Greece has entered a new era in energy infrastructure with the launch of the landmark Crete-Attica electrical interconnection, a project hailed as a milestone in the country’s transition to a modern, resilient, and integrated power grid.
The Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO) announced on Monday that the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link between the island of Crete and mainland Greece began trial operations on Saturday, May 25. Built by Ariadne Interconnection, a wholly owned IPTO subsidiary, the link is now undergoing a testing phase expected to continue through the summer months.
Describing the development as a “historic day” for Greece’s electricity transmission system, IPTO said the new interconnection integrates Crete—Greece’s largest island—into the National Electricity System, eliminating its electrical isolation and paving the way for long-term environmental and economic benefits.
This second interconnection complements the 2021 AC (alternating current) link between Crete and the Peloponnese. The addition of the HVDC line not only enhances grid stability and security but also strengthens Crete’s role as an emerging energy hub.
The interconnection is one of Europe’s most technically advanced and ambitious projects: a 1 GW link using state-of-the-art Voltage Source Converter (VSC) technology at converter stations, with 500 kV submarine cables laid at record depths of up to 1,200 metres—making it one of the deepest such installations worldwide. The project’s total budget amounts to €1.1 billion.
In a televised interview on Open TV, Greece’s Minister for the Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, also described the launch as “a historic day for Greece,” emphasising the long-term national benefits. “This project puts an end to a decades-long energy challenge and brings substantial gains for both consumers and the environment,” he said.
According to the minister, the interconnection will result in annual savings of €550 million, reducing the burden of high electricity production costs on the island. “The cost of non-interconnected islands is around €850 million annually,” Papastavrou noted. “Now, all Greeks will benefit.”
He also praised the achievement of IPTO, Ariadne, and their contractors for completing the complex undertaking on an accelerated timeline. “We talk a lot about brain drain, but this project showed us brain gain—with 30 to 40 skilled Greek engineers returning from abroad to work on it,” he added.
The Crete-Attica link marks a critical step in Greece’s broader energy strategy. Future plans include expanding interconnections to the Cyclades, Dodecanese, and North Aegean islands, further enhancing grid efficiency and supporting the country’s clean energy goals.
Source: Amna