The European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) said that an increase of capacity of Greece-Italy interconnection will be needed for an effective bridging of prices between the two countries.
Greek electricity transmission system operator ADMIE is planning to increase cross-border transmission capacities with neighbouring countries, among which is the submarine cable to Italy.
Italian Terna and ADMIE are currently considering whether to upgrade the existing link between the two countries or to lay entirely new cable. It is estimated that the capacity of Greece-Italy interconnection could be increased by between 500 and 1,000 MW.
The two operators have agreed to proceed with related studies for an optimal solution as soon as possible. They intend to reach a decision within the next few months. ADMIE also plans to include this project in its ten-year development plan covering 2022 to 2031, expected to be presented at the end of the year. The existing Greek-Italian electricity grid interconnection, a 163 kilometers long submarine cable with 500 MW capacity in operation since 2002, will be used to facilitate the target model’s next stage – market coupling with Italy, which is scheduled for 15 December, with the aim of harmonizing the energy markets of the two countries.