In a significant step toward deepening energy cooperation between Europe and North Africa, Greece and Egypt have reaffirmed their joint commitment to the development of a groundbreaking undersea electricity cable project.
The initiative, aimed at transporting renewable energy from Egypt to the European continent, was a central topic of discussion during a high-level bilateral meeting in Athens between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi.
This bold infrastructure venture involves the construction of a 3,000-megawatt capacity undersea cable, spanning approximately 1,000 kilometers (or 620 miles) across the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Once completed, the interconnector will allow the seamless transfer of solar and wind-generated power from Egypt—where conditions for renewable energy production are highly favorable—to Greece and, subsequently, to the broader European energy grid.
Backed by the European Union, the project qualifies for substantial EU funding, underlining its geopolitical and environmental significance. The initiative represents a strategic effort to diversify Europe’s energy sources, a priority that has taken on new urgency in the wake of the continent’s effort to reduce its reliance on Russian energy since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis emphasized the project’s long-term importance during a joint press briefing, noting, “This initiative will enable both Greece and the wider European Union to access affordable, green energy—primarily wind and solar—produced in Egypt at highly competitive costs. It reflects our shared commitment to a greener, more sustainable energy future.”
The total investment in the power link is estimated at approximately 4 billion euros (around $4.5 billion), with both countries pushing for the project to be operational within the next five years—a notably ambitious timeline given the scale and technical complexity involved.
At the core of the development is the private sector’s involvement, with the Greece-based Copelouzos Group taking the lead on implementation. The renewable energy will be generated by new solar and wind installations built specifically for the project in Egypt’s vast deserts and sunny landscapes, setting a benchmark for cross-border clean energy trade.
President el-Sissi, speaking alongside Mitsotakis, described the project as more than a bilateral infrastructure deal. “This interconnection is not merely a cooperative effort between two nations—it is a strategic endeavor with regional and international ramifications. It represents the first direct transmission of clean energy from Africa to Europe through an undersea cable, and we hope to see continued European Union support for this transformative initiative.”
Beyond energy, the leaders’ meeting also addressed a spectrum of critical issues, including regional stability, migration management, and expanding Egypt’s engagement with European institutions. Prime Minister Mitsotakis underscored Greece’s consistent support for Egypt, particularly in its dealings with the European Union. “Greece stands as a reliable partner of Egypt within the EU framework, and we will continue to champion stronger relations between Egypt and Europe,” he said.
The two countries also signed several cooperation agreements that lay the groundwork for expanded collaboration in areas such as seasonal labor mobility, defense cooperation, financial exchanges, and cultural initiatives. One such agreement aims to streamline the temporary employment of Egyptian workers in Greece, helping meet seasonal labor demands in the agricultural and tourism sectors.
This renewed partnership signals the growing importance of Euro-African collaboration in achieving shared goals—from addressing climate change and ensuring energy security to promoting peace, development, and economic opportunity across both regions.
With construction preparations already underway and diplomatic momentum strong, the Greece-Egypt undersea electricity interconnector could become a model for future energy cooperation between Africa and Europe—ushering in a new era of sustainable, transcontinental integration.