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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The new interconnection has a significant financial, social and environmental footprint. Financial, because by 2024, which is the first year when both electrical interconnections of Crete will be in operation, the country’s consumers will collectively save 550 million euros through their Public Utilities bills every year, an amount expected to gradually grow to 1 billion euros by 2030.
Social, because more than 2,000 jobs will be created during the project’s construction. Environmental, because CO2 emissions will decrease by 500,000 tons, with no more pollutants from the island’s energy generation and the smokestacks of the local plants shutting down for good.
The new interconnection has a significant financial, social and environmental footprint. Financial, because by 2024, which is the first year when both electrical interconnections of Crete will be in operation, the country’s consumers will collectively save 550 million euros through their Public Utilities bills every year, an amount expected to gradually grow to 1 billion euros by 2030.
Social, because more than 2,000 jobs will be created during the project’s construction. Environmental, because CO2 emissions will decrease by 500,000 tons, with no more pollutants from the island’s energy generation and the smokestacks of the local plants shutting down for good.
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.
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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