GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd is pleased to announce a new gas discovery in the UK Southern North Sea (SNS). The Cepheus 44/12a-6 exploration well encountered a gas column within the Permian Lower Leman Sandstone which was the primary reservoir target. The well was spudded on 9 March 2014 and drilled to a total measured depth (MD) of 12, 125 feet (11,730 feet TVDSS - total vertical depth subsea). It was deviated north-eastwards from a top hole location in block 44/12a to the target location in block 44/12b (Licence P1731). The GSF Monarch rig is scheduled to move off location on 29th May after plugging and abandonment operations.

Jean-Claude Perdigues, Managing Director of GDF SUEZ E&P UK commented: "This is a timely and pleasing announcement of an exploration discovery near to the Cygnus development where excellent progress is being made on the installation of the first offshore structures. The discovery supports our strategy to add value to the Cygnus field through its development as a hub for the wider area and it consolidates the SNS as a core area for GDF SUEZ."

Equity interests in the P1731 licence are operator GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd (34.48%) and partners Centrica North Sea Gas Limited (48.28%) and Bayerngas E&P Limited (17.24%).

GDF SUEZ E&P activities in the UK

GDF SUEZ, through its subsidiary GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd is an increasingly significant player in oil and gas exploration and production in the UK Continental Shelf. Since entering the region in 1997, the company has built up a substantial portfolio of assets in the Central and Southern North Sea, and West of Shetland, comprising more than 50 licenses, 20 as operator*. The company entered the UK onshore market in October 2013 when it agreed to acquire a 25% share in 13 licences located in Cheshire and the East Midlands from Dart Energy, which is operator of the licences. GDF SUEZ E&P UK is the operator of the Cygnus development, one of the most significant undeveloped gas fields in the North Sea and employs more than 300 staff and contractors in offices in London and Aberdeen. Cygnus is located in the Southern North Sea, 150 kilometres off the coast of Lincolnshire. It has gross 2P (proved and probable) reserves of approximately 18 billion cubic metres. First gas is expected in late 2015.

*As awarded by DECC

About GDF SUEZ

GDF SUEZ develops its businesses (power, natural gas, energy services) around a model based on responsible growth to take up today's major energy and environmental challenges: meeting energy needs, ensuring the security of supply, fighting against climate change and maximizing the use of resources. The Group provides highly efficient and innovative solutions to individuals, cities and businesses by relying on diversified gas-supply sources, flexible and low-emission power generation as well as unique expertise in four key sectors: independent power production, liquefied natural gas, renewable energy and energy efficiency services. GDF SUEZ employs 147,200 people worldwide and achieved revenues of €81.3 billion in 2013. The Group is listed on the Paris, Brussels and Luxembourg stock exchanges and is represented in the main international indices: CAC 40, BEL 20, DJ Euro Stoxx 50, Euronext 100, FTSE Eurotop 100, MSCI Europe and Euronext Vigeo (World 120, Eurozone 120, Europe 120 and France 20). GDF SUEZ is also the main shareholder of SUEZ Environment, an expert in water and waste management.