IPTO accelerates cross-border interconnection and power grid modernisation

The project’s progress was outlined by Ioannis Margaris, Vice Chairman of IPTO and General Manager for Technology, System Development and Strategy, at the 8th Renewable & Storage Forum. He noted that cooperation between the two operators is accelerating project development, with preparatory work progressing according to schedule.

Seabed surveys are expected to commence in early 2027, while permitting procedures and technical specifications are being prepared in parallel. Mr Margaris described the Greece–Italy electricity interconnector as one of the key projects aimed at strengthening Greece’s international electricity connections.

Modernising Existing Networks Through New Technologies

Alongside the development of new international interconnections, IPTO is adapting the planning and operation of the electricity transmission system to meet the demands of the energy transition and respond to technological advances.

As Mr Margaris explained, IPTO and other European organisations are focusing on advanced materials and smart operational technologies that can increase the capacity of existing infrastructure. This approach is particularly important given the permitting and environmental constraints that make the construction of new transmission lines increasingly challenging.

“We are looking internationally at how we can increase line capacity, ideally without even having to replace the pylons,” he said, emphasising that such interventions are at the forefront of technological developments in electricity transmission systems worldwide.

In parallel, IPTO is implementing an extensive programme to gradually replace critical equipment across Greece. The works are being carried out while the network remains operational, with the aim of improving reliability, resilience and electricity transmission capacity.

Data Centres Are Reshaping Electricity System Planning

The IPTO Vice Chairman also highlighted the rapid expansion of data centres, which is creating new requirements for electricity networks. He noted that, at the European level, the technical requirements and restrictions governing the connection of such facilities have not yet been fully finalised.

The relevant regulatory framework is being developed both nationally and in cooperation with the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E).

A key issue is the management of flexible loads, as rising electricity consumption by data centres could significantly affect both network operations and infrastructure planning.

According to Mr Margaris, the operating model of electricity systems is undergoing a fundamental transformation, gradually moving away from the traditional approach of guaranteed electricity offtake towards more flexible technical solutions for managing generation and consumption.

In this context, data centres are expected to play a decisive role in the future operation of the electricity system, making it necessary to adapt infrastructure, technical standards and demand-management mechanisms.

The acceleration of the Greece–Italy interconnector, the modernisation of existing transmission lines and preparations for new large-scale electricity loads therefore constitute IPTO’s key priorities as it works towards an electricity system with greater transmission requirements, a higher penetration of renewable energy sources and increasingly demanding flexibility needs.