Gulf countries likely to export surplus electricity to Europe: official

Gulf countries may export their excess electricity of 60,000 megawatts (MW) to Europe, Al-Eqtisadiah newspaper reported on Sunday, citing Ahmed Al-Ebrahim, CEO of GCC Interconnection Authority.

“GCC countries aim to export the surplus power to Europe, after completing the interconnection project that links Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan,” Al-Ebrahim said.

A final decision is expected to be reached in 2020, when the project’s feasibility studies are finalized.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was inked for the African-European power linkage, which will connect Egypt and Europe, and also include the GCC countries through the Egyptian-Saudi power grid and electric interconnection between the Gulf, Egypt and Jordan.

The Saudi-Egypt power grid link has reached an advanced stage, Argaam earlier reported.

In addition, Saudi Arabia and Jordan will begin construction of their power connectivity project by 2022.