€33.4M project to underground electricity networks across Kifisia

Of the total cost, €19.7 million will be funded by the Ministry of National Economy and Finance through the “Environment and Climate Change” Programme and resources from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), under the 2021–2027 Partnership Agreement (ESPA). The remaining €13.7 million will come from HEDNO’s own funds and form part of the operator’s development strategy and its 2027 budget for network resilience projects.

The project is part of HEDNO’s broader strategy to modernise and strengthen the resilience of distribution networks, through targeted undergrounding of overhead Medium Voltage (MV) networks wherever technically and operationally feasible.

210 Kilometres of New Underground Network

The intervention will be implemented in stages across all three Municipal Units of the Municipality of Kifisia and will concern exclusively areas where overhead Medium Voltage networks currently exist.

The project includes the construction of:

• 124 kilometres of new underground Medium Voltage network;
• 86 kilometres of new mixed underground Medium and Low Voltage network;
• Restoration works on pavements and kerbs; and
• The complete removal of existing electricity distribution poles.
• The project is expected to be completed within three years.

Undergrounding the networks is expected to improve the reliability and functionality of the electricity distribution system, while reducing its exposure to external factors and contributing to the upgrading of the urban environment. At the same time, removing the electricity poles and restoring public spaces will provide a significant additional benefit for residents’ everyday quality of life.

Papathanasis: Putting European Funds to Practical Use

Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis described the project’s approval as the result of cooperation between the Ministry, HEDNO and the Municipality of Kifisia, while highlighting the social impact of ESPA funding instruments.

He noted that the intervention would have a “substantial and measurable impact” on citizens’ daily lives, infrastructure, safety and the urban environment.

Meanwhile, HEDNO Chief Executive Officer Tasos Manos described the Kifisia undergrounding project as a “high-value-added” investment, forming part of the operator’s broader strategic plan to strengthen the resilience and modernise Greece’s electricity infrastructure.

According to Manos, projects of this scale upgrade the distribution network, improve the reliability of electricity supply and contribute to enhancing the appearance and functionality of urban spaces.

Kifisia Mayor Vassilis Xypolytas described the approval of the funding as a significant development for the city, stressing that the investment will enhance safety, protect the environment and improve public spaces.

With a €33.4 million budget and a total scope of approximately 210 kilometres of new underground networks, the project represents one of HEDNO’s largest undergrounding interventions in an urban environment, combining European funding with the operator’s own investment in network resilience.