Sustainability
Environmental and social programme
The corridor is being developed to national, EU and international lender standards, with public disclosure of its impact assessments.
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
An Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) will be prepared for each country section and for the marine crossing, in line with national law, EU requirements and the standards of international lenders. Draft and final ESIA documents will be disclosed on this portal for public consultation.
The Black Sea anoxic zone
The Black Sea is the world's largest anoxic marine basin. Below roughly 150–200 metres the water holds no dissolved oxygen and contains hydrogen sulphide, and life on the deep seabed is very limited.
Most of the cable route lies in this deep zone. The marine studies therefore concentrate on the continental shelf and the coastal landfalls in Georgia and Romania, where habitats, fisheries and tourism are most sensitive, and on deep-water cultural heritage that the anoxic water preserves.
Focus areas
Climate
Brings renewable electricity into the EU, supporting its 2030 and 2050 climate targets and the decarbonisation plans of all four countries.
Marine environment
Seabed surveys, route optimisation around sensitive habitats and heritage sites, burial or protection of the cable on the shelf.
Communities
Stakeholder engagement along the route, a grievance mechanism and a fair approach to land and sea users.
Reporting
Public ESIA disclosure and regular sustainability reporting towards the final investment decision.
Disclosure
- ESIAScoping reportTo be published
- ESIAStakeholder engagement planTo be published
- ESIADraft ESIA — marine sectionTo be published