ALBAWABA - Cyprus and Greece signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop a submarine electricity interconnection project. This project will be the world’s longest undersea electrical interconnection as it aims to connect Europe’s electricity grids with the eastern Mediterranean.
Great Sea Interconnector
This new project, named the “Great Sea Interconnector,” will connect Cyprus to the European electricity grids at an estimated cost of approximately $2.12 billion (€1.9 billion). The interconnection is expected to be the longest worldwide, with a total length of 1,240 kilometers and a depth of up to 3,000 meters below sea level.
The interconnection is expected to be the longest worldwide, with a total length of 1,240 kilometers and a depth of up to 3,000 meters below sea level. (Shutterstock)
The Ministry of Energy in both countries stated that work on the project will begin in a few days. Despite having natural gas resources, Cyprus still relies heavily on fuel oil for electricity generation, which makes the cost of energy high in the country compared to other countries in Europe.
According to both countries, the project has a major strategic importance, as it will connect Cyprus to the European electricity grid, facilitate energy transfer, and help Greece achieve its goal of becoming a clean energy transmission hub in the region and globally.
"This is a project of strategic importance for Cyprus, Greece and the EU since it will link Cyprus to the electricity network of Europe, facilitating its energy transition and the aim of Greece to be a conduit of clean energy," the ministries said.
