**Cyprus and Lebanon to Hold First Technical Meeting on Electricity Link**
Cyprus and Lebanon are set to convene their inaugural technical meeting on Wednesday to discuss a feasibility study for a proposed subsea electricity interconnection. This meeting, which will include participation from the World Bank, marks a significant step in the collaboration between the two nations regarding energy connectivity.
The initiative was first proposed during a visit by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to Cyprus several months ago, where discussions included the potential for Cyprus to sell electricity to Lebanon. Following this visit, Lebanese Energy and Water Minister Joe Saddi traveled to Cyprus, leading to an agreement between the two governments to engage the World Bank in financing a study to assess the feasibility of the interconnection.
In July, Energy Minister of Cyprus Michael Damianos and Minister Saddi finalized the terms of reference for the study and established a joint technical committee to oversee the process. The first phase of the study will focus on evaluating electricity supply and demand, as well as the economic viability of various scenarios concerning the interconnection. A more detailed technical and economic assessment will follow only if the initial findings are favorable.
Both governments have highlighted the agreement as a crucial milestone in their bilateral cooperation. They aim to explore opportunities to enhance regional energy connectivity, bolster energy security, and foster sustainable economic development in the eastern Mediterranean region.
Minister Saddi noted that a positive assessment from the feasibility study could lead to Lebanon being connected not only to Cyprus but potentially to the European electricity grid through the proposed Cyprus-Greece electricity interconnection. This development could significantly impact energy distribution and security in the region.
In related news, President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides announced that Cyprus will contribute €25 million towards the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project, contingent upon the issuance of a Navtex for the resumption of survey work. This agreement was reached with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, further emphasizing Cyprus's commitment to enhancing regional energy projects.
As the technical meeting approaches, stakeholders from both countries remain optimistic about the potential benefits of the proposed electricity link, which could play a pivotal role in the future energy landscape of the eastern Mediterranean.