KSA, Egypt Discuss Installing Submarine Cable of Electricity Interconnection Project

The Egyptian-Saudi committee concerned with following-up the electricity interconnection project between the two countries is discussing the schedule for installing the submarine cable in its meeting scheduled for next week.

Sources told “Al Arabiya Business” that the Italian company “Prysmian” is close to completing the submarine cable, preparing it for shipment and installation between Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The matter is being discussed between the two sides and the project consultant.

The sources explained that the length of the submarine cable exceeds 19 kilometers.

Immediately after manufacturing the cable in the Italian company, it will be placed on a ship equipped for its installation.

The contractual value agreed upon with the Italian company exceeds 220 million euros. The value includes shipping, installation, and securing the cables.

Schedule of Trial and Official Operations

According to the agreement between Egypt and KSA, the trial operation of the electricity interconnection project will begin at the end of May 2025.

The official operation of the project, which costs $1.8 billion, will start in two phases. The first phase in June 2025 with a capacity of 1500 megawatts. Then, the second in November of the same year with a capacity of 1500 megawatts.

The Islamic Development Bank, the Arab Fund, and the Kuwait Fund participate in financing part of the cost of the project.

Project’s Goals & Benefits

The primary goal of the Saudi-Egyptian project is to enhance the electrical capacities between the two countries by exchanging 3,000 megawatts. A larger goal is exporting electricity to other countries.

The project will also achieve several mutual benefits for the two countries. These benefits include enhancing the reliability of the national electrical grids and supporting their stability. Moreover, it will help countries to benefit from the available generation capacities.

Furthermore, the line will enable the two countries to incorporate renewable energy sources into the electricity production mix.

Moreover, it will activate the trade exchange of electrical energy and allow the use of the accompanying fiber optic line. This will enhance communication networks and information transfer between the two countries, the Arab states, and neighboring countries, thereby increasing the economic return of the project.

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