Turkey-Northern Cyprus Submarine Power Cable Connection Project to Turn the Island into a "Green Energy Hub"

Prof. Dr. Murat Fahrioğlu, Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the Middle East Technical University Northern Cyprus Campus and a member of the Turkey-Northern Cyprus Joint Energy Working Group established for the project, provided details on the feasibility studies.

Fahrioğlu, who also serves as an electrical grid consultant in the joint energy working group established with the energy agreement signed between Turkey and Northern Cyprus, stated that the feasibility studies for the submarine power cable project from Turkey to Northern Cyprus are in the final stages.

He explained that submarine power connections are made in two ways worldwide: sometimes the cable is produced, and the ship lays it, which is a rarely used method. The other method involves producing the cable, having the ship roll it up, and burying it underwater using a special robotic submarine anchor.

Fahrioğlu noted that technical details between the two countries are being addressed in the project, and studies are ongoing to determine which method to use. He emphasized that the submarine cable will be bidirectional, providing electricity not only from Turkey to Northern Cyprus but also from Northern Cyprus to Turkey and the rest of the world.

Due to the "V"-shaped valley between Northern Cyprus and Turkey, resembling a valley, the working group is trying to determine the best method, considering the deepest point is 1,400 meters. Once completed, the cable will facilitate the flow of electricity not only from Turkey to Northern Cyprus but also from Northern Cyprus to Turkey and the entire world.

Fahrioğlu highlighted the significant potential for renewable energy technologies in the region, stating that the electricity provided to the island through the project will contribute to the development of green technologies.

He mentioned that the North Cyprus campus of the Middle East Technical University is conducting research and development studies on green energy, measuring the solar potential of the island, and setting up a solar field. Fahrioğlu pointed out that the island has the best solar energy potential in Europe and that the project will lead to the development of green technologies.

Canraş Batunlu, Assistant Professor at the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the Middle East Technical University Northern Cyprus Campus and a member of the project team, stated that the project will play a crucial role in the future of electric vehicles.

Batunlu explained that they initiated a project at the Northern Cyprus campus of the Middle East Technical University to charge electric vehicles with solar energy. Electric vehicles can be charged with solar energy while the remaining electricity can be fed into the grid, taking advantage of Northern Cyprus's abundant solar potential.

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Zeyrek, the Rector of the Middle East Technical University Northern Cyprus Campus, added that the implementation of the project would have significant implications. The university aims to increase its solar energy usage capacity from 20% to 40% with new installations, setting an example for the entire island. The project aligns with the university's efforts to contribute to the widespread use of sustainable resources across the island.

In summary, the submarine power cable project not only addresses the energy needs of Northern Cyprus but also contributes to the development of green energy technologies, providing a model for sustainable energy use and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Source: Kıbrıs Postası