IPTO, the Greek Transmission System Operator (TSO), and Terna, the Italian national grid operator, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Rome as part of the Italy-Greece Intergovernmental Summit. The MoU outlines the main terms and conditions for the design and development of a new electrical interconnection between the two countries.
The new high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link between Grece and Italy will become a key infrastructure project supporting existing assets and future network developments. It will contribute to the achievement of decarbonization targets and strengthen the position of Italy and Greece as electricity hubs in the Mediterranean.
"Electrical interconnectivity plays a vital role in advancing Europe’s climate goals and clean energy transition. The new energy corridor between Greece and Italy will not only expand the capacity for electricity exchange but also bolster energy security and enhance the efficiency of the integrated European electricity market, delivering tangible benefits to consumers in both nations. IPTO and Terna, leveraging their extensive technical expertise and strong collaborative relationship, are well-positioned to successfully deliver this strategic infrastructure project," stated Manos Manousakis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of IPTO.
"The new submarine power link between Italy and Greece will enhance energy security in southern Italy and facilitate efficient energy procurement by enabling new resources and maintaining energy exchange between the two countries. Operating alongside the existing interconnection, which has been in service since 2002, this project will further increase the efficiency of electricity transmission," stated Giuseppina Di Foggia, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Terna. "We firmly believe that an interconnected European power system is key to ensuring a reliable and sustainable grid."
The infrastructure will have a transmission capacity of up to 1,000 MW and span approximately 300 km in total, including around 240 km of subsea cable installed at depths of up to 1,000 meters. It will complement the existing 500 MW link that has been operational since 2002. Terna and IPTO expect to invest approximately €1.9 billion in the project.
On the Italian side, the subsea cable will make landfall in the municipality of Melendugno, while the new converter station will be constructed in the municipality of Galatina, both located in the province of Lecce.
The three-year MoU establishes a joint project governance structure to define the overarching strategy and coordinate activities. Terna and IPTO will also enter into subsequent agreements governing the joint management of tendering processes for cable and converter station procurement, as well as the implementation of the infrastructure.
The GRITA 2 project is already included in the European TSOs’ Ten-Year Network Development Plan 2024 and has been jointly proposed for inclusion in the second list of Projects of Common Interest / Projects of Mutual Interest.
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