Greece has commenced the trial operation of the Crete-Attica electricity interconnection, marking a key advancement in its energy infrastructure. The Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO) announced that the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link between Crete and mainland Greece began testing this week.
This project, managed by IPTO’s subsidiary Ariadne Interconnection, is expected to undergo trials throughout the summer.
According to Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA), Greek Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou, in an interview with Open TV, said that this is a “historic day for Greece”.
“The largest Greek island is integrated into the national energy system, while putting an end to a decades-old pending issue,” the minister added.
The new interconnection integrates Crete into the National Electricity System, which is anticipated to yield both environmental and economic benefits over the long term. This development follows the 2021 establishment of an alternating current (AC) link between Crete and the Peloponnese.
The 1GW interconnection utilises Voltage Source Converter (VSC) technology. It features 500kV submarine cables laid at depths reaching 1,200m, with a total project budget of €1.1bn.
Minister Papastavrou further stated that the interconnection will lead to a savings of €300m per year, while the economic benefit will total €550m combined with the already operational interconnection of Crete and the Peloponnese.
The Crete-Attica link is a key step in Greece’s energy strategy, with future plans to extend connections to other islands, such as the Cyclades and Dodecanese, to bolster grid efficiency and support clean energy initiatives.
In July 2023, IPTO activated an ultra-high voltage 400kV electrical interconnection connecting Greece and Bulgaria, in collaboration with the Bulgarian Electricity Transmission System Operator, ESO EAD.
