Connecting Cyprus and Israel electrically

October 31st, 2014 Business, Cyprus, Energy 59 comments 2114

Connecting Cyprus and Israel electrically

ELECTRICITY connection between Hadera of Israel and Vasilikos in Cyprus is one of the projects to be funded by the EU, in the framework of the programme Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). According to a press release issued by the European Commission, EU member states agreed to allocate €647m to support key priority infrastructure projects.

The amount earmarked for the Hadera Israel-Vasilikos Cyprus connection is up to €1.325m.

The whole project concerns an undersea cable for the connection of the electricity systems of Israel, Cyprus and Greece. Its capacity will be 2000 MW and its length approximately 1518 km.

It will include three connections: 329 km between Israel and Cyprus, 879 km between Cyprus and Crete and 310 km between Crete and mainland Greece. It will allow electricity transmission to both directions.

The Commission noted that all of the supported projects will increase Europe’s energy security and help end the isolation of member states from EU-wide energy networks. They will also contribute to the completion of a European energy market and the integration of renewables to the electricity grid. The bulk of the support goes to gas projects in the Baltic region as well as in Central Eastern and South Eastern Europe.

Most of the money will directly or indirectly finance gas projects. Besides the construction of new pipelines, these gas projects also include terminals to ship liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the Baltic region, Central Eastern and South Eastern Europe.

Of the 34 grants given, six are in natural gas and 18 in electricity sector;28 grants are paid for studies, such as environmental impact assessments (€91.4m); and six grants go to construction works projects (€555.9m).

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59 Comments

  1. Matthew Johnston
    November 1, 2014 at 10:49

    If you can’t bet them join em, look at the weak sanctions on Russia. The railway to by pass the Suez by the PRC and the interconnector to supply energy to the EU are to prevent harsh sanctions against Israel.

  2. Proud To Be Cypriot
    November 1, 2014 at 02:47

    A brilliant move by the EU. Long term energy plans are vital to the continent, as energy insecurity has been a major concern for the past eight years. Connecting the entire European continent to the Middle East is necessary, and will be beneficial to Cyprus. We will certainly receive cheaper energy in the long term when we no longer have to reply on oil being shipped to the island to generate 100% of our energy.

  3. R Smyrna
    October 31, 2014 at 16:58

    The European Union just might work.

  4. Wesley Whittaker
    October 31, 2014 at 15:23

    It would be nice if Palestinians could enjoy electricity for a little more than the average six hours a day they get in Gaza. Could Israel find a little money, and compassion, and supply power. .please….

    1. Meze Ozan
      October 31, 2014 at 17:30

      they dont have to, as long as int community protects them unconditionally

      1. Rebecca
        November 1, 2014 at 08:55

        Lol

  5. Rebecca
    October 31, 2014 at 12:31

    Has cyprus checked with turkey if a cable is permitted from Israel to cyprus yet?

  6. AKi77
    October 31, 2014 at 12:03

    CM moderator: “Of the 34 grants given, six are in natural gas and 18 in electricity sector…”
    The correct should be 16 in natural gas and 18 in electricity. It makes 34. Correct me if I am wrong.

    1. Proud To Be Cypriot
      November 1, 2014 at 02:41

      The 10 missing may be explained, neither gas nor electricity. Other projects are mentioned, but the summaries should have been made clearer. How many billions in total for all of these plans?

  7. damage124
    October 31, 2014 at 11:10

    Why on earth would Cyprus want to put their future energy supplies in another country’s hands? Surely it would be better to build new power stations to take advantage of all the cheap gas the country has.

    1. AKi77
      October 31, 2014 at 11:33

      What do you mean “to put their future energy supplies in another country’s hands?” This is an additional supply that goes both ways (give and take). Power stations are here to stay.

      1. damage124
        October 31, 2014 at 12:53

        Another EU waste of money. A 1500km cable to achieve what exactly? All parties already have generating capacity ( assuming no incompetents put explosives next to the power station) so why build a hugely expensive cable? Who’s picking up the bribes for this one?

        1. AKi77
          October 31, 2014 at 13:05

          If you do not understand the article, do not get nervous.This is one of the 34 grants that were decided by the European Commission.
          Google “Connecting Europe”, and see the available funds amounting to 5.85 billion. euros for trans-European energy infrastructure in2014-2020.

          1. damage124
            October 31, 2014 at 15:49

            I understand what the EU is doing, I am merely asking why. As a resident of a net contributor to the EU, unlike Greece and Cyprus I think it not unreasonable. Watching the EU promoting grandiose and pointless projects is not new. Perhaps you could also advise me as to why Israel is to be a beneficiary of this largesse?

    2. Rory Keelan
      October 31, 2014 at 20:37

      What gas? Oh you mean the possible gas that is years away. Interconnectors are a no- brainer .

      1. alexander the new yorker
        November 4, 2014 at 19:24

        …if you don’t mind a fascist, extremist cult producing WMDs from the uranium,nuclear power plants……

  8. mikeleics .
    October 31, 2014 at 10:03

    I like the people of Israel, but not their government who persistently steal land from their neighbours.

    1. Really?
      October 31, 2014 at 10:29

      Israel has legal claims to some of the land and uses other land to defend itself. This is a necessity in a region where several countries are out to destroy it. Israelis support their government because they need security.

      1. Kuzka's Mother
        October 31, 2014 at 10:36

        So building settlements on occupied land in clear violation of international law, apparently for the sole purpose of further infuriating Palestinians is necessary?

        1. Kuzka's Mother
          October 31, 2014 at 10:40

          I should say that I have many Israeli friends, I just think Netanyahu has been nothing but dangerous for the entire region ever since he regained power.

  9. thebluehornett
    October 31, 2014 at 09:50

    Like sticking your finger in a faulty socket.

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