**Cyprus-Lebanon Power Cable Aims to Connect Beirut to European Grid**
A proposed electricity interconnection between Cyprus and Lebanon is being positioned as a potentially transformative energy project for the Levant region. Both countries have formally requested the World Bank to conduct a feasibility assessment of the scheme, which could significantly enhance Lebanon's energy infrastructure.
Lebanese Energy Minister Joseph Al Saddi discussed the project's implications in an interview with the newspaper Alithia, emphasizing that its importance would grow if Cyprus successfully establishes its planned electricity interconnection with the broader European grid. Al Saddi noted that such a connection would not only help alleviate Lebanon's ongoing electricity shortages but also provide a strategic link to European energy markets.
“If Lebanon is connected to Cyprus, and since Cyprus may eventually be connected to the rest of Europe, this will be extremely beneficial for the country,” Al Saddi stated. He articulated the dual purpose of the interconnection: addressing immediate domestic energy needs while also fostering regional energy cooperation.
The initiative is currently in its preliminary stages, with the World Bank set to conduct a two-phase feasibility study. The first phase, anticipated to last about six months, will focus on evaluating the economic viability of the project, including an analysis of electricity supply and demand in both countries. Should the initial assessment yield positive results, a second phase will follow, involving a more detailed technical and economic evaluation to outline the necessary conditions for implementation.
Lebanon has been grappling with significant power shortages, making the enhancement of its electricity supply a pressing priority. Al Saddi highlighted the direct benefits of the interconnection, stating, “The obvious benefit is that we will be able to provide more electricity to the Lebanese population.” He also pointed out that the proposed cable could serve as a vital conduit to the European energy system, thereby strengthening regional energy ties.
However, the project faces challenges, particularly in securing financing. Al Saddi indicated that potential funding sources could include private investors or international financial institutions, such as the European Commission, contingent on the outcomes of the feasibility study. He refrained from providing a specific timeline for the construction of the interconnection, noting that it would be premature to do so prior to the completion of the initial study phase. A clearer picture of the project's viability and timeline is expected to emerge within the next six months.
To facilitate the feasibility assessment, Cyprus and Lebanon have already established a joint technical committee and a steering committee. These bodies will collaborate closely with the World Bank throughout the evaluation process, ensuring effective coordination between the two governments.
As the project progresses, it could play a pivotal role in reshaping Lebanon's energy landscape and enhancing its connectivity to European energy markets, potentially leading to a more stable and reliable electricity supply for its citizens.