WATCH: Asso.subsea done with work for last phase of Cyclades interconnection

Asso.subsea has completed its work for the fourth phase of the Cyclades interconnection project in Greece which enhances supply security and addresses stability issues for the Cyclades’ electrical system through the connection to the Greek mainland power transmission system.

The project, done in collaboration with Hellenic Cables and led by the Greek electricity grid operator Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO or ADMIE), included the installation, laying, and protection of two HVAC 150 kV submarine cables, with a larger cable cross-section used in shallow waters, for the Lavrio-Serifos and Serifos-Milos electrical interconnections.

With Phase D of the Cyclades Interconnection project, Milos and Serifos will be integrated into the mainland power transmission system, improving electricity quality for the Cyclades islands year-round.

According to the company, the work required four different landings and services provided included geophysical and geotechnical surveys, seabed preparation activities, subsea cable laying, subsea cable protection, jointing installation, and landfall works.

The selected submarine cable route spans about 156 kilometers, with a maximum water depth of over 500 meters. The project used the majority of the Asso fleet, including cable laying vessel (CLV) Ariadne, trenching support vessel Argo, multipurpose support vessel (MPSV) Astrea, MPSV Alcyone, anchor handling and supply vessel Artemis, and MPSV Hydna, supported by the Assojet III Mk2 and the AssoTrencher IV Mk9.

“We are proud to contribute with our services to the energy integration of the Cyclades into the mainland system, supporting energy security, the island economy and the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the country,” said Asso.subsea’s Project Director of Interconnectors Giannis Kyrzidis.

The project integrating Milos and Serifos into the continental electricity transmission system is part of the fourth and final phase of the Cyclades interconnection.

The new interconnection will upgrade the quality of electricity supply to seven more directly and indirectly interconnected islands of Folegandros, Milos, Serifos, Ios, Kimolos, Sifnos, and Kythnos throughout the year while allowing the gradual withdrawal of polluting and aging power plants still operating in Milos and Serifos.

The project meets specific energy and climate targets outlined in the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP).