Turkey is moving ahead with plans for an undersea power cable linking the mainland to the illegally occupied north of Cyprus, following recent remarks by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Despite expected technical delays, energy expert Charles Ellinas warns the project is likely to go ahead- and may have serious implications for the Republic of Cyprus.
Ellinas argues that Ankara’s political will outweighs economic concerns. “It may not be fully viable economically, but Turkey has the political motivation to push it through,” he told Economy Today. While the proposed Turkey power cable is relatively small in scale, it signals an assertive move toward energy independence for the breakaway regime.
Meanwhile, Cyprus’ flagship energy project, the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), remains stalled amid governmental disunity. Ellinas highlights growing concern over the split between the Finance and Energy Ministries, warning that without a unified position, Cyprus risks losing its only chance to end energy isolation.
Though he does not see the Turkish project as a direct competitor to the GSI, Ellinas underscores the danger of delay. The EU has already committed €657 million to the GSI- the largest ever grant for a project of common interest- yet Cyprus continues to send mixed signals. “This should be a national priority,” he stressed, warning that investor confidence is being undermined by indecision.
The government spokesman, Konstantinos Letymbiotis, dismissed Erdoğan’s comments as “unacceptable” and reiterated Cyprus’ commitment to sovereignty, adding that the matter is being raised with international partners.
At the same time, Cyprus’ LNG strategy is also under fire, with Ellinas warning that lack of clarity is putting another critical project at risk- one that could cut electricity prices by 50%.
“The cable is a long-term project,” he said. “But we need gas now, and we’re still going in circles.”
Also read: Turkey’s Cabinet convenes on GSI – Erdoğan remains silent
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