Two significant milestones were achieved in the largest and most intricate energy transmission project in Greece, the Crete-Attica electrical interconnection, on May 19 at the Koumoundouros Converter Station in Attica and on May 20 at the Damasta Converter Station in Crete.
For the first time, the electrification of the Converter Stations and the simultaneous injection of reactive power from the converters into the electrical grids of Attica and Crete occurred.
The Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO) reported that these electrifications validate the successful operation of the Converter Stations as they connect to the transmission systems of mainland Greece and Crete, following thorough checks and tests of the Stations’ equipment.
It is worth mentioning that since the beginning of the year, the complete electrification of the 500 kV DC cables (both submarine and underground), the 400 kV AC cables in Attica, and the 150 kV lines in Crete, along with the new 150 kV GIS Substation in Damasta, Heraklion, have been successfully finalized.
This test experienced a slight delay due to severe weather conditions which hampered access to the islet of Stachtoroi, where an emergency generator was required to power the control system of the Electrode Station.
According to Operator sources, the generator is being employed as the Municipality of Aegina has denied permission for small-scale projects by HEDNO, intended to connect the 20 kV cable between Stachtoroi and Aegina. Until the necessary permit is granted by the Municipality, supply to the Attica Electrode Station can only be achieved temporarily through the emergency generator.
The interconnection is set to commence by the end of May, enabling the transfer of active power between Attica and Crete.
