Transelectrica and Georgian State Electrosystem have started the technical-development phase of a proposed 1,300 MW electricity interconnector across the Black Sea. The project is moving beyond political cooperation through a memorandum between the two system operators. The next stage will focus on engineering preparation for the link.
Route, scope and key engineering work
The planned interconnector would connect Constanța in Romania with Anaklia in Georgia. It is expected to cover approximately 1,155 kilometres, including about 1,115 kilometres of submarine cable and 40 kilometres of onshore transmission infrastructure. Engineering preparation will need to define the cable technology and the seabed route.
The technical-development phase also includes determining landing points and converter-station design. It will require specifying system-stability requirements and assessing integration with the Romanian and Georgian transmission networks. These elements are part of the work needed before further project steps.
EU status and intended market role
The interconnector received Project of Mutual Interest status from the European Union in 2026. The designation reflects its potential role in linking the South Caucasus with the European electricity market. The project is intended to support renewable-energy trade and diversify supply routes.
The planned corridor would bypass traditional land-based transit systems. The interconnector’s stated purpose also includes creating an electricity corridor connecting the region to European market access. The EU status is tied to that cross-regional linkage objective.
Engineering complexity and commercial requirements
The engineering complexity remains considerable for a link spanning more than 1,100 kilometres offshore. The cable would be among the world’s longest submarine electricity links. Black Sea depth, seabed conditions, repair logistics and converter availability are expected to influence capital costs and construction risk.
The commercial model is also described as a key factor for project bankability. A 1,300 MW link requires dependable generation or contracted supply on the eastern side, along with sufficient demand and price spreads in Europe. A regulated framework would be needed to support debt service over several decades.
Lenders are expected to seek clarity on offtake arrangements, congestion revenues and availability obligations. Renewable generation in Georgia and the wider Caucasus is cited as a potential energy base for supply. The financing requirements are therefore linked to how supply, demand and grid constraints are handled.
Romania’s infrastructure context
The project would add another role for Romania within European energy infrastructure. Constanța is already described as important for Black Sea transport as well as gas and electricity development. Transelectrica is working on domestic reinforcement alongside cross-border integration with neighbouring markets.
The memorandum marks what is described as the most consequential stage of the project. With political support already established for the corridor’s strategic rationale, detailed engineering will need to determine whether the cable can meet technical reliability, commercial financeability and resilience requirements at its stated scale.
