Crete-Peloponnese electricity interconnection is the largest subsea AC interconnection in the world. Greek electricity transmission system operator ADMIE announced that it has successfully electrified the first subsea cable linking Crete to the mainland electricity grid. The completion of the 24-hour test electrification signifies a historical success for the operator and the contractors, as they faced up to the significant technological challenges with effectiveness and technical efficiency, transcending what has been achieved so far in similar international projects.
The eastern circuit of the interconnection, that was electrified, consists of the following subprojects: – submarine cable with a length of 132 kilometers between Chania, Crete and Neapoli, Lakonia (Contractor: PRYSMIAN); – underground cables with a length of 42 kilometers in Crete and Peloponnese (Contractors: HELLENIC CABLES S.A. and FULGOR S.A.); – new substation in eastern Peloponnese and upgrading of the existing substation in Chania (TERNA S.A.).
The project also entails important management difficulties, as the new interconnection extends from Megalopolis all the way to Chania and Heraklion on the Crete, including a total of eight towns in its design. The project has a total budget of 356 million euros and is being implemented with the co-financing of Greece and the European Union as well as a loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB).
Greek Minister of Energy Kostis Hatzidakis said that the test electrification of Crete-Peloponnese interconnection means that crucial infrastructure, not only for Crete but for the country in general, is just one step away from its completion. It is a milestone for the planning of island interconnections, as they are truly “green” projects with an exceptionally positive environmental and socio-economic footprint.
