears to have stepped back from an upcoming tender for the privatization of an underground natural gas storage facility (UGS) at an almost depleted South Kavala offshore natural gas field in the country’s north, energypress understands.

Storengy, a subsidiary of the Engie group, had formed a three-member consortium with Energean Oil & Gas, holder of the South Kavala field’s license, and construction firm GEK-Terna for this tender.

Storengy’s apparent decision to withdraw from the South Kavala tender may be linked to a decision reached two years earlier by Engie for a revision of its international interests and investment plans.

Energean Oil & Gas and GEK-Terna, Storengy’s two partners for the South Kavala tender, remain interested in expressing first-round interest by a September 30 deadline, but to do so, they must find a new partner, a certified gas grid operator, as required by the tender’s regulations.

The two players have subsequently moved closer to gas grid operator DESFA, already eyeing this tender. According to sources, talks between the two sides have commenced. DESFA will need to hold a stake of at least 20 percent in any partnership formed.

Both sides are also believed to be considering other partnership options. Storengy’s withdrawal could also bring in unanticipated European operators.

Investments of approximately 300 to 400 million euros will be needed to develop the South Kavala UGS.

Energean announces key developments for Karish project

Energean plc, the gas producer focused on the Mediterranean, has announced two important developments in the Karish Development Project.

In Singapore, the first topsides module lift on to the Energean Power FPSO (floating production storage and offloading unit)hull has been safely and successfully completed at Sembcorp Marine’s Admiralty Yard, Singapore, the company announced in a statement.

The electrical house (E-house), which contains all the FPSO control equipment and electrical switchgear, was lifted onto the Energean Power hull on August 24. The E-house, weighing in at 850 tonnes, was lifted using the L-801 Barge pontoon crane, with lift preparation commencing early morning and successful touchdown on the hull in the early afternoon.

Sembcorp Marine has been subcontracted by EPC contractor TechnipFMC, while lifting operation has been executed by Jurong Marine Services PTE.

Also, the Energean Power FPSO suction anchors have been successfully installed at the 267 mmboe 2P Karish Field.

In less than 3 weeks, 13 piles of 7.5m diameter, 19m height, and weighing 176 tons each plus one pile of 9m diameter, 17m height, and weighing 233 tons have been installed on the seabed, in water depths ranging from 1,695m to 1,763m.

The piles were transported and installed by the heavy lift construction vessel “Fairprayer”, owned by Jumbo Offshore and subcontracted by the Karish EPC contractor, TechnipFMC.

The operations were performed under Covid-19 social distancing conditions and without any LTIFR incidents.

The “Energean Power” FPSO will be used to develop all of the company’s Israeli fields. It will be installed 90 km offshore and be the first FPSO ever to operate in the Eastern Mediterranean. The FPSO will have a gas treatment capacity of 800 MMscf/day and liquids storage capacity of 800,000 bbls.

Installation of the Energean Power FPSO mooring lines is now in progress and the project remains on track to deliver first gas in 2H 2021.

 

 

 

Two, possibly three, bidders for South Kavala UGS license

An upcoming tender to offer an underground natural gas storage facility (UGS) license for the almost depleted South Kavala offshore natural gas field in the country’s north is expected to attract the interest of two, or possibly three, bidding teams.

Interested parties have been given an extension to express non-binding first-round interest. Prospective participants are busy preparing.

The participation of Storengy – a three-member consortium formed by France’s Engie, Energean Oil & Gas, holder of the South Kavala field’s license, and construction firm GEK-Terna – is considered a certainty as this consortium was established in anticipation of this tender.

Greek gas grid operator DESFA, increasingly active, since its privatization, in various projects, including some beyond its more customary operator-related bounds, is seen as another certain bidder for the South Kavala UGS license.

Senfluga, the consortium of companies that acquired a 66 percent stake of DESFA, appears very interested in the South Kavala UGS tender. This consortium’s current line-up is comprised of: Snam (54%), Enagas (18%), Fluxys (18%) and Copelouzos group member Damco (10%).

Though Senfluga’s three foreign partners – Snam, Enagas and Fluxys – are examining the prospect of joining DESFA to express joint interest, separate bids from the two sides are considered likeliest. The main reason for this has to do with certain tender rules that restrict the ability of consortiums participating in the first round to then reshuffle, if needed.

Pricing policy regulations expected from RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy, ahead of binding offers, will be crucial to how the tender plays out as these rules will determine the project’s earnings potential and level of bids.

Prinos field rescue effort now at the finance ministry

A government effort to rescue offshore Prinos, Greece’s only producing field, in the north, is now in the hands of the finance ministry following preceding work at the energy ministry, sources have informed.

The field, like the wider upstream industry, has been impacted by the pandemic and plunge in oil prices.

Deputy finance minister Theodoros Skylakakis is now handling the Prinos rescue case following the transfer of a related file from the energy ministry.

According to the sources, three scenarios are being considered. A financing plan through a loan with Greek State guarantees appears to be the top priority. A second option entails the utilization of an alternate form of state aid. The other consideration involves the Greek State’s equity participation in the Prinos field’s license holder, Energean Oil & Gas.

The European Commission will need to offer its approval to any of these options as they all represent forms of state aid.

Energy ministry sources have avoided offering details but are confident a solution is in the making.

Rescue talks for Prinos, Greece’s only producing field, making progress

Talks between Energean Oil & Gas and officials at the energy and economy ministries for a solution to rescue offshore Prinos, Greece’s only producing field in the north, are making progress, sources have informed.

