Israel, Greece and Cyprus sign interconnection agreement

The governments of Israel, Greece and Cyprus have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aiming to implement an underground electricity cable that would link the power grids of the three countries

The governments of Israel, Greece and Cyprus have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aiming to implement an underground electricity cable that would link the power grids of the three countries.

The planned ‘EuroAsia Interconnector’ would have the capacity to carry transmit 1-2GW of electricity during peak periods, with an ambitious target of completing the project in 2024 with the aim of beginning operations in 2025.

“The [energy] ministers agreed to boost cooperation, examining the design and potential development of the EuroAsia interconnector project,” the Cypriot energy ministry said in a statement following the signing of the MoU.

Israel’s energy ministry said the interconnection would be the world’s longest underwater power cable.

“The underwater cable will be developed in the Mediterranean Sea for about 1,500km and at a maximum depth of about 2,700 metres.”

The electricity cable would be developed in three sections. The sections between Israel and Cyprus and Crete and mainland Greece would be about 310km long, with the section between Cyprus and Crete planned to be 900km long.

The EuroAsia Interconnector project was identified by the European Commission in 2012 as a project of common interest (PCI) for the European Union’s internal energy market. PCI projects are eligible to receive EU funds for studies and financing.