The project is being closely monitored by Nicosia – Legality is at stake, says the Energy Minister – GSI’s future uncertain, fresh attempt at convergence today under the Commission’s auspices.
Energy Minister Giorgos Papanastasiou has described Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s announcement of an undersea electricity connection between Turkey and the occupied areas as “peculiar”. Speaking on state radio, Mr Papanastasiou made it clear that the project in question is illegal.
“When something illegal is connected to another country, you understand that the entire project becomes illegal. This is no surprise to us,” the Minister stressed, adding that the Republic of Cyprus has been monitoring the efforts for months. “We are well aware of many aspects; it’s not something that was just announced,” he said.
He further emphasised that such a connection would also raise serious issues for Turkey itself, due to its connection with the unified European electricity grid. As he explained, “any electrical interconnection via Turkey raises legal concerns”. Mr Papanastasiou underlined that this project would not be easily accepted by the European Commission. According to him, Turkey, which is already connected to the European grid, cannot attempt to connect with the so-called “TRNC” without consequences. “Essentially, there could be implications for Turkey itself.”
Regarding the GSI (Great Sea Interconnector), Mr Papanastasiou said it is a strategic energy project that “ends the isolation of the Republic of Cyprus” and connects the country to the unified European electricity grid. “Beyond viewing it within Cyprus’ domestic energy needs, the project also carries significant geopolitical importance because it links the Republic with the EU’s unified electricity network,” he noted.
“This ensures supply security, provides an alternative source of electricity for Cyprus, and greatly supports the implementation of the target model, which we are set to launch on 1 October – the same model adopted by other European countries within the single electricity market.”
It is worth noting that energy expert Charles Ellinas, in comments to Economy Today, estimated that Ankara’s plan is feasible and likely to be implemented, albeit with technical challenges. As he explained, the submarine cable market is currently saturated, which could lead to delays. However, Turkey’s political will appears to outweigh financial concerns. “It is something that can be done. Whether it is economically viable is uncertain, but due to its political dimensions, I believe Turkey will push it forward,” he stated.
Mr Ellinas clarified, however, that it is not a competing project to the Great Sea Interconnector, as Turkey’s cable is a small-capacity initiative designed solely to meet the needs of the occupied areas, unlike the GSI, which is larger in scale, has European support, and holds geopolitical importance.
GSI future uncertain – New videoconference under the Commission today
At the same time, the European Commission is convening a new videoconference today to revisit pending issues related to the Great Sea Interconnector. However, it remains unclear whether an agreement will be reached. Despite strong pressure from Brussels, the differences between ADMIE (the Greek IPTO) and the Cypriot side are, so far, seen as insurmountable.
Also read: Greece and Cyprus support Great Sea Interconnector project
Source: Economy Today
