Uzi Landau.
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski)
Energy and Water Minister Uzi Landau instructed the Israel Electric Corporation
on Sunday to begin implementing a plan to lay undersea cables to link Israel’s
electricity grid to that of Cyprus.
Landau also asked the IEC to draft a
memorandum of understanding to be signed by both it and Deh Quantum Energy, the
ministry announced later that day. Deh Quantum Energy is controlled by the Greek
electric corporation, the Bank of Cyprus and a private firm.
If
everything happens on schedule, it will be possible to submit the project for
approval by both the Israeli and Cypriot governments this year, according to the
ministry.
Landau first expressed interest in pursuing this idea in
November, when he accompanied President Shimon Peres on a trip to Cyprus, and
then again last week during the visit to Israel of Cyprus Commerce, Industry and
Tourism Minister Praxoula Antoniadou Kyriacou, the Energy and Water Ministry
said.
“This project could have a majorly positive influence on Israel’s
economy when, for the first time in our history, we will move beyond our being
an energy island and link up with Cyprus, and through it to Europe,” Landau said
on Sunday.
“This is a psychological and diplomatic breakthrough that will
affect Israel’s energy redundancy and energy security. We are very much
interested in moving forward on the issue.”