The target of importing natural gas to Cyprus for energy production in 2016 was the main issue discussed during the first meeting Minister of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Yiorgos Lakkotrypis had on Wednesday with the new Board of Directors of Natural Gas Public Company (DEFA).

Speaking after the meeting, Lakkotrypis said that they discussed the priorities of DEFA, which focus on the effort to bring natural gas to the island for energy production.

Called to comment on objections raised by Electricity Authority of Cyprus on the risk of a possible long-term contract of 7 or 10 years, Lakkotrypis said that these issues are under discussion at the moment and will also be discussed with President Anastasiades.

Replying to another question, Lakkotrypis said that the target of the process is to have natural gas for energy production in Cyprus in 2016 and that the tender documents are in line with that target.

Called to comment on criticism for a delay in the process, the Minister said that the documents will be submitted on April 16, 2014, noting that it is probably the biggest contract that the Republic of Cyprus, through DEFA, has ever negotiated and for that reason the process will take as much time as needed.

DEFA announced on January 25 an invitation for an open competition for the supply of Natural Gas to DEFA for a period of up to 10 years commencing 1 January 2016. According to the announcement, DEFA’s requirements are for natural gas supply to be delivered at the station boundary at the Vasilikos Power Station, Cyprus.