The trial operation phase is expected to continue throughout the summer months.
This represents a historic milestone for Greece’s Electricity Transmission System and ADMIE. Through the project executed by Ariadne Interconnection, a subsidiary of ADMIE, Greece has now established a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) interconnection. This development fully integrates Crete into the National Electric System.
It is worth recalling that Crete was initially connected to the Peloponnese in 2021 using alternating current technology. The commissioning of the second interconnection marks a pivotal moment for Crete, as it, combined with the existing Peloponnese link, completely eliminates the electrical isolation of Greece’s largest island. Consequently, Crete emerges as a significant energy hub, delivering substantial environmental and economic benefits to both the nation and the local community.
This €1.1 billion project, with a capacity of 1 GW, utilizes cutting-edge Voltage Source Converter (VSC) technology at the converter stations and involves the installation of 500 kV submarine cables at depths reaching 1,200 meters, ranking it among the deepest interconnections worldwide.
The Crete-Attica interconnection comprises multiple major sub-projects, with prominent industry leaders such as Siemens, TERNA, Nexans, Prysmian, NKT, and Hellenic Cables serving as contractors.
Remarkably, the construction was completed in a record time of just 4.5 years, compared to similar European projects which typically span over seven years. This achievement was realized despite significant technical challenges and adverse conditions during the construction phase, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the severe disruptions it caused to the global supply chain.
