An historic framework agreement was signed in Cairo on Wednesday for the construction and commissioning of the EuroAfrica Interconnector which will interconnect the electricity networks of Egypt and Cyprus by the project promoter, EuroAfrica Interconnector Limited.



The agreement provides for the development of an electricity interconnection with the use of subsea high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cables with capacity to transmit 2,000MW. Furthermore, the agreement provides for the interconnection to be completed in two phases, the first being for the transmission capacity of 1,000MW which will be implemented within the timeframes and assurances provided to President El-Sisi.



The signed agreement follows the conclusion of viability studies conducted by the EuroAfrica Interconnector which showed the benefits of the project, as well as its maturity, allowing it to enter the implementation stage.



According to a press release, the agreement was signed in the main hall of the Council of Ministers of Egypt by EuroAfrica Interconnector CEO Nasos Ktorides and Sabah Mohamed Mashal, Chairperson of the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company.



Also present at the signing ceremony were the Prime Minister of Egypt Moustafa Madbouly, Chairman of the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company Gaber Dessouki, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mohamed Shaker El-Markabi, former Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Strategic Council of the EuroAfrica Interconnector Ioannis Kasoulides, Cyprus Ambassador to Cairo Haris Moritsis, senior Egyptian government officials and EuroAfrica Interconnector executives.



In statements after the signing ceremony, Kasoulides said “Cyprus now becomes a major hub for the transmission of electricity from Africa to Europe, and Egypt establishes itself as a regional energy hub for the transmission of electricity from Africa to the Arabian peninsula, “adding that “this is the first practical implementation of the vision of our foreign policy for the relations with the region of the Eastern Mediterranean.”



He noted that “this is an historic day for our countries, for Egypt and Cyprus, as the national electricity grid of Egypt will be linked to the European electricity system through Cyprus and will contribute to energy security, as well as the welfare and progress of our two nations.”



Ktorides said that, “as project promoters, we are committed to the timely implementation and commissioning of the EuroAfrica Interconnector electricity interconnection within the determined timeframe that has been agreed and which is our priority.”



El-Markabi expressed his full support to the EuroAfrica Interconnector, explaining that the signing for the historic agreement is the start of the project that will achieve social, economic and political benefits for the countries concerned.



He also said that this historic project is of great importance to Egypt’s strategic plan for economic development and energy security, and the EuroAfrica Interconnector is connecting Egypt to the European electricity network through Cyprus, adding that Egypt will be an important electricity and energy partner for the European Union.

[Kathimerini Cyprus]

