Great Sea Interconnector project advances with new maritime research

The Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project, aimed at linking Cyprus to the European electricity grid via Greece, is entering a new phase. Greece is expected to issue a NAVTEX (maritime notice) in the coming weeks to restart seabed research to determine the technical specifications for the subsea cable route.

This development is linked to the first installment of 25 million euros from Cyprus, part of a total 125 million euro contribution planned over a five-year period starting in 2025. While Greece intends to inform Turkey of the research activities, it does not plan to seek permission, a move that highlights ongoing maritime jurisdiction disputes in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The project has received 657 million euros in financing approval from the European Commission. A critical milestone is expected at the end of the year with the completion of a study by the European Investment Bank, which will assess the economic viability of the interconnection. Additionally, the entry of the French firm Meridiam into the implementation body is viewed as a positive expansion of investment participation.