Trial Operation of the Crete-Attica Interconnector Begins
The Damasta was energised this morning, starting the injection of reactive power into the system of Crete, marking the start of the trial operation of the Crete-Attica electrical interconnection.
At the same time, on the Attica side, test electrification of the 400 kV cable system between the Koumoundouros Conversion Station and the adjacent Ultra High Voltage Center, which is the connection point of the electrical interconnection with the mainland system, is taking place. Within the month, system tests will also begin.
With the gradual start of the trial operation of the largest and most complex electricity transmission project that has been built in the country, the transfer of active power from Attica to Crete will begin at the end of May.
From the beginning of 2025, the controls and tests of the equipment at the Conversion Stations in Attica and Crete, as well as their subsystems, began at an intensive pace, the test connection of the 150 kV GIS Substation of Damasta with the electricity system of Crete and the 500 kV electrical cables, submarine and underground, was successfully carried out, were tested in their entirety between the two Stations.
Another important development, which is directly related to the project, is the recent issuance of the Environmental Terms Approval Decision (AEPO) for the new 150 kV transmission line between Chania and Damasta, which is considered necessary for the two interconnections of Crete with the mainland system to operate in combination, to the maximum possible extent.
The President and CEO of IPTO, Mr. Manos Manousakis, stated: "The project of the Crete-Attica electricity interconnection is counting down to be plugged in. Crete will now be doubly interconnected with the mainland electricity system, enjoying greater energy security and will not depend exclusively on local production. The next milestone is the start of the trial operation of the interconnection from the end of May with the transfer of active power from Attica to Crete, followed by commercial operation. Another important development that is directly related to the project and the energy security of the island is the approval of AEPO for the new high-voltage line between Chania and Damasta, which is necessary for the two interconnections of Crete, through Attica and the Peloponnese, to function in the optimal way. I would like to thank the regional authority of Crete, the decentralized administration and the local government for their valuable cooperation."
The Crete-Attica electricity interconnection is implemented with co-financing from the Operational Program YMEPERAA (NSRF 2014-2020) and from the "Environment and Climate Change" of the NSRF 2021 – 2027 up to the amount of 535.5 million euros. Thus, drawing significant European and national resources and reducing, to a very large extent, the cost of the project of major importance for the Greek consumer.
