Greek electricity transmission system operator ADMIE has completed the development of the Athens-Crete electricity interconnection, a €1.1 billion project. The company has announced that preliminary testing and equipment pre-commissioning have begun, with trial operations expected to follow soon.
The testing phase is anticipated to last until spring 2025, and if everything proceeds as planned, the interconnection is expected to start transmitting electricity by May. However, ADMIE stressed that the process cannot be rushed due to the scale and complexity of the project.
The Athens-Crete interconnection, one of the world’s deepest underwater electricity links, reaching depths of up to 1,200 meters, will greatly improve Crete’s energy security. It will address the island’s frequent electricity outages during peak summer months.
In addition, the project will open up significant opportunities for renewable energy investments on Crete, an island with substantial untapped potential for wind and solar power. With some of Europe’s strongest wind and solar resources, Crete is set to become a key hub for renewable energy.