NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Electrical energy generated from renewable power sources on Cyprus might ultimately make up as a lot as half of all energy conveyed to different nations via an electrical energy cable linking the east Mediterranean island nation’s energy grids to Israel and Greece, the Cypriot power minister mentioned Tuesday.
Natasa Pilides advised reporters that renewable sources produced nearly 15.2% of Cyprus’ electrical energy final yr, practically 4% greater than in 2019. Contributing to that determine was an practically 3% enhance in electrical energy generated from photo voltaic panels from 2020, reaching 9.2% final yr.
Pilides mentioned her ministry is consulting with the European Union about rising the nation’s 2030 goal for RES-generated electrical energy from the present 23%.
Building of the EuroAsia Interconnector cable by the Norwegian subsidiary of French cable producer Nexans is slated to start earlier than summer season. The primary part and it’s first part with a 1,000 megawatt capability is anticipated to be accomplished in 2026.
The cable to Greece and Israel, which is able to ultimately have a 2,000 MW capability, is touted because the world’s longest and deepest subsea electrical energy cable, at 1,208 kilometers (750 miles) and three,000 meters (1.9 miles).
It should price roughly 1.6 billion euros ($1.56 billion), with the EU offering somewhat below half of the funding.
Cyprus is the one EU nation that isn’t linked to the ability grid of one other member of the 27-nation bloc. Authorities officers mentioned the development of the cable would finish the nation’s power isolation and supply larger safety.