IPME: Competition for the electrical interconnection of the Dodecanese islands with the islands of the Northeastern Aegean

on the conclusion of an agreement on the underwater cable projects of alternating currents of the Dodecanese interconnections and the islands of the Northeastern Aegean. The IPTO tender procedure concerns the promotion of contractors for the project: “Study, Supply & Installation of submarines and underground cables in the context of island interconnection projects with the ESMEE”, eight-year duration, with the award criterion of the most economically advantageous offer. As stated in a communication, it is the first time that IPTO has entered into an agreement – framework, a practice followed by other European Power Transfer Operators. This process was chosen as the availability of slots in terms of the production of submarine cables, both in the Greek and international markets, is extremely limited. Given the large increase in demand due to the many underwater interconnections launched or manufactured internationally, the need for early commitment of floating means and cable production line is created. Moreover, through the framework agreement, lower prices will be ensured, while there will be savings of time and resources through a tender procedure, contrary to the conduct of separate tenders. The interconnection of the Aegean islands with the continental system is a key priority in the new Decade Development Programme of IPTO 2024-2033. These connections treat their electrical isolation, increase the reliability of the supply, reduce the cost of energy produced and consequently the cost of the Public Benefit Services (SMEs). It also protects the environment and exploits the high potential of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) of the unrelated islands. In parallel with the abolition of the “electric isolation” of the Aegean island area, the size of the country’s electricity market is increasing. The competition will take place in two phases: the first concerns the selection of operators in which the interested parties will apply for participation and the second stage in which the participants qualified for the first stage will be invited to submit their tender. The aim is to complete the competition and to select the contractor within the year. Source: RES – ICM