The Minister of Economy and Energy Olgun Amcaoğlu said on Sunday that they had held discussions in Ankara last week regarding the provision of electricity from Türkiye via cable and had held an extensive review of technical studies.

“Both countries are forming committees, and planning will begin. We are persistent in fully implementing this project for green energy, which has been discussed for so many years,” he said.

Amcaoğlu also mentioned that feasibility studies for the project of supplying electricity through cable will be completed within a year.

Speaking to a business news channel in Türkiye, the Minister of Economy and Energy Olgun Amcaoğlu pointed out that the issue of providing electricity to the TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) through cable had been on the agenda since 2012.

“Since taking office at the ministry in May of last year, we have been expressing this need,” Amcaoğlu said and highlighted the importance of interconnecting the island with mainland Türkiye and utilizing solar energy in a country that receives 333 days of sunshine.

He added that discussions were held in Ankara last week regarding the provision of electricity from Türkiye via cable and had a chance to review technical studies carried out on the project. “Both countries are forming committees, and planning will begin. We are persistent in fully implementing this project for green energy, which has been discussed for so many years,” Amcaoğlu said.

He also said that a feasibility study concerning the project should be completed within a year.

Amcaoğlu pointed out that the electricity cable project was the second major project of this century following the water pipeline constructed between the TRNC and Türkiye.

He said that once interconnectivity was reached, the problem of energy shortage will be addressed once and for all, particularly during consumption peaks experienced in summer and winter.

On the economy, Amcaoğlu said, “We are also working on how projects will be implemented to close the trade deficit and increase export capacity.”

He mentioned that there are 18 industrial zones in the country and pointed out that a roadmap has been determined for infrastructure development.

Amcaoğlu emphasized the importance of promoting the service sector, expanding the production sector, and broadening investment areas to focus on export-oriented production.

“We aim to prepare a very good infrastructure for both investors from the mainland and Turkish Cypriot investors living abroad,” he added.

On the issue of isolations and embargoes, Amcaoğlu said, “The TRNC will no longer have to struggle with isolation. All the things that have been done and the projects that have been implemented are proof of this. I also believe that direct flights will start soon.