Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece intend to choose a consultant for the electrical interconnection project before the end of this year. Four international consulting offices were nominated to undertake feasibility studies for the electrical interconnection project between Egypt, Cyprus and Greece, according to a senior official at the Ministry of Electricity. The official added that the consultant, who will be selected and assigned the tasks of the studies, will prepare all the project's technical and financial requirements. The project is an important part of the strategic relations and cooperation between Egypt, Cyprus and Greece, as well as contributing to the development of the energy corridor by increasing the supply of electric power, and increasing the participation of electricity generated from renewable energy sources. Sabah Mashali, head of the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company, said in exclusive statements to Daily News Egypt that coordination is underway with the Cypriot and Greek sides to select a consultant for the electrical interconnection project. Egypt had earlier agreed with a Cypriot company to conduct a feasibility study for the project, but there were many comments on the way the company works and it did not commit to completing the study or responding to inquiries, which prompted the officials to dispense with it and search for another company. Mohamed Shaker, Minister of Electricity, signed two separate memoranda of understanding, one with Cyprus and the other with Greece, regarding the implementation of an electrical interconnection project. Egypt is seeking to expand towards electrical interconnection projects with African and European countries as part of its plan to be a regional energy centre and to exploit reserves of electrical and renewable energy capacities in connection with neighbouring countries.
