Crete Connects to Mainland Greece’s Power Supply

Greece announced on Wednesday the completion of the construction of an electricity interconnection between Crete and the Peloponnese which will provide the island with a cheaper and more secure energy supply.

The mammoth project included laying two new submarine cables – each 135 km long – making this the longest sub-sea alternative current connection in the world.

Minister for Environment and Energy Kostis Hatzidakis hailed the completion of the project saying that “Greeks should be proud of the achievement.”

Additional work included upgrading and construction of transmission lines, underground cables and substations in Crete and on the mainland.

Landing points for the submarine cables are Kissamos Bay in Crete and the Malea peninsula in Peloponnese.

The cables run overhead, underground and in the sea. Work included the construction of a synchronous compensator in Crete. This is a motor that is used to maintain a constant grid voltage.

The aim of the project is to cut the cost of electricity generation in Crete by replacing expensive and polluting oil-fired units with a more efficient alternative from across the Ionian Sea.

The new link contributes to an increase in electricity generated from renewable sources for use by the island’s residents and businesses. The interconnector will provide around 34% of Crete’s total electricity demand in 2021.

S:greekreporter.com