Israel has unveiled plans to construct a subsea electricity cable that will connect the country's power grids to those in Europe and the Gulf states.

The proposed 150-kilometer (93-mile) underwater cable project will stretch along Israel's Mediterranean coast from Ashkelon in the south to Haifa in the north, aiming to meet the increasing energy demands in the central and northern regions. The cable will primarily transmit renewable solar energy generated in the south to fulfill the electricity needs of cities in the center and north of the country.

The project also presents the opportunity to link Israel's electricity network to European power grids through Cyprus and Greece, while exploring connections to Gulf countries via Jordan and Egypt. This interconnectivity would offer backup options for Israel's local grid during power shortages and enable the export of green electricity from Israel. Energy and Infrastructure Minister Israel Katz sees the cable as a crucial step toward establishing Israel as an energy powerhouse, bridging East and West and enhancing regional stability. The national plan for energy and infrastructure, set to be unveiled in the coming weeks, aims to improve electricity system reliability, accelerate renewable energy deployment, and foster connections with Europe, Egypt, Jordan, and the Gulf states.

As Israel grapples with power outages during recent heatwaves and works toward energy security and independence, the need for reliable and sustainable energy sources becomes increasingly urgent. To meet its target of generating 30% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030, Israel plans to allocate additional land for solar power facilities. The proposed underwater electricity cable project aligns with Israel's broader vision to bolster its international status by positioning itself as an energy bridge connecting different regions. Furthermore, the state-owned energy group EAPC has also announced plans to construct a fiber optic cable infrastructure connecting the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, facilitating data transmission between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Source: timesofisrael.com