Heightened Turkish provocations in the Aegean Sea over the past few days – the neighboring country sent a survey vessel into Greece’s EEZ – and greater US presence in the wider southeast Mediterranean region, are two developments that have injected further urgency into the Prinos field rescue talks.

The east Mediterranean is at the core of geopolitical developments that promise to create new political and energy sector conditions.

US oil corporation Chevron, America’s second-biggest energy group, has joined fellow American upstream giant ExxonMobil in the east Mediterranean with a five billion-dollar acquisition of Noble Energy.

This takeover by the California-based buyer adds to the Chevron portfolio the gigantic Leviathan gas field in Israel’s EEZ, as well as the Aphrodite gas field, situated within the Cypriot EEZ and estimated to hold 4.5 trillion cubic feet.

It also offers Chevron prospective roles in the East Med pipeline, to supply Europe via the Leviathan field, and Egypt’s LNG infrastructure, all elevating the petroleum group into a dominant regional player.

Israel and Cyprus recently ratified the East Med agreement, as has Greece, while Italy appears to be examining the prospect.

In another regional development, the Total-ENI-ELPE consortium is preparing to conduct seismic surveys at licenses south and southwest of Crete, and an environmental study southeast of Crete has been approved by Greek authorities. Also, oil majors with interests in Cyprus’ EEZ have planned a series of drilling operations for 2021.

Meanwhile, Turkey, trespassing into both Greek and Cypriot EEZ waters, consistently cites a memorandum recently signed with Libya as support for its actions, as well as its refusal to sign the UN’s International Law of the Sea treaty, strongly disagreeing with an article that gives EEZ and continental shelf rights to island areas.

Greek government officials are well aware that closure of the Prinos field amid such precarious conditions would lead to major consequences, not just economic and social, as would be the case under normal conditions, but also geopolitical.

Ministry still examining Energean Prinos rescue plan

The energy ministry is continuing its close examination of a business plan delivered by Energean Oil & Gas for the rescue of its Prinos offshore oil field in northern Greece, requiring investments totaling 75 million euros in 2020 and 2021 if the venture is to be kept afloat following the negative impact of  lower oil prices and the pandemic, according to the company.

“The ministry is continuing to examine the data provided by the company as well as the business plan. They have determined the size of the necessary funds at 75 million euros but we, too, need to verify this,” an energy ministry official informed.

Early signs of a petroleum market rebound are encouraging but this does not mean that the market has fully recovered, the official added.

The ministry acknowledges the potential damage closure of the oil field would have on the local economy and, as a result, is looking for solutions, the official added.

Energean officials have stressed that time is running out for the oil field’s rescue, urgently needing a solution to remain viable.

The government will need to utilize the EU’s temporary state aid framework to ensure financial support for the Prinos oil field, Greece’s only producing field at present, and its necessary investments.

Energean: Karish pipe laying, subsea systems completed

Energean, the oil and gas producer focused on the Mediterranean, has announced that partner TechnipFMC has successfully completed, on time, the laying of the gas sales pipeline and the main deep-water installations of the subsea production systems for its Karish and Tanin Development project, offshore Israel, describing the step as a key milestone.

Pipelay vessel Solitaire completed the core installation of a 30’’ and 24’’ pipeline of 90.3 km length, at depths of up to 1,700 metres, Energean’s announcement noted. The full pipeline installation, including a significant Tie In Manifold structure (TIM-Water Depth 72m) and the pre-commissioning program, is expected to be completed in 4Q 2020, well within the project schedule, it added.

The pipeline was laid at an average rate, excluding the beach pull, of 4,578 meters per day which represents a world-class performance by TechnipFMC, Energean explained.

The construction support vessel Normand Cutter completed the installation of the production manifold and subsea isolation valve foundations and structures. The Installation of the three sets of risers (2×10” and 1×16”) that will connect the three producing wells to the FPSO and then to the Gas Sales Pipeline is expected to commence in 4Q 2020 and be completed in 1Q 2021, according to the statement.

More than 400 personnel have worked on these offshore operations, during which zero Lost Time Injuries occurred, Energean noted, adding the overall physical progress of the Karish Development project now stands at c. 80% complete.

On behalf of Energean, Vincent Reboul Salze, Project Director – Karish EPCIC, stated: “We are very satisfied with the current installation performance on the subsea scope until now. The East Med in spring has proven to be a favorable environment and the pipelay performance has been remarkable on all aspects.”

Crisis’ impact on Prinos looked at, Energean up against time

The energy ministry has turned to specialized consulting firm assistance for a detailed analysis on the pandemic’s financial impact on the Prinos offshore oil field in northern Greece, the country’s only producing field at present.

The energy ministry’s secretary-general Alexandra Sdoukou, handling the matter on behalf of the ministry, is currently holding talks on a daily basis with officials at Energean Oil & Gas, the field’s license holder.

The company wants emergency government support amid the extraordinary market conditions, energypress sources have informed.

The two sides are believed to be closely examining related data to determine the extent of the financial damage, for this project, due to the plunge in international oil prices, prompted by lower demand amid the widespread lockdown.

Energean Oil & Gas has invested 50 million euros between September, 2019 and May to keep production flowing at Prinos, an aging field, sources noted.

Sustainability is becoming a growing challenge at this venture, employing a workforce of approximately 270 employees, market authorities have noted. A cutdown in operating costs is seen as essential.

A cash injection for “Epsilon”, a fresher field in the area also licensed to Energean, could be made as a support for the company. Another option may entail financial support by the Greek State in exchange for a stake in Energean. Alternatively, state guarantees could be offered for a bank loan.

The finance ministry is also expected to become involved in the Prinos rescue effort. Much work lies ahead before any decisions can be reached. These will require European Commission approval.