The EuroAsia Interconnector, the official EU Project Promoter of the 2,000MW electricity interconnector between Israel, Cyprus, Crete - Attica, Greece and Europe, has secured Cyprus government environmental approval.

The supervising authority, Environment Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, has issued its approval of the dossier submitted by the EuroAsia Interconnector European Project of Common Interest (PCI), and has accordingly notified the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism, as well as the State General Laboratory, the Ministry of Transport and Communication, the Urban Planning and Town Housing department, and the Labour Inspection Office.

The government decision stipulates that the Urban Planning department’s decision on the matter should also be submitted to the Environment Department for monitoring the implementation of the Interconnector.

The Project Promoter of the EuroAsia Interconnector has secured the services of international and local consultants for the environmental impact studies, which have also been distributed for views and consultation with local community authorities that will be affected by the route of the cable.

This decision is a significant milestone as it paves the way for the construction phase to begin.