- Egypt and Greece advance €4.2bn subsea cable to export green electricity from Egypt to Europe via Greece, with EU backing.
- Gregy-Elica Interconnector will deliver 3,000 MW of renewable power, reinforcing Greece’s role as a regional energy hub.
- The New Egypt-Greece Cooperation Council was launched to boost energy, trade, and security ties amid regional maritime tensions.
Egypt and Greece have stepped up their energy cooperation with full support from the European Union for the €4.2 billion Gregy-Elica Interconnector. This subsea power cable will deliver green electricity from Egypt to Europe through Greece.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi called the project a “strategic step” during his official visit to Athens. The cable will transfer renewable energy from Egyptian power plants directly into the European grid.
Greek energy company Kopelouzos Group leads the project. The interconnector will create the first direct electricity link between Egypt and Europe. Egypt signed the agreement in 2022 to support Greece’s ambition of becoming a regional energy hub.
President al-Sissi urged the EU to maintain strong support and speed up implementation. He stressed bringing clean, affordable power from North Africa to Europe.
The cable will supply electricity to Greece and several neighbouring countries. The project will improve regional energy security and promote stronger grid integration across borders.
Al-Sissi’s visit also marked the first meeting of the Egypt-Greece Cooperation Council. Both countries launched the council to expand energy, trade, migration, and security collaboration. The session concluded with a joint declaration on strategic partnership.
Greece has also partnered with Cyprus and Israel on another power interconnection. This plan to link their electricity grids has stirred tensions with Turkey. Ankara disputes maritime boundaries in parts of the Eastern Mediterranean where the cables will run.
In response, Athens and Cairo signed an agreement in 2020 that defined their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). The agreement laid the legal foundation for joint maritime and energy projects.
The Gregy-Elica project fits into a wider push to strengthen energy cooperation across the Mediterranean. Egypt and Greece aim to secure stable electricity supplies and deepen energy ties between North Africa and Southern Europe.
Egypt plans to export its growing solar and wind energy capacity to European markets. The interconnector gives Egypt a direct route to Europe for its renewable electricity.
Greece expects to become a key transit point for green power flowing into the EU. The country plans to gain economic and political influence from its role in regional energy transport.
The EU views the project as part of its strategy to reduce fossil fuel use and diversify energy sources. Officials say the interconnector will support Europe’s green energy transition.
Kopelouzos Group announced that the cable will carry about 3,000 megawatts of electricity. That capacity could power up to 2 million homes across Europe.
The project will generate jobs and attract investment in Egypt and Greece. Once completed, the cable will strengthen the energy corridor linking Africa and Europe.
Leaders across the region increasingly use energy projects to build alliances and secure long-term cooperation. The Gregy-Elica project shows how energy diplomacy now shapes the Mediterranean’s political landscape.
As Europe accelerates its shift to clean energy, projects like Gregy-Elica will be critical in connecting continents and stabilising future power supply.