First power flows through Crete–Peloponnese interconnector

Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO) has completed the electrification of the Crete – Peloponnese interconnection in Greece.

Hellenic Cables was in charge of the design, supply and installation of the 150kV composite submarine and underground cable system for the interconnection of the island of Crete with the mainland power supply grid.

The Greek company said that, due to the record water depth of one kilometer, it faced challenges posed by the highly diversified submarine environment and seabed conditions, comprising of high and steep seabed slopes, sharp rocky outcrops and pockmarks at multiple locations.

Three different types of cable protection systems have been custom-designed in terms of water depth, geomorphology and geohazards along the length of 135 kilometers.

“Crete-Peloponnese electrical interconnection is the capstone of the collective effort put both by the people of IPTO and our vendors,” said Manos Manousakis, chairman and CEO of IPTO.

“The future of energy transition in Greece passes through the sea and, with this project, IPTO proves that owns the know-how necessary to meet the most demanding electrical interconnection projects to be implemented in the country in the years to come.”

The Crete – Peloponnese interconnection is said to be the largest submarine AC cable in the world.

It consists of two 132-kilometer submarine cables between Chania and Neapoli, Laconia, as well as 42 kilometers of underground cables in Crete and Peloponnese, with new substation in the Eastern Peloponnese and upgrade of the existing substation in Chania.

Once fully operational by the spring of 2021, one-third of Crete’s electricity needs will be met by the National Electricity Transmission System.