One of the world’s largest unified electrical cable laying operations is carried out by Independent Power Transmission Operator-IPTO’s subsidiary, Ariadne Interconnection, which is laying a 500 kV direct current ultra-high voltage submarine cable, with a total length of 335 kilometers as part of the Crete-Attica electrical interconnection.
The cable weighing 13,500 tons is laid at a maximum depth of 1,200 meters between Korakia of Heraklion (Crete) and Pachi Megaron (Attica) by the state-of-the-art cable laying ship “Leonardo da Vinci” of the contractor company Prysmian Powerlink. This is an operation of extremely complex technical requirements that was successfully launched in early December and is estimated to last approximately 9 weeks.
After the operation of the first electrical interconnection of Crete with mainland Greece, via the Peloponnese in July 2021, IPTO is proceeding at an intensive pace and according to the schedule and the second interconnection of the island with Attica, the largest electricity transmission project implemented currently in the country with a budget of 1 billion euros and a completion horizon of 2024.
The underwater segment
As far as the underwater part of the project is concerned, the first 170 kilometers of the electric cable from Attica to Milos have already been laid, as well as all the fiber optic cables, 670 km long.
On the Attica side, the installation works of the underground cable sections are in full progress, while the foundations of the main buildings of the Conversion Stations that will be constructed at the two ends of the interconnection, namely Damasta Heraklion and Aspropyrgos Attica, have begun.
Latest News
Insights into Greece’s Real Estate Landscape; Consumer Expectations and Challenges
The study indicates that while 66% of Greeks find recent real estate price hikes concerning and liken them to a "bubble," over half (56%) still anticipate further increases.
Athens in Top 10 Best Value City Breaks
Every year, Post Office Travel Money compares the costs of short breaks in cities across Europe for UK holidaymakers
Athens Int’l Airport: Americans Lead Total Passenger Traffic in Q1
According to the data processed by AIA, the top 10 in foreign arrivals are dominated by Americans, followed by the British and Germans. Other top nationalities include Cypriots, Italians, French, Dutch, Israelis, Poles, and Turks.
Greek PM Mitsotakis and Turkish President Erdogan Meet in Ankara Today
No major developments are expected, as the key aim of the meetings between the two leaders is to maintain positive diplomatic relations, but Greece is always vigilant for any surprises from the Turkish leader.
New Athens Metro Line Hopes to Alleviate Heavy City Traffic
The massive project is expected to be completed in 2029
National Intelligence Agency DG to Accompany Greek PM to Ankara
Prime Minister Mitsotakis also gave an interview to Turkish newspaper Milliyet regarding his upcoming visit
Draft Bill Eyes Detection of Uninsured, Poorly-Maintained Vehicles in Greece
According to reports, at least half a million vehicles in Greece are uninsured, while the number of those without inspections is unknown
AIA: Passenger Traffic Up by 16.3% in April
Passenger traffic at the Athens International Airport (AIA) amounted to 2.49 million during April 2024
Fitch Solutions: Greece Set to Welcome 40 Million Tourists Annually by 2028
However, Fitch Solutions highlights concerns about overtourism, cautioning that it could strain Greece's capacity to deliver quality services, potentially leading to neglect of popular destinations
ELSTAT: Q1 Exports Down 11% – Trade Deficit Up 8.7%
Amid international uncertainty and armed conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine in 2023, Greek exports continued to decline, ending the year with an 8.5% drop