Energy expert urges scrutiny of Great Sea Interconnector project
University of Nicosia professor Constantinos Hadjistassou cited unresolved issues over the Great Sea Interconnector’s viability, governance, route, technology and costs.
Nicosia, Cyprus. Energy researcher and University of Nicosia professor Constantinos Hadjistassou has called for a reassessment of the Great Sea Interconnector, citing unresolved technical and financial questions despite French asset management firm Meridiam acquiring 66 per cent of the project’s shares.
“The most important thing remains the viability of the project,” Hadjistassou said.
Governance and studies
Hadjistassou said the project’s shareholding structure remains unclear following Meridiam’s acquisition, while Admie appears to remain the dominant player.
He said questions also remain regarding the project’s management and governance.
A new feasibility study by the European Investment Bank is pending.
A previous study by academics at the National Technical University of Athens, commissioned by Admie, examined the potential benefits of the project for Cypriot consumers and reached a positive conclusion. Hadjistassou said the study relied on a number of “unrealistic assumptions”.
Route, technology and costs
The precise route of the cable has not yet been confirmed. The cable is expected to begin on the seabed off the coast of Crete.
Hadjistassou said the technology for laying cables at such depths is not yet mature. Depths in some areas between Crete and Cyprus reach 3,000 metres.
He also cited uncertainty over the project’s final cost, the possibility of cost overruns and responsibility for any additional costs.
Only a small number of vessels are currently capable of laying subsea cables at depths of 3,000 metres.
This news item was generated automatically by Cyprus Inform from publicly available materials. Report an error →
