Newsroom / CNA
Paris-based Nexans will undertake the construction and installation of the High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Cable Systems, marking a significant milestone in the EuroAsia Interconnector project. The ambitious venture aims to connect the electricity grids of Israel, Cyprus, and Greece, and serve as a strategic link between Europe and Asia.
The interconnector is projected to deliver up to 2,000 MW of energy at Stage 2, making it the largest submarine electricity interconnector ever built. This monumental project is expected to provide electricity to over 3 million households.
The €1.43 billion contract with Nexans includes a series of world records, such as the longest and deepest HVDC cables, each spanning 900 km. These cables will be laid by the state-of-the-art cable laying vessels, Nexans Aurora and Nexans Skagerrak, at depths reaching 3,000 meters across the Mediterranean seabed.
EuroAsia Interconnector highlights the crucial role of the 525kV HVDC cable as a pivotal component in connecting the electricity grids of Greece, Israel, and Cyprus. Its bi-pole length of 2x900 km and deployment at depths of over 3,000 meters make it the longest and deepest interconnector globally. Nexans will manufacture the subsea HVDC Mass Impregnated cables at their facilities in Halden (Norway) and Futtsu (Japan).
At Stage One, the EuroAsia Interconnector will facilitate the exchange of 1,000 MW between Israel, Cyprus, and Greece with Europe, and the capacity will increase to 2,000 MW at Stage Two. This energy supply will end the energy isolation of both Cyprus and Israel, establishing a secure energy corridor between Europe and Asia. The first pole is scheduled for completion in 2028, followed by the second in 2029.
Nasos Ktorides, CEO of EuroAsia Interconnector, expressed pride in the project's accomplishment, emphasizing its significant impact on Cyprus and Israel's energy landscape. The EuroAsia Interconnector is designated as a leading European Project of Common Interest (PCI 3.10), serving the European Commission's "Green Deal" by reducing CO2 emissions and enhancing energy security.
Christopher Guérin, CEO of Nexans, regarded the project as a demonstration of the company's innovation and commitment to achieving a carbon-free economy. He emphasized the critical role of Nexans' electrification strategy in contributing to a net-zero future.
The EuroAsia Interconnector, spanning 1,208 km and reaching depths of up to 3,000 meters, holds the distinction of being the longest and deepest HVDC interconnector globally. Its implementation is set to end Cyprus' energy isolation, bolster supply security for Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, and serve as a reliable green interconnector for Europe. The project received approval for a CEF Grant of €658 million from the European financing mechanism "Connecting Europe Facility" and €100 million from the Recovery and Resilience Fund, advancing it to the construction phase.
