A Memorandum of Understanding for the entry of Greek power grid operator IPTO into the equity make-up of Elica, a subsidiary of the Copelouzos group established to promote the 3.5 billion-euro Greek-Egyptian GREGY Interconnector, along with a corresponding move expected from the Egyptian operator EETC, undoubtedly represent votes of confidence for the project.

The interest shown by the two operators to become stakeholders in the GREGY Interconnector project boosts its development prospects ahead of an EU announcement, in June, of a shortlist of projects seeking PCI/PMI list inclusion for the next two years.

Three studies crucial to the development of the GREGY Interconnector, promising to transmit green energy to Europe, are planned to be commissioned over the next couple of months.

One of the three studies will focus on technical details, a second will examine the project’s financial aspects, while a third study, a challenging seabed mapping procedure to scan the project’s underwater setting over a distance of 954 kilometers, will take no less than six months to complete. Weather conditions will play a big role in this third study’s duration.

If all goes according to plan, a final investment decision sanctioning the project’s development is expected within 2024.