2025-03-21
Presentation of the "Black Sea Submarine Cable Project" to the European Commission
Zviad Gachechiladze, a member of the Board of Directors of the Georgian State Electrosystem, participated in a working meeting held at the European Commission's Energy Directorate in Brussels, which was organized to discuss future energy projects of importance to the European Union.
In his presentation, Zviad Gachechiladze discussed the technical characteristics of the "Black Sea Submarine Cable Project" and its significance for the South Caucasus and European region. He noted that the implementation of the project will contribute to strengthening the energy security of Europe and the Caucasus region, developing the renewable energy sector, and increasing transit capabilities.
To obtain the status of a Project of Mutual Interest (PMI), in 2024 the European Commission announced a competition for PCI (Projects of Common Interest)/PMI (Projects of Mutual Interest) projects, where, along with important infrastructure projects from other countries, the "Black Sea Submarine Cable Project" was submitted. The meeting in Brussels was related to the review of these competitive projects and was attended by representatives of relevant ministries and regulatory bodies from the countries presenting candidate projects. From the Georgian side, representatives of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development and the National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission attended the meeting online.
The "Black Sea Submarine Cable Project" envisages the installation of a high-voltage underwater transmission network that should connect the electrical power systems of Georgia and Europe. With funding from the World Bank and support from the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, the Georgian State Electrosystem has already conducted a technical-economic study of the project, which determined that the project is promising and technically and economically feasible. Currently, preparatory work is underway to conduct studies of the Black Sea bottom, environment, and social impact assessment.
