Cyprus and Lebanon initiate feasibility study for subsea power link

On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, Cyprus and Lebanon are set to hold their first technical meeting to discuss the feasibility of an undersea electricity interconnection. The initiative follows months of negotiations between the two nations, supported by the World Bank, which has agreed to fund the study. Lebanese Minister of Energy and Water, Jo Santi, confirmed the meeting, noting that the project aims to address Lebanon’s chronic energy shortages and dependence on costly fuel imports, which have risen by approximately $50 million monthly due to regional maritime crises.

The collaboration stems from a proposal made during a visit by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to Cyprus earlier this year. Subsequently, in July, Cypriot Energy Minister Michael Damianos and Minister Santi agreed upon the terms of reference and established a joint technical committee. The assessment will be conducted in phases, beginning with an analysis of supply and demand balances and the economic viability of various scenarios. Detailed technical studies will proceed only if initial findings prove positive. Additionally, Lebanon is simultaneously exploring options for electricity imports from Syria as part of a broader strategy to stabilize its energy sector without relying on further public debt.