Cyprus and Lebanon have begun formal discussions on a planned undersea electricity interconnector that could allow Cyprus to export surplus renewable power to Lebanon, former Energy Minister George Papanastasiou said Wednesday.
Cable Could Help Manage Cyprus’ Renewable Power
Cyprus can generate more renewable electricity at peak times than its grid can absorb, forcing temporary curtailment to prevent overload, Papanastasiou told the Cyprus Mail. An export cable could provide an outlet for surplus generation while supplying Lebanon with additional electricity.
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Battery storage would remain essential, however, because the cable alone could not stabilize variable renewable generation, Papanastasiou said.
Lebanon’s Grid Presents A Major Challenge
For Lebanon, the interconnector could improve security of supply and provide more stable electricity, provided Cyprus can maintain reliable generation and transmission.
Much of Lebanon’s power infrastructure remains severely damaged, with many areas relying on standalone systems and generators. That raises questions about whether the existing network could efficiently receive and distribute imported electricity.
Feasibility Study Comes First
The immediate priority is a feasibility study, which could be funded by the World Bank, Papanastasiou said. Any agreement would require approval from regulators in both countries, including the Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority and Lebanon Electricity Regulatory Authority.
The proposed process would begin with a cost-benefit analysis, followed by a cross-border cost-allocation agreement if the project proves viable. Detailed design would come next.
Regional Politics Could Shape The Project
Turkey could also react to the proposed connection, Papanastasiou said, adding that he did not expect any objection to be based on international law.
The discussions follow a July agreement between Cyprus, Lebanon and the World Bank to prepare a preliminary feasibility study. Lebanon also signed a July 2 agreement with Syria aimed at establishing an electricity interconnection.
Cyprus is meanwhile pursuing the Great Sea Interconnector linking the island with Greece and Israel. A separate proposal backed by Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot authorities to connect Cyprus with Turkey is not included in the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) 10-year plan.
The Cyprus-Lebanon project will depend on the feasibility study, regulatory approvals, financing and the wider regional political environment.
