- News agency Reuters reports that Greece and Egypt have signed an MOU that will connect the two countries grids via an undersea cable.
- The agreement will pave the way for renewable energy produced in North Africa to be exported to Europe.
Greek Energy Minister Kostas Skrekas and his Egyptian counterpart, Mohamed Shaker, signed a memorandum of understanding for the project at a ceremony in Athens this past Thursday.
“Such an interconnection it’s a win-win for both Greece, Egypt and the European Union”, Skrekas said.
He said that the project will help build an Eastern Mediterranean energy corridor and improve security of energy supply in the region.
The deal comes as Greece, Cyprus and Israel plan to build the Euro-Asia Interconnector, the world’s longest and deepest underwater power cable crossing the Mediterranean, at a cost of about $900 million.
The Greek-Egyptian memorandum establishes a high-level working group of senior officials, representatives of the power grid operators and energy regulators.
The group will examine means and financing for the implementation of the project and facilitate the timely granting of permits and approvals, necessary the feasibility studies, Skrekas said.
As part of the project, Cyprus is due to sign a similar agreement with Egypt.
“The electrical interconnection between Egypt and Greece will achieve … a well-connected network across the Eastern Mediterranean”, Egypt’s Shaker said, adding it will enhance the penetration of green energy in the European Union’s power generation mix.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
Source: Reuters
