The Crete-Attica electrical interconnection project is currentlythe largestelectricity transmission investment ever in Greece. The project puts an end to Crete’s“electrical isolation” from the mainland grid while meeting the island’s growing needs for the future.
Routing of the electrical interconnection project
The Electrical Interconnection starts at the Attica AD/DC converter Station, near Koumoundouroσ UHVC. From there, two 500 kV HVDC cables run underground to the cable landing point at Pachi, Megara.
At Pachi, thecable system transitions into a submarine route up to the landing point at Korakia, Heraklion in Crete.
From Korakia, the cables continue to the terminal AC/DC converter station of Damasta , where the interconnection with the Cretan power grid is completed through the new Damasta GIS substation.
To support system operations, two electrode stations have been installed in order to support system operations, on Stachtoroi islet in Attica, and at Korakia, Heraklion.
The project’s contractor’s are:
Nexans and Prysmian were responsible for the design, supply and installation of the submarine power cables connecting Crete and Attica. Prysmian also undertook the electrode stations subproject in Crete and Attica, as well as the design, supply and installation of the fiber optic cable system.
Hellenic Cables–NKT constructed and installed the underground cable sections linking the Converter Stations in Crete and Attica to the submarine cable system.
The Siemens–TERNA consortium was responsible for the construction of the interconnection’s Converter Stations.
The Crete–Attica interconnection ranks among the five most innovative HVDC interconnection projects in Europe.
Specifically, the project operates at 500 kV DC, using state-of-the-art Voltage Source Converter (VSC) technology.
It is the first DC interconnection in the Mediterranean to utilise advanced Voltage Source Converter-VSC technology.
It is among the top 3 deepest submarine interconnections worldwide.
With a capacity of 1,000 MW, it is one of the highest-capacity island interconnections worldwide, along with Sardinia.
It is the only interconnection in Europe that’s brought together the largest cable manufacturers to join forces.
- Economic: Annual savings of approximately EUR 500 million for all electricity consumers in Greece through reduced utilities bills.
- Environmental: The interconnection significantly improves Crete’s environmental footprint, reducing CO2 emmisions by approximately 1.5 million tons annually, compared to current levels.
- Social: Energy security and reliable electricity supply for the residents of Crete, along with an upgraded tourism offering for visitors throughout the year.
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