21405 - Zohr’s biogenic gas and the prospects for Greece and Cyprus (with E. Conophagos)

E. Conophagos, N. Lygeros
Translated from the Greek by Athena Kehagias

One of the most important elements of the discovery of the Zohr reserve, is that it is regarding natural gas which is biogenic, ie, mainly unmodified methane, much newer and one not deriving from breaking down oil.
This fact was not taken into account in the classic models of estimation of hydrocarbon reserves in the eastern Mediterranean.
Therefore, with the Zohr reserve, the Italian company ENI opens new paths and creates perspectives which were never taken into account prior, while we simultaneously see that it regards hypergigantic reserves which alter all the data of the region.
We should therefore alter the classic models as well in this case, because it is not regarding psammites (sandstones), ie sand, but limestones, which with the water, they are containing components of the Karstification phenomenon, consequently they obtain extremely high porosity.
Because it was situated in paleo-lagoons for millions of years, and in that way large caves were created, filled with natural gas.
This practically means, that both the estimates, and the models, should be amended accordingly, and such action will have substantially positive consequences for both Greece and Cyprus regarding our EEZ’s.
It is necessary therefore, to get involved differently in regards to this sector, in order to be more efficient and to also identify more precisely the areas where seismic surveys should take place.
Because with these data, as indicated, we need to have a broader look, in order to be more susceptible to new geological structures even in our own region.
Greece and Cyprus can play a dynamic role through the tripartite with Egypt in both the Eastern Mediterranean and the European Union.