As a critical part of EuroAsia Interconnector to interconnect the electricity grids of Greece, Israel and Cyprus, the 525kV high voltage direct current (HVDC) cable will be the longest and deepest interconnector in the world with a bi-pole length of 2×900 km, and will run across the Mediterranean sea floor at depths of over 3,000 meters. Subsea HVDC Mass Impregnated cables will be manufactured in Nexans’ facilities in Halden (Norway) and Futtsu (Japan) and will be installed by the state-of-the-art cable laying vessels Nexans Aurora and Nexans Skagerrak.
The EuroAsia Interconnector will exchange at Stage One 1,000 MW between Israel, Cyprus and Greece with Europe, with the capability of increasing at Stage Two to 2,000 MW, the equivalent to 3 million households’ electricity consumption. This will end the energy isolation of all Cyprus and Israel, creating security supply and an energy highway between Europe and Asia. Pole One is expected to be completed in 2028 and Pole Two in 2029.
“We are proud that after 12 years of hard work the world’s longest and deepest subsea HVDC electricity interconnector built by Nexans will put Cyprus on the world energy map, while also ending the energy isolation of Cyprus, the last non-interconnected EU member state, and Israel. The EuroAsia Interconnector Israel-Cyprus-Greece electricity interconnector is a leading European project of common interest PCI 3.10 that ends the energy isolation of Cyprus and Israel, creates security of supply, significantly reduces the CO2 emissions, and serves the “Green Deal” of the European Commission,” said Nasos Ktorides, CEO of EuroAsia Interconnector.
“This record-breaking project demonstrates our capacity to innovate and push the limits of electrical transmission and distribution to meet an ever growing global need. This is a crucial step on the path to a carbon-free economy. Nexans’ global electrification strategy is playing a key role in the world’s journey to a net zero future and we are excited that we have been selected to bring the development of the EuroAsia Interconnector to life,” stated Christopher Guérin, CEO of Nexans.
IPTO, Transmission System Operator of Greece, has been providing technical and operational capacity to the project ensuring the successful implementation.
EuroAsia Interconnector is a 2,000MW multi-terminal interconnection which connects the national electricity grids of lsrael, Cyprus and Greece (Crete) with Europe. EuroAsia Interconnector is the longest, at 1,208km and deepest, up to 3,000m, HVDC interconnector in the world. lt ends the energy isolation of Cyprus, ensures security of supply for lsrael, Cyprus and Greece and creates a reliable green interconnector for Europe. It significantly reduces CO2 emissions and serves the vision of the European Commission’s “Green Deal”.
EuroAsia Interconnector is a leading European Project of Common Interest (PCl) and was included in all five Union lists of PCls since 2013. lt is labelled as an EU “electricity highway”, interconnecting Europe with Asia. Following the approval of the CEF Grant of €658 million by the European financing mechanism “Connecting Europe Facility” and €100 million by the Recovery and Resilience Fund, EuroAsia Interconnector proceeds to the construction phase.
About Nexans
For over a century, Nexans has played a crucial role in the electrification of the planet and is committed to electrifying the future. With approximately 28,000 people in 42 countries, the Group is paving the way to a new world of safe, sustainable and decarbonized electricity that is accessible to everyone. In 2022, Nexans generated 6.7 billion euros in standard sales. The Group is a leader in the design and manufacturing of cable systems and services across four main business areas: Power Generation & Transmission, Distribution, Usage and Industry & Solutions. Nexans was the first company in its industry to create a Foundation supporting sustainable initiatives, bringing access to energy to disadvantaged communities worldwide. The Group pledged to contribute to carbon neutrality by 2030.