Two very critical milestones of the largest and most complex energy transmission project ever undertaken in Greece, the Crete – Attica electrical interconnection, were successfully completed on May 19 at the Koumoundouros Converter Station in Attica and on May 20 at the Damasta Converter Station in Crete.
Specifically, the electrification of the Converter Stations and the simultaneous injection of reactive power from the converters to the electrical system of Attica and Crete, respectively, took place for the first time.
As reported by the Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO), these successful electrifications demonstrate the proper operation of the Converter Stations during their connection to the transmission systems of mainland Greece and Crete and were carried out after the completion of checks and individual tests of the Stations’ equipment.
It is noted that since the beginning of the year, the end-to-end electrification of the 500 kV DC cables (submarine and underground), the 400 kV AC cables in Attica and 150 kV in Crete, as well as the new 150 kV GIS Substation in Damasta, Heraklion, have also been successfully completed.
This specific test was carried out with a few days’ delay because severe weather conditions made it difficult to access the islet of Stachtoroi to supply the control system of the Electrode Station with an emergency generator.
According to sources of the Operator, the generator is being used due to the refusal of the Municipality of Aegina to allow small-scale projects by HEDNO, with the purpose of connecting the 20 kV cable installed between Stachtoroi and Aegina. Until the required permit is issued by the Municipality, the necessary supply to the Attica Electrode Station can only be carried out temporarily and with an emergency generator.
The operation of the interconnection will begin at the end of May with the transfer of active power between Attica and Crete.
