What is the Cyprus-Israel interconnector?

It is a planned high-voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea power cable designed to connect the electrical transmission grids of Cyprus and Israel. The project is part of the broader Great Sea Interconnector, aiming to link Europe with the Eastern Mediterranean.

Why did IPTO submit the investment approval request now?

IPTO completed updated economic and technical feasibility assessments confirming the project's viability across multiple market conditions. Submitting the request is the formal requirement to engage regulators and establish the regulatory asset base and tariff structure.

How does this project affect energy security in the Eastern Mediterranean?

The interconnector enables reciprocal electricity imports and exports, providing grid stability and mitigating isolated blackout risks. It also allows both nations to maximize the utilization of offshore natural gas resources and expanding solar generation.

Offshore Energy · August 14, 2026 (2d ago) · 1 min read

Investment approval request submitted for Cyprus-Israel interconnector, project viable in all scenarios

Analysis

AI-assisted analysis · reviewed by Yuri Kan

Greece's Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO) has officially filed for investment approval to advance the subsea electricity link connecting the grids of Cyprus and Israel. Comprehensive cost-benefit analyses demonstrate that the bilateral interconnector remains financially and operationally viable across diverse commercial scenarios. This formal regulatory step marks significant progress toward establishing a synchronized, cross-border energy corridor across the Eastern Mediterranean basin.

Key Facts

Greece's Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO/ADMIE) submitted a formal investment approval request for the Cyprus-Israel electricity interconnection.
Cost-benefit assessments commissioned by the project promoter determined the subsea cable is economically robust and viable under all evaluated scenarios.
The planned infrastructure forms an integral segment of the broader Great Sea Interconnector initiative intended to link the power grids of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel.
The project entails laying high-voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea cables reaching ultra-deep waters across the Levantine Basin.
The interconnection will end Cyprus's status as an isolated electrical system and allow Israel to export renewable power and backup electricity.
Regulatory authorities in both Nicosia and Tel Aviv must review and approve the Cross-Border Cost Allocation (CBCA) and regulatory frameworks.

Background & Context

For years, the Eastern Mediterranean has sought to end the energy isolation of Cyprus, the only non-interconnected EU member state, through ambitious subsea transmission projects originally conceived under the EuroAsia Interconnector banner. Following financial and execution delays, Greece's transmission operator IPTO stepped in as the project promoter to restructure the development into the Great Sea Interconnector. While substantial attention has focused on the Greece-Cyprus leg, the Cyprus-Israel segment has gained renewed momentum as regional players seek to optimize their power grids alongside expanding offshore gas and renewable developments.

Market Impact

Securing regulatory investment clearance for the Cyprus-Israel section will solidify trilateral energy security cooperation between Greece, Cyprus, and Israel. The link enables bi-directional power flows, allowing Cyprus to export surplus solar electricity while importing reliable, baseload or peak power from Israeli gas-fired generation and renewables. Strategically, integrating the transmission networks reduces the curtailment of green power and diversifies fuel dependency across the Levantine energy corridor. Affected stakeholders include regional TSOs, regulatory bodies (RAEK in Cyprus and the Israeli Electricity Authority), and renewable energy developers seeking cross-border off-take routes.

What to Watch

The immediate focus shifts to the energy regulators of Cyprus and Israel as they evaluate the economic parameters and determine cross-border cost allocation mechanisms. Final investment decisions (FID) and tendering for the HVDC cable and converter stations are anticipated once regulatory approvals are secured. Stakeholders will also closely track geopolitical developments and maritime boundary considerations throughout the Levantine Basin.

Why This Matters for Cyprus

This development is crucial for Cyprus as it provides a second critical electrical lifeline alongside the Greek connection, permanently ending the island's energy isolation. Deepening grid integration with Israel enhances the resilience of Cyprus's domestic power network, lowers wholesale electricity costs, and establishes the island as a pivotal energy transit hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cyprus-Israel interconnector?: It is a planned high-voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea power cable designed to connect the electrical transmission grids of Cyprus and Israel. The project is part of the broader Great Sea Interconnector, aiming to link Europe with the Eastern Mediterranean.
Why did IPTO submit the investment approval request now?: IPTO completed updated economic and technical feasibility assessments confirming the project's viability across multiple market conditions. Submitting the request is the formal requirement to engage regulators and establish the regulatory asset base and tariff structure.
How does this project affect energy security in the Eastern Mediterranean?: The interconnector enables reciprocal electricity imports and exports, providing grid stability and mitigating isolated blackout risks. It also allows both nations to maximize the utilization of offshore natural gas resources and expanding solar generation.

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