ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece’s Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis assured that the ambitious electricity cable connecting the power grids of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel remains on course for completion by the end of the decade, despite facing setbacks. “The Great Sea Interconnector will proceed as scheduled. We are actively addressing any challenges to ensure its successful implementation,” Gerapetritis stated following a meeting in Athens with his Israeli and Cypriot counterparts, Gideon Saar and Constantinos Kombos. The 1.9-billion-euro ($2.06 billion) initiative, supported by EU funds, aims to interconnect the power grids of the three Mediterranean countries via an undersea cable stretching approximately 1,210 kilometers (750 miles) and reaching depths of 3,000 meters (9,800 feet). Despite encountering hurdles such as financial disputes and complications due to ongoing maritime disputes between Greece and Turkey, the project’s strategic significance is undeniable. The interconnector seeks to bolster energy security, promote renewable energy integration, and decrease reliance on fossil fuels. “We understand the crucial role that interconnection projects play in enhancing stability, energy security, and regional cooperation,” Gerapetritis emphasized. “This is not only beneficial for our region but for all of Europe.”
