The Georgia–Romania Black Sea Submarine Cable project is moving toward the preparation of its marine survey, following a technical workshop hosted by Romanian transmission system operator Transelectrica.
The meeting took place in Bucharest on 29 July and brought together representatives of Transelectrica, Georgian State Electrosystem, Italian engineering consultancy CESI, the Romanian Maritime Hydrographic Directorate, the Border Police and other institutions and consultants involved in the project.
Marine survey to support detailed design
The participants reviewed progress and coordinated the project’s next preparatory stages.
The discussions focused on the planned seabed study, the proposed submarine cable route, permitting for the Romanian section, the implementation schedule and preliminary cost estimates.
According to Transelectrica, the marine survey is expected to confirm the optimal route and provide the technical information required for infrastructure design. The partners are also preparing an update to the feasibility study and further economic, financial and regulatory assessments.
Romania assesses grid requirements
The workshop also examined the Romanian component of the project.
This included the proposed onshore route, the permitting process and the technical requirements for connecting the future interconnector to Romania’s transmission network and national power system.
Transelectrica said the assessment includes the investments needed to integrate 1,300 MW of transmission capacity in the Constanța area.
More than 1,100 kilometres under the Black Sea
A preliminary feasibility study completed by CESI in 2024 recommended a 1,300 MW high-voltage direct-current interconnection operating at ±525 kV.
The proposed infrastructure would extend approximately 1,155 kilometres between Topraisar in Romania and Anaklia in Georgia. Around 1,115 kilometres would run beneath the Black Sea, with some sections installed at depths exceeding 2,500 metres.
The project is intended to create a direct electricity connection between Georgia and Romania, linking the South Caucasus more closely with the European electricity system.
Preparatory support continues
The World Bank is supporting the project’s preparation stage. The interconnector is also being evaluated through the ENTSO-E Ten-Year Network Development Plan 2026 process and has been included on the European Union’s second list of Projects of Common Interest and Projects of Mutual Interest.
Transelectrica and Georgian State Electrosystem signed a memorandum of understanding in early 2026 covering technical documentation, marine studies and economic, legal, regulatory and environmental assessments.
However, Transelectrica emphasised that the memorandum supports further project development and does not constitute a final investment decision.
Based on a press release issued by Transelectrica on 30 July 2026 concerning the technical workshop held in Bucharest on 29 July. Project specifications and development-stage information are attributed to Transelectrica.