Electricity Authority of Cyprus launches tender to study impact of Great Sea Interconnector

The Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) officially launched a public tender on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, to conduct a comprehensive impact study regarding the Great Sea Interconnector project. The study, valued at 350,000 euros, aims to evaluate the consequences for the organization's energy infrastructure, construction costs, and the management of subsea cable systems.

Prospective bidders may submit requests for clarifications until October 23, 2026, with the formal opening of tenders scheduled for November 11, 2026. The selected contractor will be required to deliver the final study within three months of the contract award. This development follows years of preparation, as the Cyprus-Crete electricity link project officially originated in 2012 and later secured 658 million euros in European Commission funding in 2022. Recent governance milestones include decisions by the Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority (CERA) and the Cabinet in 2023-2024 designating the Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO) as the implementing body, followed by the French firm Meridiam acquiring a 66 percent stake in August 2026. Critics note that this impact assessment is occurring with significant delays, following major policy decisions that have already shaped the domestic energy sector.