On Friday, October 14 in the evening in a well-managed ceremony that took place at the Presidential Mansion of the Republic of Cyprus in Nicosia, the construction phase of the Eurasia Interconnector electricity cable, that will link Cyprus’s electricity system to those of Greece and Israel, was launched.On Friday, October 14 in the evening in a well-managed ceremony that took place at the Presidential Mansion of the Republic of Cyprus in Nicosia, the construction phase of the Eurasia Interconnector electricity cable, that will link Cyprus’s electricity system to those of Greece and Israel, was launched. This 2.0 GW electricity connection, (for details see https://lnkd.in/d3ESkP7R) is one of the largest energy infrastructure projects worldwide, that will enhance energy security in the East Mediterranean and will ensure Cyprus’s transition from an energy island to becoming part of the European electricity network. Eurasia Interconnector will connect the electricity system of Cyprus to those of Israel and Greece.
The energy security implications for Israel are equally important as it will also obtain electricity access to the European network. The laying of the 1208 kms undersea cable is slated to start early next year while construction of the high tech converter stations on the island but also in Heraklion ,Crete and in Hadera, Israel will commence later with the several phases of the project planned for completion by the end of 2026, with the connector entering commercial operation in 2027.
To underline the great strategic importance of this € 2,5 billion project, fully backed by the EU, a number of dignitaries participated and spoke in the inauguration ceremony including the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr.Nikos Anastasiadis, the Ministers of Energy of Greece and Cyprus, Mr.Costas Skrekas and Natasha Pilidou respectively, the Energy Commissioner of the EU Ms.Kadri Simson and the chairman of Eurasia Interconnector, Mr.Nassos Ktorides. IENE, which has closely followed and reported on the progress of the project since its inception in 2011, was represented in the inauguration ceremony by its Chairman Mr.Costis Stambolis.
