US backs 500 kV Mediterranean power interconnector
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed support for the Great Sea Interconnector, a planned 500 kV high-voltage direct current (HVDC) interconnector with 1,000 MW transmission capacity, linking Greece and Cyprus, with a later extension to Israel.
The €1.9 billion (approximately $2.13 billion) project, developed by Greece’s transmission system operator IPTO, would connect Cyprus to the European electricity market.
Rubio told Kathimerini the US was “very committed” to the project and would use diplomatic efforts to address obstacles.
Progress has slowed amid a maritime dispute between Greece and Turkey. Greece wants to resume seabed surveys to determine the cable route, while Turkey maintains that prior coordination is required.
French investment group Meridiam signed an agreement in August to become the project's majority shareholder.
The interconnector aims to expand cross-border electricity transmission, diversify energy supplies and strengthen grid connectivity in the eastern Mediterranean, where Cyprus remains isolated from other EU electricity markets.
Source: internazionale.it
