The feasibility study for the Greece-Saudi Arabia electricity interconnection, known as the Saudi Greek Interconnection, is underway and expected to be completed by the end of 2025, according to Manos Manousakis, CEO of Greece’s electricity transmission system operator, ADMIE. This ambitious project aims to establish the first direct power link between Europe and the Arabian Peninsula, facilitating the exchange of green energy across diverse geographical and climatic regions.
The interconnection project is being managed by ADMIE, with the goal of having it included in the EU’s Projects of Common Interest (PCI). This designation would help secure funding and support for the project, which is expected to play a key role in strengthening energy ties between Europe and Saudi Arabia while advancing the green energy transition.
As part of its broader regional strategy, ADMIE has also formed additional partnerships with companies in the Middle East. Notably, ADMIE has teamed up with Saudi company Dawiyat Integrated to develop a high-speed data corridor in the Eastern Mediterranean. Moreover, discussions are ongoing with Telecom Egypt to enhance internet connectivity by supporting the 2Africa cable system, which will connect Crete to one of the world’s largest subsea cable networks, further improving internet connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
In September 2023, Greece and Saudi Arabia formalized their collaboration on the electricity interconnection with an agreement to establish a joint venture for the development of the Saudi Greek Interconnection. The new project will be managed by a special purpose company, marking a crucial step toward creating a clean energy corridor from the Middle East to Europe via Greece. This initiative complements ADMIE’s other major projects, including the Green Aegean Interconnector and the Greece-Germany electricity interconnection.
The interconnection project is part of a broader framework established by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Greece and Saudi Arabia in 2023. The MoU sets the foundation for cooperation in a variety of areas, including renewable energy, clean hydrogen, energy efficiency, and the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries. The agreement also emphasizes the adoption of circular economy approaches to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change, further solidifying the strategic energy partnership between the two nations.
