A Strategic Connection for Europe’s Energy Future
The Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) will establish a new electricity connection between Crete, Greece, and Cyprus, ending the electricity isolation of Cyprus, the last European Union Member State without an interconnection to the European electricity network.
Through a bidirectional high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) link spanning approximately 900 kilometres beneath the Mediterranean Sea, the project will enable electricity to flow between Cyprus and the interconnected European electricity system.
The interconnector is expected to strengthen security of supply, support the integration of renewable energy sources and contribute to a more competitive and sustainable electricity market, with the potential to reduce electricity costs for consumers over time.
Recognised as a European Union Project of Common Interest (PCI 2.6.2), GSI benefits from approximately €657 million in grant funding under the Connecting Europe Facility.
Great Sea Interconnector S.A. (GSI) is the dedicated project company for the Greece–Cyprus interconnection, jointly owned by Meridiam (66%) and IPTO (34%).
Connecting Greece and Cyprus
The Great Sea Interconnector is a high-voltage submarine electricity transmission project connecting the electricity systems of Greece and Cyprus.
The approximately 900 km connection will run between the Korakia area in Crete and the Kofinou area in Cyprus, enabling bidirectional electricity transmission.
With an initial transmission capacity of 1,000 MW, the project will provide Cyprus with direct access to the wider European electricity network through Greece.
The interconnection will use high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology, enabling the efficient transmission of large volumes of electricity over long distances through submarine cables.
The project is designed to cross sections of the Mediterranean Sea at depths approaching 3,000 metres, making it one of the world’s most technically ambitious submarine electricity interconnections.
Main Infrastructure Components
- Submarine cable system
An HVDC submarine cable system following an approximately 900 km route between Crete and Cyprus, designed to operate at exceptionally great water depths.
- Converter stations
Converter stations at either end of the interconnection will convert alternating current (AC), used in national transmission networks, into direct current (DC), used by the submarine connection, and vice versa.
- Onshore connections
Associated land cables and transmission infrastructure will connect the converter stations to the respective electricity transmission networks in Greece and Cyprus.
- Monitoring and control
Dedicated protection, monitoring and control systems will support the safe and reliable operation of the interconnection.
Project Delivery
The project’s submarine cable system is being designed and supplied by Nexans, a global manufacturer specialising in electrification and submarine cable technologies.
The project is progressing through the technical, regulatory, financing and implementation activities required to deliver a high-capacity cross-border electricity interconnection.
GSI S.A. is the dedicated project company for the Greece–Cyprus interconnection and is working closely with IPTO, the designated Project Promoter, and key contractors, including Nexans, to advance the project’s development and implementation.
Technical Fact Sheet
| Interconnection | Greece to Cyprus |
| European designation | PCI 2.6.2 |
| Subsea route length | Approximately 900 km |
| Initial transmission capacity | 1,000 MW |
| Technology | Bipolar HVDC |
| Cable voltage | ±525 kV |
| Maximum water depth | Approximately 3,000 m |
| Connection points | Korakia, Crete and Kofinou, Cyprus |
| Approved Capex | €1.94bn |
| EU grant | Approximately €657m under CEF |
| Project company | Great Sea Interconnector S.A. |
| Shareholders | Meridiam 66%, IPTO 34% |
A European Project of Common Interest
The European Union has recognized the Greece–Cyprus interconnection as a strategic cross-border electricity infrastructure project under its PCI framework.
The project contributes to European objectives for energy security, electricity-market integration, renewable energy development and the resilience of electricity infrastructure.
GSI is supported by an EU grant of approximately €657 million under the Connecting Europe Facility and has been identified by the European Commission as one of Europe’s priority Energy Highways.
Learn more about the EU’s Energy Highways and Projects of Common Interest