TRNC prepares a “project of the century”: Turkey gas pipeline estimated at $700 million

TRNC authorities have announced preparations for a major energy project — a protocol for the construction of a natural gas pipeline to supply gas from Turkey is scheduled to be signed in June. This was announced by the TRNC «prime minister» Ünal Üstel after a meeting with Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz in Ankara.

According to Üstel, the project will cost around $700 million. The 97-kilometer pipeline will run along the seabed and will consist of two pipes with a diameter of approximately 55 centimeters.

The signing of the agreement is expected in the second week of June during the Turkish vice president’s visit to the TRNC.

Ünal Üstel called the project the «project of the century» for the TRNC. It is expected that natural gas will be used not only at power plants, but also in the hotel sector, industry and residential areas. According to him, all feasibility studies have already been completed and the project is ready for implementation.

Particular attention in the statements was given to possible regional energy cooperation. Üstel said that, given political will, gas from the Cyprus offshore shelf could be transported through Turkey to Europe.

He also recalled that a project for an undersea electricity cable between Turkey and the TRNC had previously been discussed. However, according to him, the initiative did not receive support from the European Union. Üstel accused President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides of promoting an alternative route Israel — Cyprus — Greece.

Despite this, TRNC authorities say they continue to develop energy cooperation with Turkey and view the new gas pipeline as a strategic step for the region’s future.