Minister of National Infrastructures Joseph Paritzky announced today that studies would begin on a joint Israeli-Turkish undersea energy infrastructure project. A tender to choose the consultant will be published next week.
Paritzky said, "The idea is to create an infrastructure corridor that will include electricity power lines, and pipelines for natural gas, crude oil and refined products."
The study will examine whether the abyss of the eastern Mediterranean basin between Israel and Turkey is suitable for such a corridor.
Paritzky believes that building an infrastructure corridor will enable Israel to link up with the Eastern European energy grids also. He believes that the study will be completed within three months, and if the conclusion is favorable, Israel will approach the Turkish government to coordinate the subject.
Paritzky says Turkey and Israel can complement each other in natural gas, oil, and electricity needs. He believes that it might be possible for each country to provide back-up in case of electricity supply problems, among other things.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on April 21, 2004