In an effort to expedite the implementation of the "Great Sea Interconnector," an electrical connection linking Cyprus, Greece, and Israel, George Papanastasiou, the Minister of Energy, Commerce, and Industry, presided over separate meetings yesterday at the Ministry. These sessions involved discussions with the directors of Greece's Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO) and Cyprus' Transmission System Operator (TSOC), as well as representatives from Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA).

According to a statement from the Ministry of Energy, the series of meetings in Nicosia, initiated by Minister Papanastasiou, began with a discussion with IPTO's management, led by Chairman and CEO Manos Manousakis. The primary focus was the shareholder structure of the "Great Sea Interconnector" and the investment interest it has generated.

This was followed by a meeting between Minister Papanastasiou and representatives of TAQA, headed by Gabriele Manduzio, Senior Director of Network Distribution and Transmission Investments. This meeting, which included representatives from the Ministry of Finance, centered on the joint participation of the Republic of Cyprus and TAQA in the share capital of the "Great Sea Interconnector" company.

During Minister Papanastasiou's meeting with TAQA, as per the Ministry of Energy's announcement, IPTO's management concurrently met with representatives of the TSOC, under the direction of Executive Director Stavros Stavrinou, to discuss technical aspects crucial for the smooth operation of the electrical interconnection.

In the final session chaired by the Energy Minister, involving all parties, "specific issues were laid out, highlighting the close collaboration and coordination required for the swift implementation of the project."

At this meeting, as stated by the Ministry of Energy, "the importance of the electrical interconnection for the region, and particularly for Cyprus, was reaffirmed. The construction of this interconnector is expected to end Cyprus' energy isolation, accelerate its green transition, and reduce the cost of electricity in the country."