Greece and Italy seek EU support for major power interconnection project

On March 20, 2025, the Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO) and the Italian Transmission System Operator, Terna, will present their proposal for the Greece-Italy electrical interconnection project at a crucial event in Brussels. The project, known as GR.ITA II, aims to develop a new submarine electric connection between the regions of Thesprotia and Galatina. It is designed to enhance the electricity exchange capacity significantly, from the current 500 megawatts to an impressive 1,500 megawatts. The GR.ITA II project is recognized as a strategic initiative for the regional energy market and has already garnered attention in the latest ENTSO-E Ten-Year Network Development Plan. By being included in the Union List of Projects of Mutual and Common Interest, the project will benefit from expedited permitting processes and access to vital funding resources to ensure its successful implementation. The interconnection is expected to play a pivotal role in stabilizing electricity prices between Greece and Italy, improving energy security, and fostering integration within the broader European electricity market. The underwater portion is calculated to measure approximately 240 kilometers, while the underground segments in both countries account for an additional 55 kilometers. The direct current (HVDC) technology utilized in this project will provide robust transmission capabilities, heightened by the advanced voltage converter technology employed in its design. With a projected budget of around 1.85 billion euros, the initiative is expected to be incorporated into the preliminary Ten-Year Development Program for 2026-2035, highlighting its long-term significance. Currently, discussions are underway regarding the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between IPTO and Terna, marking the completion of negotiations necessary to push the project forward.