Greece completes billion euro power link to Crete and Mediterranean grid

Greece has recently achieved a significant milestone in its energy infrastructure by finishing the installation of an undersea power cable that links the mainland to Crete. This project, with a cost of 1 billion euros, involves a cable stretching 330 kilometers and is expected to commence full operations this summer. The development was made possible with considerable funding from the European Union and is seen as an essential part of Greece's ambition to enhance energy diversification in response to geopolitical changes, notably following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The undersea cable, capable of supporting a capacity of 1,000 megawatts, will utilize high-voltage direct current transmission systems. It has been laid at a depth of 1,200 meters and involves collaboration between various private contractors, including Siemens Energy, TERNA, and Prysmian Group. This new power link lays the groundwork for Greece’s plans to expand its energy grid further into the Eastern Mediterranean, with future aspirations of extending these connections to Cyprus and Israel, known as the Great Sea Interconnector. Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou indicated the importance of this project in promoting Crete as a pivotal element in the nation's transition towards renewable energy sources, moving away from fossil fuel-based power generation. The overall objective is to create a comprehensive network of electrical interconnections that would elevate Greece's standing as an energy hub in the region. However, the project does not come without challenges. Ongoing maritime disputes with Turkey and financial disagreements have complicated broader ambitions in the Eastern Mediterranean. In addition, there are plans between Greece and Egypt to establish a separate undersea cable that would directly link the Greek mainland and bypass Crete. As such, while this project marks a significant advancement, it also highlights the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding energy infrastructure in the region.