Two critical milestones in Greece‘s largest and most complex energy transmission project — the Crete–Attica electricity interconnection — were successfully completed this week, marking a significant step toward the full operation of the high-voltage link.
On Monday, May 19, and Tuesday, May 20, the converter stations in Attica and Crete, respectively, were energized for the first time. These energizations included the injection of reactive power from the converters into the electrical grids of Attica and Crete, validating their readiness and operational integrity.
The successful energization of both converter stations demonstrates the technical soundness of their integration into the mainland and island transmission networks. This achievement follows months of rigorous equipment testing and quality checks.
The test had faced a delay due to weather-related access issues to the small islet of Stachtorroi, which houses part of the electrode station infrastructure. Power for the control system on the islet had to be temporarily supplied via an emergency generator.
This workaround became necessary after the Municipality of Aegina declined to authorize small-scale works by HEDNO (the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator) required to connect a pre-installed 20 kV cable between Stachtorroi and Aegina. Until the necessary permit is granted, emergency power remains the only option for maintaining functionality at the Attica electrode station.
Full operation of the interconnection is scheduled to commence at the end of May, when active power transmission between Attica and Crete will officially begin. This marks a major leap forward in enhancing energy reliability and sustainability for the island and the national grid.
