**Eni Marks a Milestone with Argo Cassiopea Gas Field Start-Up**
In a significant achievement for the oil and gas industry, Eni SPA has successfully launched gas production from the Argo Cassiopea field located off the coast of Italy. This momentous occasion comes just three years after the commencement of works, demonstrating the speed and efficiency with which Eni has brought this project to fruition.
### Key Highlights of the Argo Cassiopea Project
1. **Subsea Production Network:**
– Eni has begun extracting gas from one of four subsea wells recently drilled in the Strait of Sicily. These wells are part of a comprehensive subsea installation, showcasing the company’s expertise in offshore drilling and production.
– The initial test production is being transported through a 60-kilometer subsea pipeline to the Gela processing plant. This advanced infrastructure ensures efficient and safe transportation of gas to the national grid.
2. **Carbon Neutrality:**
– The Argo Cassiopea project is designed to minimize environmental impact. To achieve carbon neutrality for Scope 1 and 2 emissions, Eni has installed a dedicated 3.6 MW peak photovoltaic panel array. This sustainable approach underscores Eni’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.
3. **Gas Reserves and Production:**
– The Argo Cassiopea field holds an estimated 10 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas. Initial projections indicate that the field will produce approximately 1.5 billion cubic meters annually.
4. **Partnership and Future Plans:**
– The development of the Argo Cassiopea field has been a collaborative effort between Eni (60%) and Energean PLC (40%). Energean is currently in the process of selling its stake in Argo Cassiopea, along with other exploration and production interests in the Mediterranean Sea, to Carlyle International Energy Partners.