Greece remained a net importer of electricity in 2022 but the gap between imports and exports was narrower compared to previous years, data included in power grid operator IPTO’s ten-year development program for 2024 to 2033 has shown.

Greece was a net importer at all its grid interconnections except for those linking the country with Italy, according to the data.

Electricity net imports through Greece’s grid interconnections were subdued in 2021 and 2022 compared to previous years, when imports greatly exceeded exports, especially between 2014 and 2020, the IPTO figures showed.

IPTO’s ten-year development program for 2024 to 2033, forwarded for consultation by RAAEY, the Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy and Water, includes plans for a series of new interconnections with neighboring systems.

Speaking at the annual Economist conference in Athens, held last week, Ioannis Margaris, IPTO’s deputy chairman and general manager of technology, system development and strategy, noted a need to improve the country’s interconnectivity with neighboring markets.

New corridors for electricity transmission from south to north have become a strategic priority in recent years as RES output is expected to greatly exceed domestic demand, the IPTO deputy told the event, Energypress reports.