The onshore facilities of the EastMed/Poseidon natural gas pipeline will be constructed in the industrial area of Vasilikos. The exact locations will be confirmed during the upcoming stages of the project, following the completion of technical, environmental, and social studies. These studies aim to identify suitable areas while minimizing impact on the local population and environment.

The company in charge of the project, IGI Poseidon S.A., has invited competent authorities, stakeholders, and members of the public to attend a presentation of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment study. The event will take place on May 14, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the “Lambros Loizou” event hall of the Zygi Community Council.

During the presentation, attendees will be informed of the findings of the Study and will have the opportunity to submit comments and observations to IGI Poseidon by June 14, 2025.

According to Brief’s information, the meeting will also cover the findings of the Environmental Baseline Study conducted in the study area of the onshore facilities and the coastal pipeline segment. This study was carried out between April 2021 and May 2022.

The Cypriot section of the EastMed pipeline comprises both subsea and onshore infrastructure to transport natural gas from Israel’s and Cyprus’s offshore fields located within areas under Cypriot jurisdiction. The Vasilikos industrial area is designated as the entry point for the pipelines from the coast and the development of the related onshore installations.

The Vasilikos area has already been selected for infrastructure related to oil product storage and other natural gas-related facilities. The plots in this area are zoned exclusively for heavy industrial use and administrative or auxiliary buildings that support energy-related activities. Residential or commercial developments are not permitted.

The EastMed natural gas pipeline is a combined subsea and onshore project connecting the energy resources of the Eastern Mediterranean (specifically the gas reserves in the Levant Basin) with mainland Greece via Cyprus and Crete. The project is expected to facilitate the commercial exploitation of new gas reserves.

According to IGI Poseidon, studies prepared for the project emphasize that, in conjunction with the Poseidon pipeline, EastMed will integrate regional infrastructure, link European energy systems, and enhance the energy security of Mediterranean and Southeastern European countries.

When connected to the Poseidon pipeline, the infrastructure will enable the transfer of natural gas to Italy and other European markets. Both projects are listed among Europe’s “Projects of Common Interest.”

Reliable sources estimate that the project will strengthen Europe's energy supply security by diversifying both routes and sources, connect the Eastern Mediterranean’s gas reserves to European markets, and promote the development of a new energy corridor.

The Cypriot section of this international pipeline system consists of a Northern and a Southern Line. To increase supply reliability, the two lines are designed to operate independently but also complement one another.

The EastMed Interconnector in Cyprus includes pipelines delivering gas from the Israel-Cyprus maritime border and Cyprus’s national reserves to the island’s interior, and from there to Crete and mainland Greece. Preliminary designs currently consider an entry point near the “Aphrodite” gas field, although the field’s availability has yet to be confirmed.

Stakeholder consultation and participation form an integral part of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment process.