Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO): Projects of 550 million euros for electrical interconnections in 2024 – 2033

The strengthening of international interconnections and domestic electricity transmission infrastructures remain top strategic priorities in the Ten-Year Development Program 2024-2033 of Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO).

The updated version of the Ten Year Preliminary Plan incorporates for the first time specific technical parameters of the new cross-border interconnections with Italy and Albania, which are expected to significantly upgrade our country’s export potential for green energy.

At the same time, it foresees new projects amounting to 147 million euros to strengthen the Transmission System in western and northern Greece, with a total budget of 550 million euros.

Greece-Italy electricity interconnection

According to the DPA 2024-2033 of IPTO, the nominal transmission capacity of the submarine cable interconnection between Greece and Italy will amount to 1,000 MW, tripling the existing margin of electricity exchanges between the two countries, to 1,500 MW.

On a technical level, the new interconnection will be direct current, with state-of-the-art Voltage Source Converters (VSC) technology and electrode stations in Greece and Italy. The underwater length of the route is estimated at 220 km and the length of the underground sections in Greece and Italy at 55 km.

Greece-Albania electricity interconnection

The Operator’s updated ten-year plan places the completion of the new 400 kV Interconnection Transmission Line between Greece and Albania by 2030. The interconnection will have a nominal transmission capacity of 1,600 MVA and will connect the Hellenic Electricity Transmission System (HETS) to the new Fier Substation in southern Albania.

The land international interconnection is estimated to have a total length of about 145 km, of which 45 km will be in Greek territory and 100 km in Albanian territory. The project is expected to increase transmission capacity between the two countries by at least 200 MW in both directions (to and from Albania).

New transport projects in western and northern Greece

IPTO, in its medium-term investment planning, prioritizes the strengthening of the domestic electricity transmission infrastructure. In this context, the Operator will develop a new Ultra High Voltage Center in the area of Thesprotia, which will be connected via a new 400 kV Transmission Line to the existing Ultra High Voltage Center Arachthos. Ultra High Voltage Center Thesprotia will be of critical importance as it will serve the two new cross-border connections with Italy and Albania, contribute to strengthening the stability of the Transmission System in the region and increase the transport capacity to support the penetration of new RES units.

IPTO also envisages expansion projects of the connection points of the Transmission System with the Distribution Network, with the construction of new Substations in Kefalonia (Kefalonia II), Corfu (Sidari), the industrial area of Thessaloniki (Sindos II) and Drama (Prosotsani). In addition, it plans the construction of a Substation in Aegina as well as the installation of 150 kV equipment in Substations and Substations throughout Greece for the connection of new Medium Voltage transformers.

As far as the Ionian Islands are concerned, the 2024-2033 ten year plan includes a new interconnection project between the Kyllini terminal and the Kefalonia II Substation. This interconnection will be implemented with a 150 kV XLPE submarine cable, with a nominal capacity of 200 MVA and a High Voltage Transmission Line on Kefalonia.