A decades-long vision comes true
Crete-Attica interconnection is becoming a reality by Ariadne Interconnection, a wholly-owned subsidiary of IPTO Group. The 1 billion euro investment is the largest project in the history of the Greek electrical system, generating significant economic and environmental benefits for all citizens.
IDENTITY
Crete-Attica electrical interconnection ranks among the top 5 most innovative interconnection DC projects at European level. It involves two submarine 500 kV cables, 335 km in length, of a total 1,000 MW transmission capacity, laid in record depths of up to 1,200 meters on the Aegean seabed.
On both ends of the interconnection, in Attica and Heraklion, there are two state-of-the-art high voltage centers under construction - Koumoundourou and Damasta converter stations - as well as a GIS 150 kV substation. During the design of the project, IPTO took into account the requests of local communities to minimize visual and environmental nuisance.
IDENTITY
Crete-Attica electrical interconnection ranks among the top 5 most innovative interconnection DC projects at European level. It involves two submarine 500 kV cables, 335 km in length, of a total 1,000 MW transmission capacity, laid in record depths of up to 1,200 meters on the Aegean seabed.
On both ends of the interconnection, in Attica and Heraklion, there are two state-of-the-art high voltage centers under construction - Koumoundourou and Damasta converter stations - as well as a GIS 150 kV substation. During the design of the project, IPTO took into account the requests of local communities to minimize visual and environmental nuisance.
PROGRESS
The contracts were signed in June 2020 in Heraklion, Crete, between Ariadne Interconnection and contractors Prysmian, Nexans, NKT-Hellenic Cables and Siemens-TERNA. All sections of the interconnection are to be completed by the end of 2024.
In the spring of 2021, the contractors completed the marine surveys. The purpose of this technically complex process is to determine the optimal routing for the submarine cables, on the basis of the particularities of the seabed morphology and the minimum environmental burden.
- Contracts' signing in Heraklion, Crete
- Cable manufacturing in the factories of the contractors commences
- Marine survey is completed
- Land construction works launch
- Equipment manufacturing for the converter stations commence
- Optical fibers are installed
- The first section of the submarine cable is laid
- Submarine cables are laid and protected
- Construction works for the electrode stations launch
- Equipment of the converter stations is installed
- Tests for commissioning
- Trial operation begins
- Estimated project completion
- Project completion
PROGRESS
The contracts were signed in June 2020 in Heraklion, Crete, between Ariadne Interconnection and contractors Prysmian, Nexans, NKT-Hellenic Cables and Siemens-TERNA. All sections of the interconnection are to be completed by the end of 2024.
In the spring of 2021, the contractors completed the marine surveys. The purpose of this technically complex process is to determine the optimal routing for the submarine cables, on the basis of the particularities of the seabed morphology and the minimum environmental burden.
- Contracts' signing in Heraklion, Crete
- Cable manufacturing in the factories of the contractors commences
- Marine survey is completed
- Land construction works launch
- Equipment manufacturing for the converter stations commence
- Optical fibers are installed
- The first section of the submarine cable is laid
- Submarine cables are laid and protected
- Construction works for the electrode stations launch
- Equipment of the converter stations is installed
- Tests for commissioning
- Trial operation begins
- Estimated project completion
- Project completion
INNOVATION
Crete-Attica interconnection uses 500 kV DC cables and the Voltage Source Converter (VSC) advanced technology, the first of its kind to be implemented in the Mediterranean.
With a 1,000 MW transmission capacity, it is the island interconnection with the greatest capacity worldwide, along with Sardinia.
The installation of the cables at depths reaching up to 1,200 meters, places it among the top three deepest interconnections internationally.
Europe’s leading manufacturers have joined forces in this largest energy infrastructure ever to be constructed in Greece.
INNOVATION
Crete-Attica interconnection uses 500 kV DC cables and the Voltage Source Converter (VSC) advanced technology, the first of its kind to be implemented in the Mediterranean.
With a 1,000 MW transmission capacity, it is the island interconnection with the greatest capacity worldwide, along with Sardinia.
The installation of the cables at depths reaching up to 1,200 meters, places it among the top three deepest interconnections internationally.
Europe’s leading manufacturers have joined forces in this largest energy infrastructure ever to be constructed in Greece.
FOOTPRINT
The new interconnection has a significant economic, social, and environmental impact.
Economic, because with the operation of Crete's two electrical interconnections (via Attica and the Peloponnese), all consumers in the country will save €550 million annually through Public Service charges on their electricity bills. This benefit will gradually increase, reaching €1 billion by 2030.
Social, because during the project's construction, numerous new jobs were created, while its operation strengthens the island's energy security and directly upgrades its tourism offerings.
Environmental, because CO₂ emissions are reduced by 500,000 tons, and pollutants from electricity generation on the island are eliminated, with the smokestacks of local power plants being permanently shut down.
ENVIRONMENT 0 CO2 emissions for energy production in Crete
ECONOMY 550 million € benefit through PSOs
FOOTPRINT
ENVIRONMENT 0 CO2 emissions for energy production in CreteECONOMY 550 million € benefit through PSOs
TESTIMONIALS
We respect the needs of the local residents in Crete and listen to their stories, as they will be the first to reap the benefits of this new interconnection in their homes and businesses. The improved quality and reliability of the power supply will quickly become evident, especially during the summer months, when demand for power peaks due to the incoming tourism. Once Crete is fully integrated into the System grid, the benefits of a better air quality and a more sustainable environment will be enjoyed by all.
TESTIMONIALS
We respect the needs of the local residents in Crete and listen to their stories, as they will be the first to reap the benefits of this new interconnection in their homes and businesses. The improved quality and reliability of the power supply will quickly become evident, especially during the summer months, when demand for power peaks due to the incoming tourism. Once Crete is fully integrated into the System grid, the benefits of a better air quality and a more sustainable environment will be enjoyed by all.
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