Among the topics discussed yesterday (13.3.2024), at the meeting of representatives of the Local Government with its administration in Heraklion, was the progress of the project of the electrical interconnection of Crete-Attica and the necessary projects to strengthen the high voltage system on the island. The ADMIE executives, as stated in an announcement, presented the new 150 KV transportation line Chania – Damascus, whose timely completion will contribute to the great interconnection of Crete – Attica in full operation in 2025. Present at the meeting were Maria Kozyraki, secretary of the Decentralized Administration of Crete, the Regional Governor Stavros Arnaoutakis, the Vice-Regionarches Nikos Kalogeris and Nikos Xylouris, as well as the mayors: Chania Panayiotis Simandrakis, Apokoronas Charalambos Koukianakis, Rethymno Giorgis Marinakis, Amarari Pantelis Mourtzanos, Mylopotamos George Branch and Malevizios Menelaos Boqueas, from whose territory the new line passes. During his placement, the Chairman and CEO of ADMI, Manos Manousakis, stressed that the Chania-Damasta line should be treated as part of the wider work of the interconnection of Crete with the continental system. He stressed the neural importance of the early completion of the new line to ensure the stability of the island’s electrical system and to avoid blackout. Stability is a crucial issue, especially during the summer months when demand for electricity is being launched, as well as in extreme climate conditions, which are becoming more and more frequent. Concerning the reservations expressed by municipal authorities about the work of the line Chania – Damasta, the managers of the Administrator explained in detail why the air route of the line is being promoted against undergroundization, which has already been done in 35 km of lines in Crete to serve the small interconnection with the Peloponnese in 2019-2020, as well as why the only extra undergroundization that is technically possible for the Chania – Damascus line reaches 5 km. Full subterfuge not only endangers the proper functioning of the equipment, but significantly delays the task of interconnection as a whole, as it will require a new technical study. In addition, it will increase the cost of implementing the project, which Greek consumers will be invited to pay in difficult sizes. IPTO executives have provided all the criteria taken into account by the Administrator in the project planning phase (construction limits, natura areas, archaeological sites, etc.) as well as the – technically feasible – changes implemented on the road at the request of the competent bodies, in order to avoid endangering the rapid and more economic implementation of the project. From now on, the changes that can be made in the design of the project are only of a significant nature as greater amendments will lead to serious delays, with significant impact on the island’s energy security. In conclusion, the new Chania-Damasta line strengthens the electrical interconnection between Western Crete and the rest of the island, ensuring its electricity supply, even in case of damage to the small interconnection between Crete and Peloponnese. In addition, it takes off the island the polluting plants and ensures low electricity generation costs. The management of IPME and the island’s administrative bodies are in constant cooperation and communication to promote this important project, which will first and foremost ensure the energy security of Crete.
The electricity interconnection of Crete is progressing rapidly. Attica
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