VDP Srl

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The project involves the construction of the EuroAsia Interconnector, a high-voltage DC power cable connecting Israel, Cyprus, Crete and continental Greece (Attica), which includes a submarine DC cable with onshore substations for every connection point.
The interconnector will ensure the creation of an energy highway between the continents of Europe and Asia, through which the European Union will be securely supplied with the electricity produced by the gas reserves in Cyprus and Israel.

The marine connection consists of about 314 km between Cyprus territorial waters and the Israeli shore with the landing point located at Hadera Port in the District of Haifa.
As regards the land part, the project layout includes 2 km of underground cable reaching the landing point represented by the new converter station.
The following environmental studies were developed for the design of the new power line:

• Environmental Impact Study;
• Study of cross-border impacts;
• Implementation of calculation models for the evaluation of atmospheric and acoustic emissions during the construction.
• Photo-simulations regarding the new switching station.

PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS

VDP carried out the Environmental Impact Study in compliance with EU and Israeli legislation, in particular with the Planning and Building Law, 5725-1965 and the Planning and Building Regulations - Environmental Impact Statements 5763-2003.
The environmental analyzes involved both the offshore and terrestrial sections, focusing on marine habitats and ecosystems potentially affected by the project and considering the possible impacts on sensitive areas from a natural and anthropic point of view.

The analyses included also specific measurements on selected points representing the local acoustic climate and the situation related to the vibration caused by the works.
Furthermore, the impact of the marine cable installation with respect to Posidonia Oceanica (a seagrass species endemic to the Mediterranean Sea) preservation was assessed.

The transnational nature of the project required the project to follow the indications stated in the Guide concerning the application of the environmental impact assessment procedure for large-scale cross-border projects and the following potential effects were analyzed:

• Impacts derived from waste generation;
• Underwater noise effects on fishes and marine mammals;
• The project influence on fish migration and fishing activities;
• Impacts from unplanned and unintentional events, such as maritime accidents leading to oil spills, introduction of invasive species and gas emissions.