To meet Crete’s electricity demand during the high-consumption summer season, the Greek Public Power Corporation (PPC) is finalizing the installation of a third turbine unit at the HERON 1 mobile gas-fired power plant. This expansion completes a key energy strategy designed to strengthen the island’s electricity supply.
HERON 1, leased for two years from GEK TERNA, will have a total capacity of 147 MW once all three turbines are operational. The first two units are already producing electricity, and the third turbine is being added in time for the upcoming seasonal increase in power needs.
This temporary power plant serves as an essential interim solution until the permanent Athens-Crete electricity interconnection is fully operational. That infrastructure project is currently in its trial phase, with commercial operation expected by early 2026. The urgency for a reliable power source increased after PPC’s 55 MW plant in Atherinolakkos, southeastern Crete, was taken offline in March due to an explosion.
The HERON 1 lease agreement includes an option for PPC to purchase the facility, allowing flexibility to make the plant a permanent asset if necessary. As with other temporary island power solutions pending grid interconnection, operating costs—both fixed and variable—are covered by Greece’s Public Service Compensation (YKO) mechanism, with the Energy Transition Fund providing additional support if needed.
The addition of the third turbine at HERON 1 reflects PPC’s proactive approach to maintaining grid stability and securing a reliable electricity supply for Crete during its busiest months.
