The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been approached by Cyprus to facilitate the implementation of the European subsea cable project. Cyprus approached the Middle East nation for a possible cooperation on the EU-financed subsea project. Once complete, the project is expected to have a monumental significance linking Europe to the eastern Mediterranean region. Moreover, Cyprus reaffirmed their commitment to the project and their zeal to see it through. European prosecutors said last Thursday that they had launched an investigation into possible criminal offences relating to the 1.9 billion euro ($2.2 billion) cable. The cable is expected to link Greece with Cyprus and later to Israel, a project all three countries say they support despite a series of delays. “To cite just one example that proves this political commitment of ours, I and the foreign minister visited the United Arab Emirates,” Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides told reporters.
Project Overview
Significance:
- Will be the world’s longest (1,240 km) and deepest (3,000 m) high-voltage subsea cable.
- Also strengthens energy connectivity between Europe, Cyprus, and the eastern Mediterranean.
- Enhances regional energy security by linking Greece, Cyprus, and Israel.
Infrastructure:
- High-voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea cable spanning 1,240 kilometers.
- Planned route connects Greece to Cyprus, with a later extension to Israel.
- Built to operate at depths of up to 3,000 meters, setting global engineering records.
Developer:
- Project led by Greece’s Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO).
- Initially developed by a Cyprus-based operator before transfer to IPTO in 2023.
- Supported politically by Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, with EU financial backing.
Funding:
- Estimated cost: €1.9 billion ($2.2 billion).
- Backed by the European Union through energy infrastructure financing schemes.
- Discussions ongoing with the UAE for potential partnership and support.
Challenges:
- Subject to delays and uncertainties around financing and cost viability.
- Also European prosecutors investigating possible criminal offences related to the project.
- Technical challenges of laying and maintaining cable at extreme subsea depths.
The Significance of the European Subsea Cable Project
The significance of the European subsea cable project is one of an unprecedented scale and one that is highly anticipated. The completion of the cable project will make it the world’s longest high-voltage cable at 1,240 kilometers (770.5 miles). Moreover, it will hold the record of the world’s deepest at 3,000 meters. Christodoulides noted that he met with UAE’s president to precisely discuss the project and to consider the possibility of a joint partnership. However, he did not provide insight into the European investigation announced last week. The cable is being built by Greek transmission operator IPTO which took over in late 2023.
Consequently, it was handed from a Cyprus-based operator that had been working on the project for about a decade. Cyprus has repeatedly sought clarifications on the total cost of the project, its viability and any liabilities for unforeseen delays. Subsea cables are becoming more prominent and viable for various aspects. Projects such as the Europe-Africa subsea cable, linking Europe and Africa is also taking shape
