Greece has taken a major step forward in its energy infrastructure by launching the Attica-Crete electricity interconnection, marking a transformative moment for Crete, the country’s largest island. This milestone goes beyond technical achievement — it reshapes Crete’s role within the national energy network.
The interconnection, developed by Ariadne Interconnection, a subsidiary of the Greek electricity transmission system operator ADMIE, is part of a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) project. Currently in a trial phase expected to continue through the summer, the system will fully integrate Crete into the Greek national electricity grid. This development ends Crete’s long-standing energy isolation and establishes the island as a critical player in Greece’s energy transition.
While Crete was previously connected to the mainland by an alternating current link to the Peloponnese established in 2021, this new HVDC link is far more advanced. With a capacity of 1 gigawatt and an investment of €1.1 billion, it significantly boosts the island’s energy security. Beyond stabilizing the electricity supply, the interconnection paves the way for greater integration of renewable energy sources on Crete, supporting Greece’s decarbonization objectives.
The project includes submarine cables operating at 500 kilovolts, laid at depths reaching 1,200 meters, making it one of the world’s deepest energy links. The system uses advanced Voltage Source Converter (VSC) technology in its converter stations, enhancing both reliability and efficiency.
Several major industry leaders contributed to the project’s successful completion, including Siemens, TERNA, Nexans, Prysmian, NKT, and Hellenic Cables. The entire infrastructure was completed in just four and a half years — a notably swift timeframe compared to similar European projects that often take over seven years.
Beyond its technical innovations, the interconnection marks a strategic and environmental milestone. It is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by enabling increased use of renewable energy and decreasing Crete’s reliance on oil-based power generation. Economically, it will also help lower electricity costs for consumers across Greece.
This interconnection strengthens Crete’s integration into the national energy system and highlights Greece’s expanding role as an energy hub in the Eastern Mediterranean. It lays the foundation for future domestic and cross-border interconnection projects, reinforcing the country’s energy resilience and long-term sustainability.
